Breath in Action looks at the significance of breath to human life - not just the simple fact that if we stop breathing, we die, but also the more subtle ways in which our breath interacts with our voice and our being. Written by experts in vocal and holistic practice, the book is divided into four sections: Breath and the Body; Breath and the Mind; Breath and Holistic Practice; Breath and Performance.

It offers the latest theories from a variety of disciplines on how we can be taught to breathe better so as to communicate better, act or sing better, feel better, live better. Combining theory with practice, many of the chapters also offer clearly laid out breathing exercises and techniques.

Interdisciplinary in its focus, Breath in Action adds to specialist knowledge in the performance field, whilst also offering enlightening information for those interested in therapeutic and healing processes, movement, and voice and speech sciences.

A wealth of information and strategies on the art of breath and vocal communication

About the Author
Jane Boston is Senior Voice Practitioner and Head of Artistic Research and Development at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Voice Studies from the Central School of Speech and Drama, London. In her 20 year teaching career she has served as voice teacher, acting teacher and director in a number of educational institutions and theatres, including the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and the Central School of Speech and Drama. Jane divides her time between work in London and home in Brighton, where she lives with her partner and their daughter, Ella. Rena Cook is Head of Voice at the University of Oklahoma School of Drama where she teaches voice, speech and dialects. In her 20-year career, she has served as voice and dialect coach or director for over 200 productions and she is a distinguished actress, presenter and voice-over artist. Rena holds an MA in Voice Studies from the Central School of Speech and Drama and an MFA in Directing from the University of Oklahoma. She has taught lawyers, politicians, teachers, and supervisors to use the voice more effectively though her private business, Vocal Authority. Rena lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Joe.

Reviews
The mystery of breath continues to intrigue us. We still do not know all the answers but as Judylee Vivier says, there is nothing really new: "The basic principles are definitive but there are many doors through which we can enter the same room". On this basis, this is an intersting addition to any practitioner's bookshelf. -- Voice Matters
This is an inexpensive and fascinating book for those interested in finding out more about what influences the theatre voice practitioner. -- Speech & Language Tharepy in Practice
Breath in Action offers a rich tapestry of approaches to effective breathing that occasionally contrast, but mostly complement each other... The writers of Breath in Action are literally and figuratively filled with inspiration. May their wise words enlighten theatre artists for years to come. -- American Theatre



Book Information
ISBN 9781843109426
Author Katya Bloom
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 478g
Dimensions(mm) 243mm * 172mm * 13mm