Anatomy and physiology of Voice and Speech

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Learning Outcome 1 Anatomy and physiology of Voice and Speech

HNC Acting and Performance

Alignment

1) Alignment is the way in which the body holds itself. The position of the skeletal frame which affects posture.

2)  As an actor awareness of good alignment is important because it affects the way you breathe and your voice. Also it makes it easier to see what adjustments need to be made when portraying a character.

3)    Cervical

        Thoracic

        Lumbar

        Sacrum

        Coccyx

 

4)  There are various different areas that we need to look at in order to work towards a more effective alignment. An example of a good stance would be:

   

    Feet hip width apart, and parallel with each other

    Feet contacting the floor at the heel, the outer edge and the ball

    Pressing the weight down onto the feet

    Knees released or loose

    Pelvis central – not tipped to the back or front

    Energy rising up through the lower spine to the head

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    Chest and ribs open

    Shoulders open and free, hanging arms with space under the armpits

    Head lightly balancing on the top of the spine not tipped forward or back

5) Without good body and spinal alignment breathing isn’t as efficient and the voice will                                                                                collapse. Good alignment opens the voice and creates more ...

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