
Introduction to the Alexander Technique
A Practical Guide for Actors
Bill Connington(Author)
Methuen Drama (Publisher)
Published on 23. January 2020
Book
Hardback
176 pages
978-1-350-05294-9 (ISBN)
Description
Introduction to the Alexander Technique, part of the brand-new Acting Essentials series, is the first textbook about the Alexander Technique written specially for undergraduates. This eight-week program can be taught over the course of half a semester, a full semester, or dipped into as needed to address students' issues with physicality, movement, breathing, voice and performance habits.
The Alexander Technique has been a vital part of training for performers since the early 20th century. It is a core part of the curriculum at most acting conservatories and in many BFA programs. Sometimes considered purely a movement discipline, the Alexander Technique in fact takes into consideration the entire person-mind, body, voice, emotions, and imagination. Introduction to the Alexander Technique addresses the student's self as a whole and is suitable for beginning acting students in any academic setting, including those who take performance classes as an elective. The book also includes more than 150 practical, easy-to-follow exercises that help students reduce tension and improve their alignment, flexibility, and poise.
The textbook is supported by a range of online videos demonstrating key exercises described throughout the book.
The Alexander Technique has been a vital part of training for performers since the early 20th century. It is a core part of the curriculum at most acting conservatories and in many BFA programs. Sometimes considered purely a movement discipline, the Alexander Technique in fact takes into consideration the entire person-mind, body, voice, emotions, and imagination. Introduction to the Alexander Technique addresses the student's self as a whole and is suitable for beginning acting students in any academic setting, including those who take performance classes as an elective. The book also includes more than 150 practical, easy-to-follow exercises that help students reduce tension and improve their alignment, flexibility, and poise.
The textbook is supported by a range of online videos demonstrating key exercises described throughout the book.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Weight
354 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-05294-9 (9781350052949)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
01/2020
1st Edition
Methuen Drama
€27.49
Available for download
Person
Bill Connington is a Lecturer in Acting at the Yale School of Drama, USA. He has taught at the Juilliard School, New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, the Mannes School of Music, and the Actors Studio Drama School. He is co-author of The Alexander Technique with the late Judith Leibowitz and the author of Physical Expression on Stage and Screen: Using the Alexander Technique to Create Unforgettable Performances (Methuen Drama, 2014). The former chairman of the board of the American Center for the Alexander Technique, he is also an award-winning actor and playwright. His play Zombie, based on the novella by Joyce Carol Oates, was performed in New York and made into a short film. Most recently, he wrote and acted in two independent films, Love, Repeat and Poughkeepsie Is For Lovers. He is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. www.billconnington.com
Content
Introduction
Week 1: Your Body
Week 2: Your Breath
Week 3: Your Voice
Week 4: Your Movement
Week 5: Mental-Physical Resistance
Week 6: The Mind-Body Connection
Week 7: Classes, Rehearsals, and Auditions
Week 8: Performance
Conclusion
Index
Week 1: Your Body
Week 2: Your Breath
Week 3: Your Voice
Week 4: Your Movement
Week 5: Mental-Physical Resistance
Week 6: The Mind-Body Connection
Week 7: Classes, Rehearsals, and Auditions
Week 8: Performance
Conclusion
Index