Ziel des Forschungsprojektes war es, Studierenden und Lehrenden Möglichkeiten zu zeigen, wie auf der Grundlage «klassischer» Alexandertechnik weiterführende Arbeitsweisen, Übungen und Experimente entwickelt werden können, die sich besonders für den Gruppenunterricht eignen und so helfen können, den schauspielerischen Ausdruck zu befördern und zu erweitern.
The F. M. Alexander Technique in Text-based Work for Actors
The aim of the research project was to show students and teachers – using the 'classical' Alexander technique as a starting point – how to develop working methods, exercises, and experiments which take things further and are particularly suited to group tuition, thereby helping promote and enhance the way actors express themselves.
Developed at the turn of the twentieth century by the Australian actor Frederick Mathias Alexander, the Alexander technique is an established method of 'holistic' learning. Originally developed to remedy a vocal problem, the Alexander technique can be used in a wide variety of different areas with a view to perceiving, reviewing, and if necessary adapting the means with which we cope with the demands imposed on us – from everyday activities through to artistic endeavours. It has been established for decades in the field of acting, particularly within the English-speaking world. Here, the Alexander technique is usually communicated via individual lessons. The aim of the research project was to show students and teachers – using the 'classical' Alexander technique as a starting point – how to develop working methods, exercises, and experiments which take things further and are particularly suited to group tuition, thereby helping promote and enhance the way actors express themselves.