Reference Material for Advanced Acting Class Oct/Nov 2013

Please read the following articles at your convenience. This is to help refresh your understanding of the Alexander Technique and to prepare you for the work that we will do together in class. In order to fully take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to deepen your acting skills and Alexander Technique skills, I need you to start exploring on your own in the weeks before class. I would like you to start making observations about any physical or other habits that you notice in yourself. Especially when working on your scenes. 

Start practicing the "Active Rest". It is also referred to as "Constructive Rest" or "Semi-Supine"
You will find an article on this page that details the "active rest" with pictures! It's the second article down and it's titled "Lying Down(Semi-Supine)". Please practice active rest on a daily basis. In the first couple of weeks you can start with 5 to 10 minutes of active rest 3 or 4 times a week. You are welcome to do more if you would like! Start to build up this practice so that you are doing 10 to 15 minutes of active rest. Please read the "active rest" handout for helpful reminders. It's actually a fun thing so 10 minutes should fly by. You can think of it as a rest for your back.

I look forward to class!
Best,
Leah

1) This is a nice and short introductory article describing the Alexander Technique. It could give you some inspiration on what to observe in yourself and habits. 

2) Active Rest instructions. Please practice the Active Rest and start incorporating it into your daily routine. 

3) Active Rest Reminders and FAQs for questions that might come up.

4) More Alexander information

5) A great article to read once you have been doing active rest and observing yourself for a couple of weeks. It details more information about the Alexander Technique and is a thought provoking read for actors.