Alexander technique: performance, breath and voice (beginners)
Course
In London
Description
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Type
Course
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Location
London
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Start date
Different dates available
This course introduces Alexander Technique as a tool for the performer in you to develop stage presence by discovering how to become aware of and move beyond your personal ingrained habits of reacting and thinking, moving and breathing to free yourself for creative expression. It is a practical hands-on course with focus on breathing and voice.
It requires using your whole brain, sensory mechanism, and emotional centre – your whole integrated being.
Instead of trying to teach us to be 'right', the Alexander Technique teaches us to stop doing and thinking the 'wrong' and allow the new, unknown 'right' to emerge. It is an exciting journey into the unknown.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
• Integrate some basic principles and skills of the Alexander Technique in your performance practice the Alexander Semi-supine
• Recognise the need for stopping your habitual reactions as a means to changing your creative expression
• Have a repertoire of breath and voice procedures to continue to practice Alexander Technique in relation to everyday life and performance.
Because of the nature of this course there are no examinations, material or extra costs. However, you are asked to
wear loose comfortable clothing. Suggested reading: 'The Voice Book' and ‘Voice Power’ by Michael McCallion; 'Bodylearning' by Michael Gelb; 'Use of the Self' by F.M. Alexander; 'Mind and Muscle' an owners handbook by Elizabeth Langford; Body, Breath & Being by Carolyn Nicholls, ‘Indirect Procedures’ by Pedro de Alcantara; ’The Alexander Technique for Actors’ by Kelly McEvenue; ‘Before the Curtain Opens’ by Kate Kelly.
The Alexander technique is a practical method which involves the students’ participation through direct hands-on work from the tutor, self-observation, and students’ observation of each other. We will work in small groups and pairs involving interactive movement games and application to everyday activities.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You
are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
There will be some observation and individual hands-on instruction applied to performance situations. Musicians get the opportunity to work with their instrument. The tutor will also have volunteer teaching assistants for extra hands-on work. You will be given course hand-outs, and be expected to apply what you learn between classes.
Reviews
Subjects
- Alexander Technique
- Voice
Course programme
We will explore the basics of the Alexander technique through a range of practical procedures. You will become aware of, and unlearn, habits of misuse that show up as tension, restricting freedom of movement, breathing, voice and coordination.
Topics include:
• eliminating and avoiding habits of voice and facial and body gesture that interfere with breathing and the performance
• how do we breathe? Developing natural breathing
• voice; vocalising, projection, range, embodiment
• centering and grounding
• spatial awareness,
• balance and co-ordination
• controlling performance anxiety
• developing powers of observation
• focusing
• freedom and control of movement
• movement and staying true to the character
Procedures will include basic Alexander Technique work; lying down work, sitting and standing, walking, and breathing. We will apply the Alexander principles to exploring freedom in breath and voice as part of the whole person through a range of release and creative/expressive vocal and breathing exercises. Some anatomy and physiology will be introduced where applicable.
Please note that acting classes by their very nature can involve exercises and the exploration of material that some students may find challenging.
Additional information
Alexander technique: performance, breath and voice (beginners)