Bill Connington's Blog: Summer 2015, reading and presenting

Friend Dan Cayer is running a three day Alexander Technique in November in Upstate New York. Dan is skilled and supportive teacher. I highly recommend him. It's a great way to take time for yourself.

Here's information on it:

http://bit.ly/1Qi1noB

Just in time for Halloween, my short film ZOMBIE, based on the novella by Joyce Carol Oates, has been released on YouTube. It's about a Jeffrey Dahmer-esque serial killer. It won several awards at 19 film festivals. View it free here:

http://bit.ly/1RFDCVJ

www.zombiethefilm.com

Here is an adaptation of an exercise from my book Physical Expression on Stage and Screen. You don't have to be a performer to benefit:

1. Sit at the computer as you do normally.
2. Notice how you are using your body.
3. Do you hunch down toward the computer?
4. What's happening in your head, neck, and shoulders?
5. Do you hold your breath, or make your breath shallow?
6. Remind yourself to lengthen easily into your full height.
7. This does not mean military posture.
8. Allow your neck to be free, your torso long and wide, and breathe easily, as you type.

Here is a video exercise to help you when sitting at the computer. It's less than 2 minutes long:

http://bit.ly/1DznoIn

Had a very nice book party last Friday night at the American Center for the Alexander Technique (ACAT) in Manhattan.

It was a full house: wonderful people. A mixture of Alexander Technique teachers, actors, and other guests.

I talked about the Alexander Technique, and how I've taught it to performers at the Juilliard School, NYU, The Actors Studio MFA Program, and Yale School of Drama. I read a bit from the book, and then I got everyone up and doing some of the exercises from the book.

Here are some photos from the evening:
http://on.fb.me/1qw0Zl9

The book is being purchased by individual performers, and as a textbook at Yale School of Drama, Manhattan School of Music and Mannes School of Music. I've been surprised that some non-performances have picked up a copy of the book. Even though it was written with performers in mind, apparently there is enough in there that is helpful, and some non-performers have read it as well.

I have some other book parties coming up, which I'm looking forward to--and I will be presenting the Alexander Technique in group settings.

Looking forward to the book party for my new book, Physical Expression on Stage and Screen: Using the Alexander Technique to Create Unforgettable Performances, on Friday, September 19th at 7 pm:

http://on.fb.me/WZdShh

I'll be demonstrating some of the 133 exercises I developed at the Actors Studio MFA Program, and honed last semester at Yale School of Drama. You can see some of the exercises on video here:

http://vimeo.com/channels/connington

The exercises all only take a few minutes to do. Great for everyday life, and for performance. They help you get in touch with your mind-body, and be more in the present moment. It's worth taking a few minutes to reconnect with yourself.

A simple and profound book on the power on living in the present moment. The author, a renowned Buddhist teacher, gives practical ways to help the reader come into the present, and experience one's own life. I will be rereading this book several times.

Recommended for those looking to have a deeper sense of their own lives.

About Thich Nhat Hanh:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

My syllabus is prepared. Ready to work with the second year students at Yale School of Drama. A very talented, smart, eager group of people.

Looking forward to my book party for Physical Expression on Stage and Screen on September 19th.

Mapping out the concept for my next book on mind-body issues. We all know about the mind-body connection, but it is so easy to forget, and unconsciously split ourselves.

Staying with low, easy breathing puts us back on the right track of "staying with ourselves" in a healthy way.

Had my first day back at Yale School of Drama yesterday. A busy and high-energy day full of faculty meetings, meeting the first year students, and a picnic at the end of the day. Great to see the returning students. James Bundy, the dean, gave an inspiring speech about the process of how Art is made. Classes start on Tuesday.

http://drama.yale.edu

I have a book party for my new book on September 19 and am planning other events coming up this fall.

https://www.facebook.com/events/76521...

Mapping out my new book, which will be about mind-body issues.