Wednesday we are going to be using a simple, but important exercise that can be done in the comfort of your home! We want to encourage young actors that even though there is no stage, they can still work on their acting abilities and have fun!
Wednesday’s drama exercise is….Breathing Techniques!
Breathing is an essential activity that you do daily. It is very important to an actor because it helps with focus and contributes to vocal quality. Your breathing can control how you sound. If you are nervous and your breathing is uneasy, but you are playing a strong character who is calm then your character won’t come across as calm and strong. Below is a breathing technique that can help with mastering breathing. This technique is used in both acting and even helps with singing.
Let’s Get Started!
- Find a comfortable flat spot on the floor.
- Lay down on your back with your face up to where you are looking at the ceiling.
- Place a hand on your stomach, close to where your diaphragm is(right below where your ribs end)
- Now you are going to start breathing. Be sure you are breathing only through your nose and not through your mouth for the whole exercise.
- Breathe in until you feel your stomach inflating/rising like a balloon. Breathe in as much air as possible.
- Next, you are going to breathe out slow and easy while making a “hmm” sound.
- Repeat these steps again.
The time frame for this can be about 15-30 minutes, although you can take longer times if needed. That 15-30 minutes a day can get your breathing and vocal quality right on track. Although it may seem a simple exercise, it has big effects on making you a better actor.
For more individual acting exercises and breathing techniques, check out:
“Seven Acting Exercises To Do Alone” https://methodactingforme.com/acting-exercises-to-do-alone/
“Breathwork for Actors” https://expand-a-lung.com/breathwork-for-actors/