Voice Portfolio:Posture

Posture

Posture is a huge part of producing a loud and clear voice on stage it also improves your stage presents if you have a good posture. The reason for posture being so important for voice is because the spine is connected to the diaphragm. Actors are often taught the Alexander Technique which keeps they’re postures good; the technique releases any tension the body might have too.
Good posture is key for us actors because firstly it helps us to deliver our lines clearly and loudly and secondly it gives us more of a stage presence giving us the confidence to relax more on stage and fly through lines and movements etc. The actors neutral is the head held high, shoulders relaxed, hands dangling down and fingers loose, legs and feet at hip width apart. This posture on stage allows you to deliver lines clearly and loudly as it frees any bodily parts getting in the way of delivering these lines, such as a slouched back can affect your diaphragm which causes breath control and volume to the voice to decrease. Your character will look a lot more interesting if you are sat upright (even if you think your character isnt one for sitting up straight looking posh, you can straighten your back and use stiff neck and arm movements to portray an elderly character) 

A good posture also shows an open body language because you should have your chest open to the audience allowing breath and voice to be clear and heard. A good posture also helps your vocal health because it allows a clear airway throughout your body, from your diaphragm to your voice box (Larynx.) 

The Alexander technique: A good exercise to help you realign your posture

Lay on the floor, on your back. You can put a book underneath your head if you feel as though you need it. Bring your knees up into a bent position and your hands on your stomach. And relax. This is the correct posture for a human. Go through the bodily parts and imagine fluidity and expansion in these areas. Remember to relax them completely. Listen to your body. Remember to relax your face, toes and fingers as well.
 A big part of this technique is breathing. With your hands on your stomach notice your breathing, don’t change it, just stay natural. Is it rushed? Relax, focus on slowing it down. Make sure that your stomach and chest expand when inhaling and contract when exhaling. The shoulders do not move up and down in this process.

As the years go by, humans naturally create different body habits. Such as the same shoulder for holding a bag or slouching when sitting (the middle body in the diagram). Babies usually have the best postures when sitting as they haven’t experienced anything else. From this exercise I discovered that I have tension in my shoulders, mainly my left shoulder, which is the shoulder that I tend to carry my rucksack on. Previous to this lesson and doing the Alexander Technique I have noticed my shoulders being raised. The first time, when I was cold, the second when I was sat at my laptop, this is because my laptop was slightly higher than my my hips (on a table) which meant that my arms (resting on the table) were higher than normal which led to my shoulders being raised and tense. After trying the Alexander technique in class I discovered the changes in my voice as it was louder and clearer. Any bodily tensions,especially in my shoulders had disappeared and my mind was clear of any thoughts, worries or plans. Yoga and the Alexander technique are also good for stress or nerves.
To improve my posture, I will need to use the Alexander Technique more often. Also, remind myself to change  my rucksack to the other shoulder as this is where I hold the most tension in my body. And to also remind myself to sit up straight whenever I can, as this will have the most immediate effect on my voice as the spine is linked with the diaphragm. 

Yoga is also a good way to improve your posture and it helps you to relax and release any bodily tension. Yoga is a practise of meditation and relaxation for the body and mind. The sun salutation is a sequence of postures which helps improve your posture by stretching and aligning the spine. Finishing with a relaxation of laying on the floor (can be done in the Alexander technique.)

Respiration and 'Get to know your voice' Portfolio

Respiration and ‘Get to know your voice.’

The basics of respiration are that it’s the act of breathing, inhaling Oxygen and exhaling Carbon dioxide or also known as inspiration and expiration. Breathing is the moving of the air into and out of the lungs which is also known as ventilation." The process by which oxygen is carried to body cells and carbon dioxide (C02) is removed is called respiration." The three ways this is done is Pulmonary ventilation, external respiration and the exchange of respiratory gases. (Baggaley,2001,16)
     I find this section of learning about the voice really interesting because it teaches me more about what I have; mild Pulmonary stenosis. Which is the tightening of a vessel/valve which means my heart has to pump harder to overcome the obstruction. So from this I know about Pulmonary ventilation which is the rate of air in and out of the heart. 

