Overview

Combining work on physical and vocal embodiment with exercises in imagination and interpretation, this book facilitates a fuller, freer and more complete use of the self when it comes to creating a role. Building on established methodologies and existing research, such as the Alexander Technique, Estill Voice Craft, polyvagal theory and works by major practitioners – including Michael Langham, Niamh Dowling, Glen Park, Carolyn Serota, Sally Grace, Patsy Rodenburg, Cicely Berry, Kristin Linklater and Josephine Estill – this book offers a holistic approach to voice work and acting.

Full Product Details

Author:   Alex Taylor
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   Methuen Drama
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 2.80cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.454kg
ISBN:  

9781350441330

ISBN 10:   1350441333
Pages:   256
Publication Date:   30 April 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

Foreword How to Use this Book Introduction Chapter 1 – Some Science Chapter 2 – A Discussion About Truth Chapter 3 – Imagination, Imagination, Imagination Chapter 4 – Breath 1 Chapter 5 – Habitual Use – Old Habits, New Habits Chapter 6 – Alignment and the Larynx Chapter 7 – Working in Semi-Supine – Floor Work 1 Chapter 8 – The Concept of Centre – A Physical Centre Chapter 9 – Pitch Chapter 10 – Language and Text 1 Chapter 11 – Working in Semi-Supine – Floor Work Chapter 12 – More About Breath – Breath Capacity Chapter 13 – Language and Text 2 – Phrasing and Meaning Chapter 14 – Semi-Supine – Floor Work 3 – Whispered ‘Ah’ Chapter 15 – Free the Body to Free the Voice Chapter 16 – Support Chapter 17 – Resonance Chapter 18 – Range, Pitch, Stress Chapter 19 – The Channel for Sound Chapter 20 – Language and Text 3 Chapter 21 – Language and Text 4 – Shakespeare Chapter 22 – Other Aspects of Iambic Pentameter Chapter 23 – Language and Text 5 – Shakespeare Sonnets Chapter 24 – Punctuation Chapter 25 – Integration: Imagination, Body, Breath, Voice Chapter 26 – Working with Energy – Character Exercise Conclusion Bibliography Index

Reviews

""Alex Taylor has a lifetime's experience of working with actors, in the industry and in training, and a great knowledge and understanding of how the imagination, body and voice work together. He has great knowledge and understanding of the actor's body and voice . He does not preach but offers us practical help and encouragement . He is realistic, offering a great range of exercises which are easy to follow, inviting us to make our own choices and judgements and to keep our individuality. I wish this book had been available to me as a young actor but at least I can use it now."" --Lynn Farleigh ""Working with Alex Taylor at theatre school in my formative years was transformative to say the least. I owe so much of my development as a young actor to Alex and his teachings. At once intense, gently radical and subtly powerful, Alex Taylor's methods and discourse made me the actor I am today. Thank you Alex!"" --Kevin McKidd

Author Information

Alex Taylor teaches at the Birmingham School of Acting, UK. Previously, he was Head of Voice at Rose Bruford, UK; Director of the School of Theatre at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK; one of the Master Teachers at the Juilliard School, US; and Head of Voice and Movement at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. He has directed productions for the National Theatre of Korea and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and led masterclasses in acting and voice at the Shanghai Theatre Academy and the University of Korea. He has also worked at the RSC as a voice coach on a number of productions.

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