About the Book:

With a foreword by Patsy Rodenburg, The Actor and the Alexander Technique is a book that belongs on the shelf of every working and studying actor.

F.M. Alexander developed the Alexander Technique of movement in the early 20th century. Combining vocal clarity and body movement, Alexander developed a performance coaching method that is used by dancers, actors, singers, etc. In The Actor and the Alexander Technique, Kelly McEvenue writes the first basic book about how this unique technique can help actors feel more natural on the stage. She provides warm-up exercises, "balance" and "center" exercises, spatial awareness exercises. She talks about imitation, the use of masks, nudity on the stage, dealing with injury and aging. She talks about specific productions that have successfully used the Alexander Technique, such as The Lion King.

What people say:

"Destined to become a classic for the working actor's bookshelf." — Library Journal

"Kelly McEvenue's book is unique in that it focuses almost exclusively on the benefits of Alexander work for the actor and makes a welcome addition to the Alexander Technique canon.." — Theatre Topics

About the Author:

Kelly McEvenue is a certified teacher of the Alexander technique. She is one of the main acting coaches for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario.

Patsy Rodenburg, OBE is is a British voice coach, author, and theatre director. She is Head of Voice at and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and has also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company RSC) and Royal National Theatre. As a leading voice and acting coach, she works regularly with actors including Dame Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Sir Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Mike Nichols, and Ralph Fiennes, as well as politicians and business leaders. She conducts business workshops and corporate master classes for Fortune 500 companies. She lives in London.