Body Learning: The Alexander Technique Actors and the Alexander Technique, and the Technique's role in Theater Training Programs
Feb 22, 2010
Belinda Mello, an Alexander Technique teacher in New York and Brooklyn College instructor who helps actors reduce tension and improve presence. She discusses how the Technique trains the whole body-mind for awake relaxation. Topics include preparing for performance amid strong stimuli, avoiding habitual reactions that limit range, preventing injury in physical roles, and using audience energy to enhance live work.
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Training The Whole Actor As One Instrument
- The Alexander Technique trains actors to use their whole self as a unified instrument rather than separate voice and body skills.
- Belinda Mello explains that relaxation for actors means being fully present, awake, and responsive without unnecessary tension.
Let Go Of Unnecessary Tension To Increase Presence
- Learn to let go of unnecessary tension to increase awareness and openness onstage.
- Mello emphasizes that releasing excess excitement and tension creates the presence needed to genuinely respond.
Prevent Habit From Narrowing Character Range
- Do use Alexander Technique to prevent habitual physical patterns from limiting emotional range on stage or screen.
- Mello describes a romantic lead whose habitual hunched posture blocked later joy and harmed pacing and reviews.