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The Alexander Technique For Actors /

Kelly McEvenue teaches the Alexander Technique, a method of physical relaxation that reduces tension throughout the body. This guide to the technique is specially adapted for actors to promote efficient use of the body. The book includes a series of step-by-step warm-ups and exercises.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: McEvenue, Kelly (Author)
Format: Electronic eBook
Language:English
Published: London : Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2016, ©2016.
Series:Performance Bks.
Subjects:
Actors > Health and hygiene.
Alexander technique.
Acting techniques.
Performing Arts > Acting & Auditioning.
Electronic books.
Online Access:EBSCOhost
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Table of Contents:
  • Cover
  • Title Page
  • Contents
  • Acknowledgements
  • Foreword by Patsy Rodenburg
  • An Introduction to: The Alexander Technique for Actors
  • Introduction
  • F. M. Alexander's Story
  • Part 1: The Alexander Technique in the Theatre
  • How the Alexander Technique Became My Vocation
  • The Alexander Teacher's Role in the Production of a Play
  • The Principles of the Alexander Technique
  • 1. Recognition of Habit
  • 2. Inhibition
  • Pausing for an Instant to Arrest a Habit
  • 3. The 'Primary Control'
  • 4. Giving Direction
  • Learning to Use Your Thinking to Make a Change
  • 11. An Open-leg Stretch
  • Part 2: Putting the Alexander Technique to Work
  • Partner Work
  • Moving in Relationship
  • Partner Work and Spatial Awareness Exercises
  • 1. Spatial Awareness Exercises
  • 2. Endowment
  • Observing the Other
  • 3. Stage 2 of Spatial Awareness
  • 4. Contact Partner Work
  • 5. Centrifugal Force and Opposition Exercises
  • 6. A Mirroring Exercise
  • 7. Status Work
  • Playing the High and the Low Brows
  • 8. Tableau Exercise
  • Learning to Survive a 'Freeze'
  • The Table Work and the Alexander Technique
  • Lesson One
  • Lesson Two
  • 5. 'Feelings' May Give Unreliable Feedback
  • 6. End-gaining
  • 7. Non-doing
  • 'Less is More'
  • The Anatomy Lesson
  • The Actor Prepares
  • Warming Up
  • Preparing the Actor for Rehearsal or Performance
  • Warm-up Exercises
  • 1. Stretching on the Mat
  • Lying on the Back in the Semi-supine Position
  • 2. Engaging the Adominal Wall and the Back Muscles.
  • 3. A Shoulder Stretch
  • 4. Getting Up Off the Floor
  • 5. Finding Balance or 'Centre'
  • 6. Arm Stretching
  • 7. Undulating Through Centre
  • 8. Find the Hip Joint
  • 9. The Rolling-over Exercise
  • 10. Balancing into Walking
  • 8. Mask Work
  • 9. The Zoo Project
  • An Animal Study
  • 10. The Lion King
  • 11. An Elizabethan Bear
  • 12. The Injured Actor
  • 13. Understudies
  • 14. The Ageing Actor
  • 15. Falling and Fainting On Stage
  • 16. Drunkenness
  • 17. Martial Arts and the Alexander Technique
  • The Stage
  • How the Actor Adapts to Playing the Space
  • 1. The Proscenium-arch Stage
  • 2. The Raked Stage
  • 3. The Thrust Stage
  • 4. Theatre In the Round
  • 5. Outdoor Theatre
  • Epilogue
  • Addresses
  • eCopyright
  • Part 3: Alexander Technique and Voice Work
  • 1. Alexander's Discovery
  • 2. Voice Work and the Alexander Technique
  • 3. Musical Theatre
  • 4. Opera Singing and the Alexander Technique
  • 5. The Whispered 'Ah' Exercise
  • Part 4: The Alexander Technique and Acting Challenges
  • Relevance of the Alexander Technique to Acting
  • 1. The Actor and Fitness
  • 2. Character Work and the Alexander Technique
  • 3. Playing Another Gender
  • from the 'Trouser Role' to the Drag Act
  • 4. Imitation
  • Mirroring
  • 5. The Kissing Class
  • 6. Nudity
  • 7. Alexander with Costumes, Wigs and Period Accoutrements

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