AboutJ. Spyder Isaacson Expertise Especially the Seattle theatre scene. Seattle is the number two theatre city of the nation, having more theatres than any other city (including Chicago!) except New York. I know the reputations of most of the local theatres, have worked with quite a number of them, and am currently earning the majority of my livelihood through live theatre. Beyond that, I have been a working professional for the past 10 years (after a long career in an unrelated field), have done just about everything in the field, and have done every possible type of theatre. Currently, I am also pursuing a new (and unexpected!) career as an animated film producer. (PLEASE NOTE that I am NOT an expert in music!)
Experience I have been an award-winning actor, singer, playwright, director and administrator (on various levels, all categories) for the past 30 years. A large part of my expertise has been with live theatre, although I do have a minor connection to filmed theater. I have done musicals, straight dramas, straight comedies, and experimental theatre.
Question QUESTION: dear professional:
I use to read books in a loudy voice to may doughter, but, after 20 minutes of reading my throat aches me a lot. I friend of mine who is singer adviced me to relax when being talking or reading but I do not know how...
Thank for your advice
ANSWER: Thank you for a more unique question than usual!
Your singing friend is partially correct. Relaxing the vocal chords does make speaking loudly a bit easier. Even so, there is a better way.
One of the disappearing techniques in acting (thanks to the increased use of microphones and P.A. systems) is the process of projection. This is where you breathe from the diaphragm and use that force to provide the power in your voice.
To get an idea what this technique is like, try performing the following exercise:
* Take a belt and wrap it comfortably around your torso above the waist.
* Take a deep breath and try to use the incoming air to push against the belt. (This pushes the air against the diaphragm.)
* Speak loudly using this air.
This technique is used to give volume and force to actors voices so that they can be heard to the back of the theatre. (In my case, one acting job I had required that I could be heard across 20 acres of woodlands.) And this technique should help you save your voice, because the volume will come from the diaphragm instead of from strained vocal chords.
Break a leg, and let me know if this helps!
-- Spyder
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QUESTION: dear friend:
you have at least cleared things to me. I thought that to talk I should always project my voice, but according to you, it is just necessary when you are not going to use microphones in the middle of you and the audience. Well. from now on , I just will warm my voice up, and talk relaxed and just with the amount of voice needed., Am I right? Could you give me your private email adress for further help? If you come to Venezuela please, let me know...
Answer Actually, my answer was intended to apply to *any* situation where you need to be heard in a loud voice. Projection works equally well with small groups (even two people if you need to speak loudly) or large crowds.
The key is that by having the proper breath support, you strain your vocal chords less - the power comes from the air, not the larynx. Just relax your vocal chords and let the breath do all the work.
I'm afraid I can't give out my e-mail address, and am not (likely) going to be in Venezuela soon, but feel free to ask me any additional questions you have.
