Description
Book SynopsisBill Connington has devoted his career to helping performersincluding Broadway actors, Metropolitan Opera singers, and renowned instrumentalistsmanage their art through managing themselves. The former chairman of the board of the American Center for the Alexander Technique, Bill is currently a lecturer in acting at the Yale School of Drama and has taught performers at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, the Juilliard School, and the Actors Studio MFA Program.
Trade ReviewA clear, detailed, and practical account of how the Alexander Technique can help liberate performers from habitual psychophysical tensions, allowing them to access the deepest and most creative impulses in their work. * Walton Wilson, Chair, Department of Acting, and Head of Voice and Speech, Yale School of Drama *
In small, doable steps, Bill guides the actor toward a healthy, creative life as a performer—always with a supportive, encouraging tone and attention to process as opposed to results. * Kim Jessor, faculty, Tisch School of the Arts at the New York University Graduate Acting Program *
Bill Connington writes with insight, clarity, and flair about a subject he loves and shares his valuable perspective on the training of actors by exploring the all-important connection between body, mind, and spirit. In a voice both friendly and knowledgeable,
Physical Expression on Stage and Screen guides the actor from class to rehearsal to performance. * Jessica Wolf, Assistant Professor, Yale School of Drama; director of 'Jessica Wolf’s Art of Breathing' *
Physical Expression on Stage and Screen provides new insight into the Alexander technique, which was pioneered by F. M. Alexander in the late 1800s … The best part of the book is the exercises (more than 100) that help actors explore their unique styles. Many of the exercises are also supported by free online videos created by the author. This no-nonsense explanation of the Alexander technique is accessible to untrained students and a good refresher for those knowledgeable about acting.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals -- E. C. Skiles, Lone Star College-Kingwood * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsA Note on the Exercises Introduction
PART ONE Preparing Yourself Chapter 1 The Alexander Technique and Theater Training Chapter 2 Sensory Awareness Chapter 3 Poise, Flow, and Choice Chapter 4 The Use of Your Self Chapter 5 Changing Your Mind-Body Chapter 6 Breathing
PART TWO Organic Expression Chapter 7 Using Your Imagination Chapter 8 Conscious Imitation of Others Chapter 9 Using Voice and Movement to Stimulate the Mind-Body
PART THREE Putting It All Together Chapter 10 Auditions, Rehearsals, and Performances Chapter 11 Your Psycho-Physical Health and Choice Textual References Acknowledgments Index Exercise Videos Contact
