The Actor and the Alexander Technique [Paperback]

Kelly McEvenue (Author), Patsy Rodenburg (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0312295154 | ISBN-13: 978-0312295158

F.M. Alexander developed the Alexander Technique of movement in the early 20th century. Combining vocal clarity and body movement, Alexander developed a performance coaching method that is used by dancers, actors, singers, etc. In The Actor and the Alexander Technique, Kelly McEvenue writes the first basic book about how this unique technique can help actors feel more natural on the stage. She provides warm-up exercises, "balance" and "center" exercises, spatial awareness exercises. She talks about imitation, the use of masks, nudity on the stage, dealing with injury and aging. She talks about specific productions that have successfully used the Alexander Technique, such as "The Lion King". With a foreword by Patsy Rodenburg of our own phenomenal The Actor Speaks this is a book that belongs on the shelf of every working and studying actor.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Destined to become a classic for the working actor's bookshelf."--Library Journal

About the Author

Kelly McEvenue is a certified teacher of the Alexander technique. She is one of the main acting coaches for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario.

Patsy Rodenburg is Director of Voice at London's Royal National Theater and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (August 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312295154
• ISBN-13: 978-0312295158
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #796,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Class book purchase, January 10, 2009

By 

Outlinednchalk (Conway, AR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Actor and the Alexander Technique (Paperback)

I purchased this book as a required reading for a college course. I enjoyed the exercises provided in the text but only read the rest of the book because I was expected to. Would probably be good for an actor or theatre studies student, which I am not. Decent read.