The Actor Speaks: Voice and the Performer

by Patsy Rodenburg

Book Overview

In The Actor Speaks, Patsy Rodenburg takes actors and actresses, both professional and beginners, through a complete voice workshop. She touches on every aspect of performance work that involves the voice and sorts through the kinds of vexing problems every performer faces onstage: breath and relaxation; vocal range and power; communication with other actors; singing and acting simultaneously; working on different sized stages and in both large and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312295146
• ISBN13: 9780312295141
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.0" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

most complete voice guide for the actor

Ms. Rodenburg is one of the most wise and trusted teachers in the theater today. Her books are a veritable map of how to have and maintain a free voice - that which any good actor yearns to have, especially doing 8 shows a week as in the regionals or on Broadway. The books are the next best thing to being in the classroom with her - something every actor should experience at least once. Whether you are just beginning your acting studies, or in the thick of a professional career, this book will be an asset to you.

One of the best

Patsy's work I think is fantastic. Patsy learnt from Cecily Berry, and Clifford Turner which laid her foundation down for her work. She is very thorugher, and so thorugher I am still working my way through it (since last year!) So if you want something quick, fast and easy this book isnt for you. Although I am not an actor , I bought the book to help me work with my voice so I can give better speeches. Patsy covers everything I need to know, and although It is taking me some time I am improving.I think it is extremly challenging at times because some of her work ask you to do a lot of exercises . And you really need to make the time to do them all. I was reccomended to this book after completing a short actors course in Sydney by the voice director. And although I was a little skeptical at first, after all why buy an acting book to help with speech work? But the same principles apply. For speakes, actors, performers, etc this is A MUST to have on your book shelf. Buy it and continuelly use it. You can not afford to pass this book up for the sake of your career!

The Actor Speaks

I highly recomend this book for budding young actors, it is filled with great tips and techniques. I loved it.

Practically Great

The Actor Speaks is a practical guide to acting. It tells you what to do with your instrument. It is a great book for any performer. However it is purely practically, it doesn't get you out of playing Hamlet perfectly in the livingroom. To prepare for the real industry outside the practical I also recommend picking up "My Fractured Life" by Rikki Lee Travolta. It gives a very detailed and graphic look at real life as actors trying to make it in modern society and some tips on getting luck to play in your favor.

invaluable

This book presents a practical guide for all working actors--whether they're preparing for their first role or their hundred and first. Actors have three tools to communicate with an audience--face, body, and voice. This book enables the actor to fully use the third as he performs.