Research:

• The anatomy of the voice: Vocal Tract and Vocal Folds

• Breathing Techniques

• The Alexander Technique

Practitioners to research:

• Kristin Linklater

• Cicely Berry & Shakespearian Acting

• Patsy Rodenburg

Other research:

• Shakespeare

TITLE THE MEDIA WITH THE DATE AND WHAT THE EXERCISE IS. This will help link to your voice diary section.

Title each entry with the date.

Include;

• What you have learnt in the session

• Techniques that you will be applying to future acting work

• Feedback you are given

• What your Strengths and Weaknesses were in the session

• Any independant study/research you are tasked to complete

Strengths

• Unique Tone: A distinctive voice that stands out and is easily recognizable.

• Versatility: Ability to adapt to different roles, accents, and emotions.

• Range: Wide vocal range, from high to low pitches.

• Clarity: Clear enunciation and articulation, making it easy for audiences to understand.

• Emotional Depth: Capability to convey a wide range of emotions convincingly.

  
  

Weaknesses:

• Vocal Strain: Susceptibility to strain or damage with overuse.

• Limited Range: If the vocal range is not as wide, it may limit the types of roles.

• Accent Limitations: Difficulty in mastering certain accents or dialects.

• Consistency: Challenges in maintaining the same vocal quality over long periods.

  
  

Opportunities:

• Voice Acting: Opportunities in animation, video games, and audiobooks.

• Commercials: Potential for voice-over work in advertisements.

• Training: Further vocal training to enhance range and versatility.

• Technology: Use of technology to modify and enhance voice for different roles.

  
  

Threats:

• Health Issues: Risk of vocal cord damage or other health issues affecting the voice.

• Competition: High competition in the industry with many talented voice actors.

• Typecasting: Risk of being typecast into specific roles based on voice type.

• Technological Advancements: Advancements in AI and synthetic voices potentially reducing demand for human voice actors.

My weaknesses include a wide range of things. These are: diction, limited range, accent, clarity, annunciation, emotion. This is as one of, if the not the biggest, issue with my voice is the lack of understandability which is why 3 of the weaknesses have to do with being able to properly speak. This is as i have trouble with pronouncing words properly and also often speak too fast as a default meaning that the clarity of what im saying dwindles. Though, there are other issues. This is as the other weaknesses are to do with the fact that during performance my voice is quite monotone meaning it sometimes lacks emotion, despite tone being a strength- this is as it's debatable, and also the fact that I find it hard to change my voice from what it is naturally. This is as the last remaining two weaknesses are limited range and accent. This is because i find it a point of difficulty to change my voice enough for it to be a good accent- and so i end up not trying as my options are either stick with normal voice, or do a very bad accent- that could also mean my focus is now split as theres more things to focus on.

Opportunities- i dont feel as though i have any opportunities for work with my voice (at least in the current moment) as there are too many negatives and weaknesses about it combined with too few strengths meaning that realistically no places of work would view my voice as desirable. Though, i do recognise that with work and practise this could be easily turned around and changed for the better. In terms of opportunities i wouldn't mind having- despite the reality of the situation- it would be: voice acting (wouldnt mind what field in)

Threats- My threats are only few. One of them being autopilot. The trait of me forgetting to speak and use my voice in a certain way, which results in me going into a mode that can only be described as "autopilot". This is as this is my default- when im not focusing on vocalising in a certain way it results in mumbled speech that also has too fast a pace for any semblance of clarity. This creates issues with being understood. Another threat i have to any opportunities i may hold, is lack of practice. This is as, as previously stated, i currently have a lot of issues with the way i talk and use voice. This means that if i dont practise (especially a lot) then it will result in my voice being a weakness that threats me as even in acting the voice is obviously very apparent and commonly used. The last threat i have is sickness. This is as if i constantly get sick (sicknesses that affect the voice) then my voice would decline in quality over the years.

• HNC INDEPENDANT STUDY:  

• In addition to watching the videos already in Vocal Anatomy column, do further research that will help you understand the anatomy of the voice when leading your Vocal Development Programme. Add all your findings and notes to Vocal Anatomy section, and include anything you want to write about in your Vocal Development Programme.

BOTH LEVEL 3 & HNC:

• Research The Alexander Technique: Where did it originate? What are the benefits? How will practicing the spinal rest position ‘semi-supine’ help you with your performances?

You should draw from your own research of methods, practitioners, and anatomy to create your exercises in your programme.

You should be able to lead the programme confidently, with the knowledge that all your exercises are going to help with Vocal Progression for students. You should have great knowledge of the voice, and WHY you are doing each exercise... students WILL ASK YOU QUESTIONS!

Part 1:

• Relax & Breathing work

• Stretch and Posture

• Releasing Tension

• Lip Trills, Sirens

Part 2:

• Projection

• Articulation & Diction

• Inflection & Intonation

• 
  

In todays lesson we started off with semi supine. we did this as it relaxes us. This is effective as we had monologues later. This meant that we were more prepared as a nervous actor isnt a good actor. This is as the nerves hold back techniques from shining through. We then did other tongue twisters. This is as it means that we don't get bored. This is good as it raises the chances of us actually doing it. This is important, as if not a lot of people do it, then its a waste of time that could be used for other important things. We then learnt about intonation which is the way which things are said that alter the intention behind them. We learnt about this through doing the bread butter exercise. We did this is as it means that we get a way of practicing this which means that we understand it better. This is effective, as it means that we actually remember and understand what happened.