My respiration and heart condition has no major effect on my overall health but when I do catch a cough I know that I need to pay more attention to my breathing; I do Yoga exercises to open out my lungs to allow deeper breaths into my lungs. These exercises will also help my respiration by allowing more, deeper breaths into my lungs, which allows me to project my voice louder.

The respiratory system is made up of organs which are involved in breathing. The organs include the sinuses, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchial tube, lungs, nose and bronchioles. Without these breathing would become extremely difficult, and in later voice lessons we will come to learn how to look after our bodies. My drawing of the Trachea is very simple but it helps me to remember what it looks like, to me it looks like broccoli The trachea is known as the windpipe, which is connected to the Larynx and Pharynx. The trachea runs from your sinuses down to your lungs (as you can see in the diagram above.) 

Oxygen enters the body through the mouth and nose. It then passes through the throat (larynx, which is where speech sound is produced). Then to the Trachea, which as you can see in the diagram, is a tube that makes an entrance to the lungs. When it enters the chest cavity, the trachea splits in two, to the right and left lung. These two new tubes are called the Bronchus; which then form the bronchial tubes after dividing into smaller tubes. These small tubes go straight into the lungs and connect to tiny sacs called Alveoli. These air-filled sacs are surrounded by capillaries.

The oxygen that is inhaled through the nose, passes the alveoli and then diffuses through the capillaries into the arterial blood. Breathing through the nose is meant to increase the circulation of air around the body, which naturally, is better for you rather than breathing through your mouth. Also the hairs in your nostrils stop germs from entering your body, which is another benefit of breathing through your mouth. 'In through your nose and out through your mouth' is a common breathing pattern which allows your body to release more Co2. Fact: it is impossible to breath through your nose and breathe out of your mouth at the same time. Whilst the process of air travelling through your body continues, the waste blood from the veins (tubes that form part of the blood circulation process) releases its CO2 into the alveoli. The CO2 then goes through the same way out of the lungs when you exhale, usually through your nose. 

The lungs fill with air as you inhale, oxygen is vital for all the organs in your body to be able to function properly, and your lungs get rid of CO2. The lungs are made up of pink tissue. They take up the majority of the chest cavity.

The breathing process:

Air inhaled through the mouth or nose, the chest expands and the diaphragm (a sheet of muscles) contracts as well as the abdomen which expands outwardly.

Exhaling; the stomach contracts inwards (flat) the diaphragm relaxes (into an upside down rainbow shape) the chest contracts and the air is finally released through mouth or nose. The image to the right is a drawing I did in class to show me how the diaphram moves when we inhale and exhale. The diaphram is a sheet of muscles that contract and relax. 

The Intercostal muscles have three registers of voice, the three being high low and middle range. To reach the high range a human will need to inhale more breath, and to less breath for the low range. The intercostals act as an elastic band with muscle memory. For example if you were to stretch an elastic band, once released it will snap back into place. The intercostals will snap back into place (muscle memory) after inhaling and exhaling. We did an exercise for this; the high as a kite exercise. For this we had to say short phrases for each register of the voice. High being the head voice, middle being a normal voice and low being a chesty voice. 

Respiration is key for an actor because we have to deal with nerves, remembering lines, delivering them clearly and for all of this we need to have good breath control. Nerves are a key disruption in calm respiration (breath control) meaning it speeds up your breathing and heart rate increases. On stage, if nerves kick in your lines will be delivered considerably weaker if your respiration is poor. If this happens on stage, bend your knees slightly and put your tongue at the top of your mouth, this is a natural position for a human (almost like the Alexander technique stood up right) Remember to deliver your lines slowly so you don't run out of breath and learn lines with pauses for breath. 

‘Get to know your voice’
'Voice is a tool to the actor, and the holistic nature shouldn't be forgotten. The voice is communication method in performing' Sarah Harris.

In class, we were asked to fill out a Personal Voice assessment sheet. On this sheet we had to rank our voice (1 being disagree and 5 being agree) We ranked our voices on; voice production, articulation, pace, variety in tone and pitch and breath control. I discovered my weakness was good pace at a 2. The others rated the same at 3.

