STRENGTHS:

• Clarity of voice

• Diction

• Pace

• Versatility of accents

• Projection

WEAKNESSES:

• Emotional Depth

• Vocal health

• Pausing when dialogue reading

• Consistency

OPPORTUNITIES:

• Talked on Market Harborough Radio show

• Training I receive

• Technology/ Research

• Performing in shows set in America- use of accents

THREATS:

• Being typecast

• Competition around me

• Vocal damage/health

• Laziness

His S.W.O.T analysis is different to mine due to him having a different style of voice.

His second voice goal is to improve his versatility of accents to be able to portray a wider range of characters. Learning different accents will also widen his playing age for future auditions.

His final goal for the year is to slow down his pace of talking whilst acting. This will allow him to explore different emotions portrayed instead of rushing through script.

‘Xylophone Zebras Zing Zestily’

A weakness of mine in this session was not writing down notes of feedback for my peers monologues in which I could use for my own work. I could also have given my peers constructive criticism which aided their performance to make it a more powerful piece. In future voice sessions I will make sure to have a note pad and pen to make notes of their monologues and any feedback they are given I could apply to my own work.

The vocal tract is a part of human anatomy which plays a crucial role in speech and the production of sound. Interestingly, the average length of the vocal tract is 16.9 cm in men and 14.1 cm, longer than many people would assume. It consists of several key components which all contribute to sound being made.

LARYNX

The first component in the Larynx, also known as the Voice Box. This is located in the throat and it is where the vocal folds are held.

PHARYNX

The pharynx is the cavity behind the nose and mouth, connecting these to the oesophagus. The pharynx is important for creating saliva and mucus, which is important for sound and vibrations.

ORAL & NASAL CAVITY

This is also known as 'The Articulators' which are the mouth, the tongue, teeth and palate. These allow plosive and fricative sounds to be made and pronunciation of standard RP to be correct. The nasal cavity is the technical word for the space inside of a person's nose.

The vocal tract works in three main subsystems, the Air Pressure System, the Vibratory System and the Resonating System.

AIR PRESSURE SYSTEM

This system involves the lungs, diaphragm and chest muscles. It provides and stimulates a regular airflow, which is crucial when performing a monologue. It also controls how loud, quiet, hard or soft sound can come out. It produces voice by controlling air from the lungs by the muscles to slowly escape through the Larynx and come out through the Articulartors.

VIBRATORY SYSTEM

This system is where the vocal folds in the larynx vibrate to create sound waves. It creates sound by using the air from the chest and diaphragm for the vocal folds to vibrate as air passes by, creating sound. This movement happens so quickly that all vibrations are gone by the time the sound is out.

RESONATING SYSTEM

This is where the Pharnyx, Oral Cavity, and Nasal Cavities modify the sound waves to produce a person's unique voice. This occurs due to the sound waves travelling through the pharynx, oral and nasal cavities where they are warped and shaped into recognisable speech sounds.

The vocal tract can be adjusted in shape and size to give it the ability to produce different sounds. This is essential for everyday speech and singing.

VOCAL FOLDS

The vocal folds, also known as vocal cords, are located within the larynx at the top of the trachea in the mouth. They are made of twin folds of mucus membranes, these are then stretched horizontally across the larynx. They are flat, triangular bands that are white in colour. Each vocal fold contains a vocal ligament and muscle to be able to produce sounds. In males, the vocal folds are what lengthen and deepen during puberty, creating a deeper sounding voice.

The length and tension of the vocal folds affect the pitch and tone of the voice. Longer and tighter folds produce higher pitches, while shorter and looser folds have the ability to produce lower notes. Furthermore, they also help protect the airway by knowing when to close and open. This prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing.

This technique helps reduce stress, improve lung function and enhance relaxation before going on stage. You achieve this technique by laying down comfortably and placing one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. You then inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise whilst keeping your chest still and free of air. After holding for 4 counts,exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeating this technique allows better control of voice, creating a resonant and powerful sound whilst talking.

PURSED LIP BREATHING

This technique allows you to manage shortness of breath and improves ventilation of the airways. This is beneficial when panicking or suffering anxiety as it slows your heartbeat down, therefore relieving the body of tension. It is achieved by inhaling slowly through your nose through two counts, then puckering your lips as if you're going to whistle. After holding for two, exhale slowly, pushing the air through your lips for four counts.

BOX BREATHING

This breathing technique may be considered one of the most common as it is the one that most people do to calm themselves or take a deep breath. You inhale for four counts, hold your breath for four, then exhale for four counts. You then repeat the cycle however many times you desire. This technique reduces stress, enhances focus and promotes relaxation.

ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING

This type of breathing can balance the nervous system, reduce stress and improve your respiratory function. You achieve this technique by sitting comfortably, closing your right nostril with your thumb and inhaling through your left nostril. You then close your nostril with your ring finger and open your right nostril to exhale through it. Then, inhale through the right nostril, close it and exhale through the left and repeat the cycle. Many singers use nostril breathing as a technique whilst onstage to regain their breath quickly.

RESONANT BREATHING

This simple technique is achieved by breathing in for six seconds and out for six seconds, maintaining a steady rhythm. This promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety; it is sometimes also known as coherent breathing.

These 5 techniques are not all breathing techniques, just the main ones used by people in their everyday lives.

BENEFITS

It can help achieve a balanced and naturally aligned body, reducing strain and tension in the body. As well as this, it can alleviate chronic pain, specifically in the back, neck and shoulders. This technique is often used by performers such as actors, musicians and athletes to improve their performance by promoting efficient movement and reducing tension during high pressure situations.

LEARNING

To learn this technique, you usually have to go through one-on-one sessions with a teacher who specialises in teaching others the Alexander Technique. Lessons are typically 30 to 45 minutes long, the recommended amount is 20 lessons to fully grasp the fundamentals of the technique.

Throughout her life, she received numerous impressive accolades, including an OBE in 1985 and a CBE in 2009 for her contributions to theatre. After passing away in 2018, her work has continued to inspire actors and voice coaches around the world. Her methods and unique way of viewing Shakespearean texts have left a mark on the field of acting, emphasising the expressive power of the voice.

Over her career, she has worked with prestigious institutions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, where she founded the Voice Department. Rodenburg has also collaborated with international theatres such as the Moscow Art Theatre and Comedie-Francaise. As well as this, she has authored several influential books on voice coaching, the most notable being 'Speaking Shakespeare', 'The Actor Speaks', 'The Right to Speak', and 'The Need for Words'. These books have been used worldwide in acting classes and workshops to connect the actor to their voice. Rodenburg herself has also taught thousands of actors, including Daniel Craig, Orlando Bloom and Judi Dench. Globally, she also conducts her own workshops focusing on voice, presence, and impact.

In 2005 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama and theatre. She has also been honoured by the Voice and Speech Trainers Society (VASTA) with a Lifetime Distinguished Membership.

These awards and honours highlight how her career has impacted the lives of young actors globally.

Some say he is the most renowned playwright to ever live, writing 39 plays, 154 sonnets and several narrative poems. His works are now studied across the world, with it being crucial for every student in England to study one Shakespearean text. His works are divided into four subcategories: comedies, histories, tragedies and romances. His most notable works include Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, A Midsummer's Night Dream and Romeo And Juliet. All of these plays have been translated into every major living language today and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare's talent and influence extended far beyond writing however, with some words and phrases Shakespeare introduced still being used today. Examples of these include 'bedazzled', 'fashionable' and 'break the ice'.

However, not all of his work is documented, in fact, there is a period in Shakespeare's life which is completely unaccounted for. These are known as the 'lost years' between 1585 and 1592. There are no records of his whereabouts during this time and many theories have circulated what he could have done. The most common theories suggest that he may have been working as a schoolteacher, lawyer or even travelling Europe.

William Shakespeare is also often associated with 'the Globe Theatre'. Constructed in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men in Southwark, London. It was the first circular and open air-theatre to be built, with the stage extending into the audience, allowing for an intimate and interactive experience for the spectator. In 1613, the theatre was destroyed in a fire during a performance of Henry VIII after a theatrical cannon misfired and ignited the thatched roof. It was then rebuilt in 1614, but eventually demolished in 1644. A modern reconstruction of the globe was opened in 1997 and became known as 'Shakespeare's Globe' where it still operates today as a working theatre, educational centre and tourist attraction. It hosts a variety of performances, including Shakespearean plays, contemporary works and educational workshops.

Shakespeare retired to Stratford in around 1613 and passed away on April 23, 1616 where he was later buried at the Holy Trinity Church in his home town. His works continue to be performed and studied worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest writers in history.

Strengths- confidence in tapping, focus, didn’t get out of breath

weaknesses- diction, understanding what to do

second lesson-

cabaret meeting, director scenes, accents

strengths - volunteered myself to participate in an accent challenge, American accent, listening and repeating

weaknesses- knowing the difference between southern, Nyc and standard american

second lesson-

American tongue twisters, judge, into groups- created an American commercial, fun exercise to use the accents. Partnered with paige for task next week to research an american tv series or film scene and perform it.

warm up, more on american accents, passport exercise, time to rehearse american project, stepped in for katie, performed, given feedback

strengths-

nice articulation

good acting throughout

weaknesses-

more intonation

remember the rule of different ‘t’s