The Mother, the Lover, the Trickster, the Spiritual and Temporal Leader, the Devil-these are just some of the universal essences, known as archetypes, that lie deep within the human spirit; these are forces that we all recognize and embody in some capacity. Acting and Singing with Archetypes is a groundbreaking, experiential book that uses archetypes as the basis of an unprecedented method of study for actors and singers. By using fifteen archetype explorations that employ vocal exercises, mask making, monologue and scene work, breathing exercises, role playing, storytelling, singing, meditation, self-reflection, and more, this book empowers actors to interpret character and voice in exciting, untraditional ways. The explorations ultimately leave performing artists with the tools they need to develop their theatrical roles to the fullest, utilize their singing and speech abilities with the widest range of emotion, and unlock their overall creative potential. The book also reinforces the importance of breathing, relaxing, stretching, and other physical techniques that enable healthy practice of the craft. Geared toward theatre teachers, directors, and theatre workshop leaders, this is an incredible teaching tool, accompanied by a CD of demonstrative recordings of vocal exercises and other guiding content sung and spoken by authors Janet B. Rodgers and Frankie Armstrong. Book jacket.

Potent and empowering voice exercises by the master teachers who devised them! One of the constants that any actor, director or theatre teacher needs is a strong vocal warmup. This valuable, first-of-its-kind resource contains 75 exercises for both solo and group work, contributed by some of the best professionals in the world. There is a brief description of the history and purpose of each exercise followed by the exercise itself. The Voice & Speech Workout comes with a training audio that will be especially helpful to the student or theatre professional working alone. Here master teachers run through each exercise in real time (leaving enough time for response). Among the contributors are such important voice teachers as: Frankie Armstrong, Mary Corrigan, Marian Hampton and Dorothy Runk Mennen. The exercises are divided into nine different areas: Getting to Know Your Voice; Stretching, Centering, Releasing, Aligning; Breathing and Supporting; Making Sound (Resonance and Articulation); Exploring Pitch; Projecting and Calling; Integrating Voice, Breath and Text; Integrating Voice and Movement; Exploring Character Voices and Dialects.

Reprint. Originally published: 1959; 1st Princeton/Bollingen pbk. ed. published: 1970.

'Petit's words go right to the heart of Chekhov's technique ... Anyone looking for a key to understanding more about Michael Chekhov's technique will devour it.' – Jessica Cerullo, Michael Chekhov Association, NYC The Michael Chekhov technique is today seen as one of the most influential and inspiring methods of actor training in existence. In The Michael Chekhov Handbook, Lenard Petit draws on twenty years of teaching experience to unlock and illuminate this often complex technique. Petit uses four sections to guide those studying, working with or encountering Chekhov's approach for the first time: the aims of the technique – outlining the real aims of the actor the principles – acting with energy, imagination and creative power the tools – the actor’s use of the body and sensation the application – bringing the technique into practice The Michael Chekhov Handbook’s explanations and exercises will provide readers with the essential tools they need to put the rewarding principles of this technique into use. Lenard Petit is the Artistic Director of The Michael Chekhov Acting Studio in New York City. He teaches Chekhov Technique in the MFA and BFA Acting programs at Rutgers University. He was a contributor and co-creator of the DVD, Master Classes in The Michael Chekhov Technique, published by Routledge.

In this practical guide, renowned actor and director Michael Chekhov shares his innovative approach to the craft of acting. Drawing on his extensive experience in the theater and his unique understanding of the actor's creative process, Chekhov presents a comprehensive system of techniques designed to help actors develop their physical, mental, and emotional abilities. Through a series of exercises and principles, actors can learn to create compelling, truthful performances that captivate audiences and bring characters to life on stage and screen.

Maintaining that archetypes are the root of depression, this self-help manual takes Caroline Myss's work to a new laser-level in seeking out/honoring archetypes vibrating out of harmony.