Continuing with the sheet,we then had to write down the problems with our voice my first one being to project my voice. Number two being to verify my tone and pitch; and thirdly to make sure all words are delivered clearly so good articulation.

GSA research

Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

My current course is at South Downs College, Level 3 Acting Extended Diploma

The grades that I have are;

·         English Language B

·         English Literature B

·         Mathematics D (In progress)

·         Science Additional E

·         Science C

·         French C

·         Business and Communications A

·         Ethics and Philosophy C

·         Geography C

·         Drama C

·         Media (Btec) D*

Modules covered in College so far;

Stanislavski, Anton Chekhov, Physical Theatre (Frantic Assembly)

Extra-Curricular activities related to Drama- Merchistoun Hall Youth Arts (MHYA) is an out of ‘school’ drama club. Joined August 2013.

The skills that I have are organised, confident, reliable, polite, approachable.

Skills, qualities and experience I’ve yet to gain are; a attitude ‘teacher-like’, strict, to-the-point, experience in teaching, working with children.

My career aim/ aspirations?

I would like to become an actress and to perform on stage in various theatres, be in musicals or even feature on a television/radio show. I want to experience all types of theatre and acting.

I would also love to teach Drama to secondary school students.

How do I get there?

Guildford School of Acting (GSA)

BA(Hons) Acting

The University specialises in teaching practises of Stanislavski and Lecoq. Including the work of Mike Alfreds, Uta Hagen, Sandford Meinser and Micheal Chekhov.

There are specific practical skills-based classes in;

·         Voice

·         Acting

·         Physical acting

·         Singing

·         Dance

·         Movement

·         Stage combat

·         Contextual studies

And “your imagination is developed” through;

·         Play

·         Improvisation games

·         Exercises

·         Scene work

·         Sensory exploration

·         Project rehearsals.

In the first year at GSA we will study Storytelling, Naturlism and American Realism. Acting classes will be focussed on Stanislavski and Lecoq. There will be classes in Voice, singing and movement.

In year two, specific modules include Shakespeare, Comedy and professional development. With classes for Camera, audition and interview techniques. Rehearsal projects will include Classical text, a comedy modules based on Commedia dell’Arte.

The third year will be mostly taken up with rehearsals to the public. You will also work on a film project.

Finance options for GSA: Self funded, a student loan or DADA.

Course fees, acting pathway is £9,000.

Location = Positive

Entry requirements for GSA are AAB-ABB A-levels grades

GCSE English Language and Maths at a Grade C or above

BTEC Extended Diploma- DDD

I am predicted a C in GCSE Maths and hoping for Distinctions in my Btec.

Auditions prices are £45. Early application is advised. Auditions are held between November and May each year.

The only cost for the application process is the fee for the audition.

Why is this course for me?

This course offers exactly what im aiming for; three years of great actor advice.

The location is positive as its fairly near my hometown.

Finance is a slight issue especially including prices for audtions on top of this.

Ive heard GSA are an excellent uni.

Post-training

No further education would be nessasary after college or afterGSA.

My career aims is to be an actress which GSA will push me further to succeed. 

Lighting and Design career talk

Here is the script with all the same information from the PowerPoint for Lighting and Design Technology.

What courses are available for a lighting designer?

We researched the University of South Wales. The university offers courses for Lighting and Design, such as ;

·         BSc (Hons) Lighting and Design Technology

·         Live events with Foundation year

·         BSc (Hons) Live event Technology

·         BSc (Hons) Live event Technology (Foundation)

·         Foundation Degree Sound and Lighting

·         Foundation and Live even Technology

What topics will you study?

In your first year, you will cover;

·         Lighting Principles 1

·         Design electrical installations

·         Electrical technology

·         Introduction to Lighting and Design

·         Flying and rigging principles

·         Video and sound technology

In year two,

·         Lighting principles 2

·         Lighting control and special effects

·         Business and safety

·         Power system

·         Environmental Lighting and design

·         Environmental lighting design

And in your final year, you will cover;

·         Integrated technologies honours group projects (40 credits)

·         Business and project management

·         Independent study

·         Advanced computer lighting design and applications

·         Performance lighting design

Entry Requirements

To be able to apply for this course, you will need to have

A minimum of 5 qualifications at a C or above, A levels or equivalent.

