Drama School
An old friend who went to LAMDA (London Academy of Dramatic Art) was discussing his time there and so I asked him, ‘If you wanted to sum up in one or two words the approach to drama training at LAMDA, what would they be? He thought for a while and had that distant look in his eyes typical of actors thinking about their training and he said, clear as a bell, ‘Alexander Technique.’ Alexander Technique for acting.
At first, I thought this was odd. Surely there were voice classes, scene study, text analysis, Stanislavski, actors studio. Not to mention stagecraft, fencing, stage fighting and a whole host of classes. Nope, Alexander Technique.
The Work
As a fully qualified Alexander Technique teacher and an old would-be actor, I didn’t really get it at first. However, after so many years practising and teaching, I finally get it!
As actors, we need to use the whole of the mechanism, the body, the breathing apparatus, the voice, everything we are. And that is what we work on and improve better than any other method can.
Using the Alexander Technique to develop your relationship to the piece both emotionally and physically, it will help actors like you reach the professional level of acting you aspire to.
The Alexander Technique really helps you to relax and harmonize yourself. Before embarking on being someone else we must first create a blank canvas. Far too many actors bring far too much of the things they don’t want to the part.
Using the Alexander Technique we simplify our demeanour allowing us to be creative with our characters.
From a clear and relaxed perspective, we can begin to build character, both physically and emotionally.
Teaching Experience
Many times I have helped students of drama to achieve the goal of drama school but also more experienced actors to develop their auditions for castings. My work with actors was greatly developed at the School of the Science of Acting in London.
Look at the problems actors face; physical tension, lack of movement skills, being awkward physically, breathing problems, vocal problems and even mental health and emotional problems or limitations. Alexander Technique will calmly lead you to a much better you. A much better actor. Way before you need to even think about that script.
Working with a tutor/director can greatly enhance your acting work.
Book Now‘Working with Nick helped me get into drama school. My confidence grew and my creativity flowed!’ Nikki Chowen
