The
Williamson Movement Technique is physical
training for the actor. It was created by Loyd Williamson
who trained as an actor with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood
Playhouse in New York City. He also trained and worked in
the dance company of Anna Sokolow. This Technique reflects
his experiences with Meisner and Sokolow. The original facility
that offers this training is the Actors' Movement Studio
in New York City, and the Technique is still taught here
today.
At the Actors
Movement Studio we teach a physical process that
focuses on how the body establishes a connection to an imaginary
world and how they can shape the behavior that flows out
of this connection. We concentrate on freedom in the muscles
that control breath; physical balance and alignment; an
open throat and clear vibration of sound; and the creation
of characters that embody this technique.
The work in its
broadest sense is concerned with the physical aspects of
communication. This Technique focuses on how the human body
operates within the physical aspects of communication. The
Technique addresses communication as it relates to two simple
and discreet activities:
1. The opening, taking in and receiving of information.
2. The release of behavior in response to an experience.
In
order for this exchange to be meaningful, there must be
a true connection or contact with another person, circumstance
or some other aspect to the environment.
In order to make
the connection or contact in the beginning of the artistic
process, the senses must be involved. Alternatively, the
Technique focuses on how the body processes experiences
through the five senses, and stimulates truthful behavior
when we are involved with the circumstances and relationships
of the imaginary world of a script.
This Technique is
unlike any other physical training for the actor due to
its focus on the body as a processing tool. This is especially
helpful in the creation of the inner life of the actor:
the imagination and the emotional connection. The Technique
is very useful for opening the actor to his or her own impulses,
and freeing them for truthful and vivid behavior.
The following physical elements of the actor are explored
in the class:
1. Availability: The physical and emotional
components of the body.
2. Imagination: The ability to physically
inhabit your own unique creative inspiration.
3. Expressiveness: The permission to
behave in a free and instinctive way.
4. Awareness: of your own habits, body
and self.
5. Physical Skills: breath, alignment,
ease of motion and control.