Experience is always useful. On the website, they suggest that “Candidates taking this course are expected to demonstrate their motivation and enthusiasm and that they have the potential to benefit from attending university”

You need to be willing to pay… the fees are over £5000 per year!

And as a part of your application for this course, you will be asked to provide a Personal statement explaining your reasons for applying for this specific course.

Experience and employment

The South Wales uni has close ties with local companies who specify in Lighting and design. So students are often invited to see the companies headquarters.

Equipment is loaned out by the company for the use of the students on this course. And guest lectures can take place from employees of the company.

The course is taught through different lecturers, tutorials and practical workshops. They also get experience as Event crew theatre crew and designing the lighting for shows.

What skills and experiences might I need to gain/ already have?

Work experience or any form of experience in theatre such as in productions, in small shows and knowledge of the use of equipment in the department

Lighting designer or helped design lights for shows

Common knowledge and the basics of lighting and design

GCSE or a level results for courses based around this uni course

Did you know? That the UK is the world’s leader in lighting?

 The website we used to collect this information was;

The South Wales University webpage.

 http://www.southwales.ac.uk/

Specially searching Lighting and Design technology to narrow my results.

Drama school research #1

DRAMA SCHOOLS:

Guildford School of Acting- GSA:

BA (Hons) Acting- Trinity College London Diploma in Proffessional Acting.

3 years Full-time

Specific modules include;

·        Storytelling

·        Naturlism

·        American realism

·        Focus based on Stanislavski and Lecoq

YEAR TWO

·        Shakespeare

·        Comedy and professional development

Skills needed to apply;

AAB-AAB A-level grades,

GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths grade at C or above

Btec Level 3 Extended Diploma- DDD (Distincitions)

Funding options;

Self funded

Student loan- Those who undertake three years at GSA can apply for a loan

Dance and Drama award (DADA)- which subsides a percentage of tuition fees and maintenance costs

Acting pathway: £9,000 from Home/EU

Location = Positive.

The requirements are positive, as I’m working on my GCSE Maths grade and will receive the Btec Extended Diploma grades.  I can apply for a student loan if I take on this three year course. The subjects taught, I already know bits about and will learn more during my two years at college. The location is good as near home. This course is for me because it teaches a wide range of elements of acting; which is the main reason why I wanted to go to drama school; to gain as much knowledge of drama and experiences in performing and then teach all my knowledge to children who want to follow the same profession route. I have studied Chekhov at college and thoroughly enjoyed it, and am looking forward to covering him in more depth and getting the opertunity to try out more of his plays. Comedy is a favourite style of acting however I am not very good at it, so GSA can teach me more about it which will allow me to identify if its a strong or a weak point for me in acting. 

DRAMA SCHOOLS:

LAMDA

Drama school courses- BA (Hons) Proffesional Acting

Three year course

Including:

·        Improvisation

·        Voice

·        Movement

·        Singing

·        Physical Theatre

·        Stage combat

·        Dance

Skills needed; There are no academic requirements to apply

Funding options;

Sudent loans- For undergraduate students, are eligible for student loans

Audition and interview costs can be edited if you are; a UK resident, new to Higher education or have an annual household income of less than £25,000

Location: Positive

The grade requirements are perfect as none needed but I will have a grade in Btec Drama which will help. Funding options means that can apply for student loans and also, being a UK resident, I can apply for edited Audition and Interview fees. The subjects/modules and new to me in the world of acting so I will be taught new things. The location is positive, but I would prefer one nearer to home. This course interests me because they cover singing and dance. I've not done either of these in the form of acting/drama but it will be interesting for me to be able to incorporate these into different pieces and performances. Physical theatre is a topic which we covered thoroughly in college so this will be a skill i can bring into LAMDA and extend my knowledge and experience to the drama school level. 

