To what extent does an actor's physical performance improve when the Alexander Technique is applied to their training?

Abstract

This essay examines how a physical performance is improved through applying the Alexander Technique to the actor's training. It focuses on how using Alexander Technique exercises can improve the quality of the actor's movement through re-training and strengthening the mind and body connection. The research aims to uncover any of the actor's habitual responses and work towards eliminating them to create an energetic and organic performance. In doing this, the study will evaluate how the actors physical performance develops through isolating aspects of the training using workshops influenced by the Alexander Technique. The practical research is influenced through the researchers own experience and practice of the Alexander Technique and is theoretically explored through means of traditional academic research. Focusing on certain elements of the actor's performance skills, this research developed the actor's mind and body relationship to gain a better understanding of the body in performance. The research proposes that improving an actor's physical performance without the necessary Alexander Technique qualification can hinder the development of the actors overall performance and a number of suggestions are made in order for this work to develop. A DVD demonstrating the practical research accompanies this essay, and they both work in tandem in order to allow an in-depth analysis of the progress of this research. In addition they deconstruct and reflect on the problems that occurred during the process.