For our workshops, we started off with doing 7 words, 7 ways. This means when a sentences meaning is changed through how words are said- using emphasis. This teaches us the importance of vocal techniques/the way we use voice in performance as the line could come across differently depending on how we deliver it, which could be unintentional. We we taught this through a game where we had to (in vocal partners) make a scene where the line was said, and one of the words were emphasised. This was effective as it increases chances of remembering. This is as the memories with emotion attached to them are the easiest to remember. This is as it has multiple links. We then had to show it to the class so then we could feedback.

In the second workshop, we did our monologue recording. We did this as it is important that we get our university applications made and ready to send off, not only that but also important they're done early, as it increases chances of acceptance.

For the first workshop, we were started off with vocal warmup exercises. We did this as we later on we had a segment that would need our voices. This means that it was relevant and time wasnt wasted. This also meant that the chances of our voices being strained was substantially lower as we had properly warmed up. This is important as injury/strain can take a long time to recover from, meaning it massively inconveniences us as now we cant participate in activities and rehearse for a long time. We then did an activity where we were given tongue twisters to say in an emotion and we had to exaggerate the emotion. This is useful as if we can exaggerate the emotion, we can definitely act it normally as all it takes to act normally from exaggerated, is to tone down the intensity. This means it teaches us how to act these emotions, but also makes us better at using voice.

For the second workshop, we were recording monologues. Because i had already recorded mine, i had to guard the door to make sure people wouldn't make noise around the room in which it was being recorded, whilst it was being recorded. This was beneficial, as it means that the recording for those people, including my partner, wasnt interrupted and ruined. This also means that the relationship between vocal partners is strengthened as the trust built up from guarding the door makes them closer. This is as they now know they can trust one another. This is important as it means they are more inclined to work with another. This also means time isnt wasted, as they might even want to work with one another as they become frien

ds.

For the first workshop, we were researching Cecily Berry from a video format. This was intentional as it meant that it engaged us more. This is as the colours from the video meant that it was more exciting and fun to watch. This meant that there was a higher chance of the information being absorbed. This is as there was less chance that we would lose interest and stop watching. We were researching her as it meant that it would help us with our current work. This is as we are currently doing monologues. This is as in the video she describes and shows exercises to better your acting. She also was doing Shakespeare which is what a lot of us are doing, so it has multiple links of use to us.

For the second workshop, we were recording monologues.

The regular routine of lying down in Semi Supine will give the changes sought with Alexander technique. All though this does sound positive, some sources may describe it as 'invaluable for maintaining a healthy spine'.

How do you get into the position?

* Lie down on a fairly firm surface

-> Ensure that the floor you are doing it on is firm and wont move in anyway. Also make sure to put a book or coat or anything that elevates beneath your head.

* Bend your knees with flat feet

-> make sure your feet are shoulder width apart

-> take some time to come to the position properly and settle

* Notice how you interact with the floor

-> make sure you're not in pain or uncomfortable

* Be aware of what surrounds you

-> use the 5 senses to notice things. Such as: what can i see? Hear? Feel?

* Make sure to bring your attention back to nothing when your mind starts to wonder

But how do i discipline my thoughts?

Tip(s):

1. Be aware of where your head is pointing

2. Think of your body and how it feels and interacts with the floor

In conclusion the way to discipline your thoughts is to observe yourself from a third party perspective rather than be oblivious of whats happening.

Why do semi supine?

'This position gives the best support and rest for your back and is the perfect way to de-stress'

How long should i do it?

In an ideal situation, you would do it 15-20 minutes a day. This is as its enough time to restore realignment of the spine. Doing it for this amount of time also allows you to fully reap the benefits of the mental side to semi supine. This is as it gives you time to be aware of yourself and quieten your mind.

In conclusion, semi supine is an Alexander technique that is very effective and versatile. This is as its uses isnt limited to one situation, as the amount of times we face vast amounts of stress in life are vast. This means learning this skill potentially will help you later on in life. Not only that, it also has both physical and mental benefits, meaning that it relieves both types of stress- being both physical and mental.

Strengths-

Accents

Emphasis

Tone

Improvements-

Doesnt know lines

Doesn't really stay in character

Accent (slightly lost in some parts)

Scarlett

Strengths-

Accents

Tone

Projection

Physicality

Improvements-

Mumble slightly

Mya

Strengths-

Physicality

Improvements-

Accent is decent but slightly iffy

Catherine

Strengths-

Accent

Facial expressions

Tone

Body language

Turned out to audience

Improvements-

Physicality (just standing)

Accent slightly slips

Ozzy

Strengths-

Accent decent

Characterisation

Facial expressions

Body language

Improvements-

Sometimes the smiling doesnt seem in character

Rachel

Strengths-

Body language

Accent

Tone

Improvements-

Speech too fast