DRAMA SCHOOLS:

 The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts:

Three year B.A (Hons) Acting Degree Course

 For Students over 18 years.

Course structure:

·        Performances, live or recorded

·        Velocity exit course structure

·        The final grades are based on the performances of the three years

·        Acting

·        Voice

·        Movement

·        Singing skills are measured

·        Technical skills

Awards & Funding For Three year Diploma & Degree courses

Fees are payable termly in advance

Location: Positive

I’ve heard that this drama school is excellent. They offer a large range of subjects that will be covered including singing which will be new to me. The location, I would prefer something nearer to home so I can visit etc. This course is for me because, again, it teaches different topics to what Ive done before now which is why i want to experience drama school. Technical skills ie lighting and staging is something Ive only seen been done by others and the precision and computer logging has interested me so this would be something i would enjoy trying out. 

Portsmouth uni research

Portsmouth University

What skills do I already have?

My current course is at South Downs College, Level 3 Acting Extended Diploma

The grades that I have are;

·         English Language B

·         English Literature B

·         Mathematics D (In progress)

·         Science Additional E

·         Science C

·         French C

·         Business and Communications A

·         Ethics and Philosophy C

·         Geography C

·         Drama C

·         Media (Btec) D*

Modules covered in College so far;

Stanislavski, Anton Chekhov, Physical Theatre (Frantic Assembly)

Extra-Curricular activities related to Drama- Merchistoun Hall Youth Arts (MHYA) is an out of ‘school’ drama club. Joined August 2013.

The skills that I have are organised, confident, reliable, polite, approachable.

Skills, qualities and experience I’ve yet to gain are; a attitude ‘teacher-like’, strict, to-the-point, experience in teaching, working with children. I gained my DofE award which really showed me that I can work well in a team, especially in hard situations such as getting lost in a moor. This skill is great to have as an actor because we are always around other people, directors and other actors. There will be times that we have the responsibility to work on lines individually etc but the main key about being an actor is being with a cast. 

My career aim/ aspirations?

I would like to teach Drama to secondary school students. This job includes being able to work with children, teaching at a GCSE level. The skills/experiences needed for this job role are working with children, organised, confident speaker and talking to others or large groups and clear understanding of performances and exam techniques.

How do I get there?

Portsmouth University

PGCE Teacher Training course

PGCE has three interconnected strands; Professional Studies, Curriculum Studies and School Experience.

·         Teaching and learning process

·         Special education needs

·         Post 16 education and training

·         Curriculum provision in secondary

·         Post compulsory education

·         Aspects of Initial Teacher Training  (ITT)

·         Education management

·         Early years curriculum provision

·         Child health and well-being

·         Digital natives

·         Children cultures

The skills they will help me develop are gaining knowledge in the specific subject including a three week subject knowledge enhancement course.

Finance options include; No fees up-front or pay in advance. PGCE trainees may be eligible for financial support. Alumni discount available.

Halls of Residence fees; the £250 advanced rent (accommodation deposit)

The location is: Very Positive. This course interests me because it focusses on just training to teach which has been something I have always wanted to do. Children cultures and health and well-being will both be something I have never experienced so this course will really teach me new things. I want to go to both drama school and university because I want to bring all my knowledge I have a pass it on to children who want to follow my career path and become an actor or drama teacher. One of my main pulls for becoming a drama teacher was having such a great teacher, whom taught me drama for a full 5 years. She really inspired me and got me into the thrills of acting.

What skills/requirements do I need to get in?

Hoping to receive Distinctions in my college course and predicted a C grade in Mathematics.

Requirements for a PGCE are; achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in GCSE examinations in English, Mathematics and a Science subject.

There is no audition process for this course but for the interview you are asked to provide a 10 minute teaching session on your chosen subject to teach to a group of students.

Why is this course for me?

What the course offers does support my skills and the career I want to take.

The location is very local to me, which means I can either stay on site or live at home still. The Ofsted report of Portsmouth Uni was very good too.

Post-training

Further education being a Uni course of Drama then onto a PGCE for teaching the subject. Career aims is to become a drama teacher in the future. The course will set me up for a qualified teacher.