It’s true. The Alexander Technique

the “Actor’s Secret.” It’s true because the Alexander Techniqueis the one unified concept that delivers mastery of the actor’s most fundamental skills.The Alexander Technique helps you to:

•

Gain and maintain poise no matter your activity.

•

Prevent habits of excess tension.

•

Increase breathing efficiency.

•

Move with greater ease.

•

Speak with a clearer, stronger voice.

•

Achieve a permanent feeling of openness.

•

Break performance habits.

•

Maintain a clear connection to the floor.

•

Experience your own innate sense of lightness, the hallmark of the Alexander Technique.

•

Reduce the chance of vocal, back, and other injuries related to posture and poor movement.Altogether, the Alexander Technique gives you power to allow your talent and training to shine.That’s why it is taught in the finest performing arts programs in the United States and Europe. Learn-ing the Alexander Technique does require lessons or classes, but these tips can give you an ideaabout what it is about and get you started. To find out how you can learn the Alexander Technique,visitwww.freeyourneck.com.

The Actor’s SecretFive Alexander Technique Tips for the Actor

byLeland Vall, M.AmSATCertified Alexander Technique Instructor New York, NY

Try thinking of your voice as ahood that comes from the backof your torso and rises up andover your head.Avoid thinking of your voice as comingfrom your throat or under your chin. Noticealso in the above image the head pullingback and down as the neck pushes forwardin order to produce sound.Try thinking of your voice ascoming from the top of your head as if your head is thebell of a horn.

Vocalizing

To speak with more power and clarity, try thinking of your voice as a hood that rises up and over your head. Avoid thinking of your voices as coming from under your chin. Alternatively, think of your voice as coming out of the top of your head, as if your head is the bell of a horn.

Posture

To improve your posture, as well as feel taller and more open, try thinking of your body as a foun-tain. A fountain must be remade continuously. The shape may stay the same, but the compositionconstantly changes. Your body is similar in that the many and various systems in your body (breath,heartbeat, nervous system, etc.) must continue to sustain you every moment. Try thinking of your body as filled with internal movement, rising and renewed every moment, like a fountain. For moreinformation on posture, take a look atDon’t Stand Up Straight, Five Alternative Posture Tip Basedon the Alexander Technique.

Breathing

To increase breathing efficiency, try enjoying your exhale. Enjoying your exhale can help you buildtrust in your breath which can help each breath last longer. Focusing on the inhale tends to shortenthe exhale and reduces efficiency. For more information on breathing and the Alexander Technique,visitwww.freeyourneck.com/html/breathing.html.

These images show the diaphragm muscle inside the ribcage.Exhale Inhale