Alexander Technique

Alexander Technique is a movement discipline with a focus on posture and physical self-perception, which aims to help students recognize and overcome harmful habitual limitations. Taught as a core element of conservatory programs the world over (as well as by private practitioners everywhere) it is perhaps the best-known and most universally accepted movement discipline in the theater world.

Some of the success of Alexander Technique (in comparison with many other movement disciplines) may lie in the fact that it was originally developed for actors by an actor. F. Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) was an Australian actor best known for his Shakespearean orations. Having suffered from respiratory problems throughout his life, Alexander began to lose his voice completely. Unable to continue performing - and dissatisfied with the doctors who told him there was no physical cause for his problem - Alexander started observing himself in multiple mirrors.

Upon careful observation, Alexander discovered that he was stiffening his whole body - particularly the muscles of his neck and upper torso - in preparation for the act of speaking. Further observations of other actors revealed similar problems. Alexander suggested that this habit (which he termed a “startle pattern”) rotates the neck backwards and downwards in relation to the rest of the spine, disrupting overall body alignment. After a great deal of careful practice in denying his old habits and replacing them with new ones, Alexander not only regained his voice but found that his oratory abilities improved.

Alexander Technique - which has in recent years been appropriated by the self-improvement world to deal with everything from stuttering to post-surgical rehabilitation and post-traumatic stress disorder - is a hands-on technique best taught in private or small-group lessons. The teacher analyzes the student’s everyday movement patterns (sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, etc.) - and helps him to overcome old, detrimental habits by releasing unnecessary muscular tension. There are no set movements or exercises; therefore, any type of movement can be used to demonstrate the Technique’s principles. Largely a system of psycho-physical communication (i.e., a mind-game involving “sending messages to oneself”), the Technique is meant to be practiced by the student on his or her own. The lack of prescriptive exercises allows this practice to take place while doing any other activity - indeed, that is also part of the Technique’s appeal as a theatrical discipline (in theory, an actor can use Alexander Technique to center or re-align himself mentally and physically onstage, without ever having to break character). Advocates of the Technique also claim that it can help alleviate stage fright, increase spontaneity, and expand the physical skill repertoire.

Most major actor-training programs include instruction in Alexander Technique - but for those not enrolled in such a program, the best way to find an instructor is through local and continuing education programs. Many doctors and therapists - particularly those with an interest in alternative medicine - will also be able to provide referrals. The American Center for the Alexander Technique and the American Society for the Alexander Technique (which has affiliates in countries all over the world) also provide limited regional listings of registered instructors. Those in New York City can also attend free monthly demonstrations at ACAT, or get a little free hands-on instruction by registering as volunteer students for the Center’s teachers-in-training. In the meantime, many excellent books have been written about the Technique (some by recognized instructors), and these are a good jumping-off place for any prospective student.

The American Center for the Alexander Technique, Inc.
http://www.acatnyc.org
39 West 14^th Street (between 5^th and 6^th Avenues)
Room 507
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 633-2229
Fax: (212) 633-2239
E-mail: acat@acatnyc.org

The American Society for the Alexander Technique
http://www.alexandertech.org
P.O. Box 60008
Florence, MA 01062
Phone: (800) 473-0620 (toll-free)
(413) 584-2359
Fax: (413) 584-3097
E-mail: info@amsat.ws

Further reading:

Alexander, F. Matthias with Edward Maisel
The Alexander Technique: The Essential Writings of F. Matthias Alexander

Conable, Barbara
How to Learn the Alexander Technique: A Manual for Students

Heirich, Jane
Voice and the Alexander Technique

Jones, Frank Pierce
Freedom to Change: Development and Science of the Alexander Technique
(also called Body Awareness in Action: A Study of the Alexander Technique)

Leibowitz, Judith
Dare to Be Wrong

Leibowitz, Judith with Bill Connington
The Alexander Technique

McEvenue, Kelly R.
The Actor and the Alexander Technique

Note
The following are common misspellings of Alexander Technique: Alejander, Alexender, Alexinder, Alexandar, Alaxander, Alaxindar, Alexindar, Alexinder, Alexandor, Alexindor, Technike, Techneek, Tecneek, Teckneeck