The Actor Speaks: Voice and the Performer (Paperback)

by Patsy Rodenburg (Author), Judi Dench (Foreword) "Grey September. I walk into a room at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama to meet twenty-four new and nervous students..." (more)
Key Phrases: point above eyeline, stand centred, breath support system, Royal National Theatre, Stage Three, Old Vic (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“Patsy Rodenburg is the most respected voice coach in Britain. . . a dynamo of thoughts, suggestions and exercises. . . Ms. Rodenburg's work is never theoretical, always practical. . .” —--Mel Gussow, The New York Times

“Patsy Rodenburg wants to free your voice so that you can express yourself fully and honestly.” —--Sir Ian McKellen
-- Review

Review

“Patsy Rodenburg is the most respected voice coach in Britain. . . a dynamo of thoughts, suggestions and exercises. . . Ms. Rodenburg's work is never theoretical, always practical. . .” —--Mel Gussow, The New York Times“Patsy Rodenburg wants to free your voice so that you can express yourself fully and honestly.” —--Sir Ian McKellen

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (August 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312295146
• ISBN-13: 978-0312295141
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #253,940 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars invaluable, August 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Actor Speaks: Voice and the Performer (Hardcover)

This book presents a practical guide for all working actors--whether they're preparing for their first role or their hundred and first. Actors have three tools to communicate with an audience--face, body, and voice. This book enables the actor to fully use the third as he performs.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practically Great, August 30, 2003

By	Beth Kelmer (West Coast) - See all my reviews

The Actor Speaks is a practical guide to acting. It tells you what to do with your instrument. It is a great book for any performer. However it is purely practically, it doesn't get you out of playing Hamlet perfectly in the livingroom. To prepare for the real industry outside the practical I also recommend picking up "My Fractured Life" by Rikki Lee Travolta. It gives a very detailed and graphic look at real life as actors trying to make it in modern society and some tips on getting luck to play in your favor.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars most complete voice guide for the actor, August 7, 2007

By	Lauren Lovett (los angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ms. Rodenburg is one of the most wise and trusted teachers in the theater today. Her books are a veritable map of how to have and maintain a free voice - that which any good actor yearns to have, especially doing 8 shows a week as in the regionals or on Broadway. The books are the next best thing to being in the classroom with her - something every actor should experience at least once. Whether you are just beginning your acting studies, or in the thick of a professional career, this book will be an asset to you.