Physical Expression on Stage and Screen: Using the Alexander Technique to Create Unforgettable Performances

by Bill Connington

A tight throat; held breath; stiff muscles; stage impediments to performance come in many guises, but they all spring from the same source-tension.

In Physical Expression on Stage and Screen Bill Connington, a renowned teacher of the Alexander Technique, shows you how to recognize and release the tension that keeps you from performing at your best. If you're ever not certain of what to do with your hands or how to make a meaningful gesture, or if your movement feels fine in daily life but then you suddenly become self-conscious when onstage or in front of a camera, this book is here to help.

More than one hundred clear, accessible exercises-including many filmed tutorials available online-will enable you to

• Move more naturally and easily
• Breathe more freely
• Speak more clearly
• Free your creative impulses
• Play a character with an unfamiliar physicality

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2014

About the author

Bill Connington is an actor, writer, and Alexander Technique teacher. He is a Lecturer in Acting at the Yale School of Drama. Bill is the book series editor for "Acting Essentials," the first book series for undergraduate drama. He has two feature films in the works.

"A clear, detailed, and practical account of how the Alexander Technique can help liberate performers from habitual psychophysical tensions, allowing them to access the deepest and most creative impulses in their work." - Walton Wilson, Chair, Department of Acting, and Head of Voice and Speech, Yale School of Drama

"In small, doable steps, Bill guides the actor toward a healthy, creative life as a performer--always with a supportive, encouraging tone and attention to process as opposed to results." - Kim Jessor, faculty, Tisch School of the Arts at the New York University Graduate Acting Program

"Bill Connington writes with insight, clarity, and flair about a subject he loves and shares his valuable perspective on the training of actors by exploring the all-important connection between body, mind, and spirit. In a voice both friendly and knowledgeable, Physical Expression on Stage and Screen guides the actor from class to rehearsal to performance." - Jessica Wolf, Assistant Professor, Yale School of Drama; director of "Jessica Wolf's Art of Breathing."

"Actors Swear By This Mindful Movement Practice. Here's How You Can Benefit From It, Too"--Huffington Post: http://huff.to/VHrMU1

"Yale Drama Teacher Bill Connington Publishes New Book About the Alexander Technique"--Broadwayworld.com
http://bit.ly/1pZgH8v

16 page sample of "Physical Expression on Stage and Screen": http://bit.ly/1opCrcZ

Bill Connington publisher's page: http://bit.ly/1s6obg0

IG: @billconnington1

www.facebook.com/billconnington

Goodreads page: http://bit.ly/1pvmAQ5 (including a blog)

Reviews

[Morgan Rysdon-Moulitsas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a performer and educator I am always looking to hone my crafts. Continuing my education in these fields is one of the most important ways that I go about accomplishing this. Twelve years ago I discovered the Alexander Technique; I consider it my secret weapon at auditions and job interviews. Even more rewarding it has helped me navigate my way through very stressful situations in both my personal and professional life, something that I wasn't expecting when I first started studying the Technique. Therefore, I was very excited when Bill Connington's book "Physical Expression on Stage and Screen" was released in September! This book serves as a great resource for both beginners and more advanced learners like myself! It has a ton of great exercises that I can do on my own at home and a great bonus are his free online videos! I found Bill's language to not only be easy to understand, but also helpful in my application of his exercises on my own. He gives the reader permission to explore and try new things with great examples that the reader is able to relate to. All of this said, my favorite part of his book is how it can be read, from start to finish or different sections at a time. This allows me the ability to sift through his exercises—without feeling that I have to go in any particular order—so I can pick and chose the exercises that best meet my needs on any given day. Truly an Alexander Technique book that made sense to me—practical, applicable and enjoyable!

[Mills College Library]

792.028 C75284 2014