Movement for Actors - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1581152337 ISBN 13: 9781581152333

Publisher: Allworth, 2002

Synopsis

Experts in a wide array of disciplines provide remarkable insight into the Alexander technique, the use of psychological gesture, period movement, the work of Rudolph Laban, postmodern choreography, and Suzuki training, to name but a few. Those who want to pursue serious training will be able to consult the appendix for listings of the best teachers and schools in the country. This inspiring collection is a must read for all actors, directors, and teachers of theater looking for stimulation and new approaches.

About this title

About the Author

Nicole Potter is the senior editor at Allworth Press and an adjunct professor in the theatre department of Marymount Manhattan College. She has been the editor of numerous theater and film books and has written articles for film magazines, including Films in Review and The Perfect Vision. An MFA graduate in performing, her extensive theatrical background includes ten years as a member of The Irondale Ensemble, during which she had leading roles in both original works and in productions of Shakespeare, Ibsen, Chekov, and Brecht. She continues to act and direct at venues in the New York City area. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
 

From Library Journal

One would think that "moving" would be as natural as falling off a log, and yet when we stand in front of an audience, our hands grow large and heavy and our feet root to the floor. Marshall (physical acting, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London) and the contributors to the collection by Potter (theater, Marymount Manhattan Coll.) are well aware of this problem and take different approaches to solving it. Marshall tends to focus on the inner being and the actor's inner response. Concepts such as "finding the center," "discovering the rhythm," and "focusing your energy" are cited throughout, along with physical and practical exercises and activities that will help actors use their bodies effectively to communicate with the audience. As a collection, Potter's book offers a variety of viewpoint and focus. For example, Mary Fleischer's article is about stillness-how to be silent, respond, return to stillness, and so on-while Marianne Kubik discusses Meyerhold's system of training actors and body movement. Theresa Lee examines the Alexander Technique. In all, there are 23 articles and almost as many approaches to body movement. Interestingly, both books discuss the importance of the synthesis of body and mind, discipline and spontaneity, and knowledge and instinct. Both works are highly recommended for all library theater collections and large public libraries.
Susan L. Peters, Univ. of Texas, Galveston
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Allworth
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1581152337
• ISBN 13: 9781581152333
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288
• Editor: Potter Nicole