Mastering the Art of Transformation
Acting is an art that requires deep self-awareness and the ability to inhabit another person’s character convincingly. The Alexander Technique is foundational for actors as it helps them understand and use their bodies more effectively, enabling them to express a character’s body language without becoming physically or emotionally entangled in it.
Knowing Yourself to Play Someone Else
To convincingly portray a character, actors must first have a profound understanding of their own bodies, emotions and movement habits. The Alexander Technique teaches actors to identify and release unnecessary tension, fostering a more neutral and responsive physical state. This heightened self-awareness allows actors to adopt new mannerisms and body language more authentically, as seen in John Hurt’s portrayal of Joseph Merrick in “The Elephant Man.” Despite Merrick’s severe physical deformities, Hurt used the Alexander Technique to embody his character’s hunched back without harming his own posture or creating long-term physical strain.
Bafta winner John Hurt reveals that his Alexander Technique sessions were the secret to his acting success.
“It has helped me to undo knots, unlock energy and deal with almost paralysing stage fright.”
Self-Care and Use of the Self
Frederick Matthias Alexander referred to the concept of “Use of the Self,” emphasizing the importance of how we use our bodies in all activities. For actors, self-care and the efficient use of the self are crucial. The Alexander Technique helps improve posture, voice projection, and relaxation while maintaining a high level of alertness and presence. Actors learn to be fully engaged and “on it” while also being relaxed and centered, enhancing their performance quality and reducing the risk of injury.
Enhancing Performance Skills
The benefits of the Alexander Technique extend to various aspects of acting:
- Voice: By promoting better breath control and reducing tension in the whole person, and in the vocal apparatus, the technique helps actors project their voices clearly and powerfully.
- Posture: Improved posture ensures that actors can stand, sit, and move with ease, maintaining their physical well-being.
- Relaxation and Presence: Actors learn to release unnecessary tension, allowing them to be more relaxed yet fully present and responsive during performances.
- Listening: Enhanced self-awareness and relaxation improve an actor’s ability to listen and react authentically to fellow performers.
What actors use the Alexander technique?
There is an impressive list of world famous actors who have recommended the Technique; Dame Judi Dench, Alan Rickman, Sir Ian McKellen, Lenny Henry, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Jesse Eisenberg, Jennifer Saunders, Hilary Swank, Julie Andrews, Stephen Dillane to name but a few.
“I was chuffed to little meatballs“
“Alexander technique really helped my posture and focus during my stint as Othello with Northern Broadsides theatre company. Imagine how excited I was when arrived at the National theatre for Comedy of Errors and found I could have Alexander taught to me once a week, I was chuffed to little meatballs.” Lenny Henry, actor
Great for Actors
Video of Los Angeles Alexander Teacher (UCLA) Jean Louis-Rodrigue on “Why Actors should study the Alexander Technique”:
Video of Actor Hugh Jackman talks about benefits of the Alexander Technique:
Actors who’ve studied the Alexander Technique: Paul Newman, Jeremy Irons, Joel Gray, Mary Steenbergen, Hugh Jackman, Julie Andrews, Patrick Stewart, Kevin Kline, Joanne Woodward, John Cleese, John Houseman, Robin Williams, James Earl Jones, Christopher Reeve, Dame Judi Dench, Ben Kingsley, William Hurt, Keanu Reeves, Hillary Swank. Heath Leger, Pierce Brosnan.
Finding the Right Teacher
To truly benefit from the Alexander Technique, it is essential to find a skilled teacher who can guide you through the process. It’s advisable to try lessons with a few different teachers to find one that best fits your needs and learning style. A couple of lessons can give you a sense of whether the technique is a good fit for you.
Conclusion
The Alexander Technique is a powerful tool for actors, providing a foundation for self-awareness, effective use of the body, and enhanced performance skills. By integrating this technique into their training, actors can master the art of transformation, portraying characters authentically while maintaining their own physical and emotional health. If you’re an actor looking to improve your craft, consider exploring the Alexander Technique with a qualified teacher.
If you’d like to make a start and have a new experience, please get in touch, Lucy works online worldwide and in person in Sheffield and Manchester UK. Start here: https://lucyascham.com/whats-on/