Acting and Singing with Archetypes

Acting and Singing with Archetypes is a performance training method that expands the performer’s imaginative, physical and vocal range leading to more fully developed characterizations on stage. With effectiveness and efficiency, this method complements all performance training practices.

Process

Using individual storytelling narratives from myths and legends for each archetype - Benevolent Leader, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, and more – the performers are guided to bring forth their own vocal, physical and psychological elements of each archetype. Discoveries are then applied to character building in rehearsal and performance.

This work was developed by Frankie Armstrong, documented, and expanded by Janet Rodgers with the methodology fully described in the book, Acting and Singing with Archetypes.

From the Forward by Kristin Linklater

"Each individual voice has its dark and its light, its depths and its heights. Armstrong and Rodgers are not afraid of the wildness and potential chaos that may ensue when the magic powers of ancient archetypes are entertained in a permissive environment of seductive story-telling and percussive sound-making. The forms of their exercises are strong and clear enough to welcome the uncivilized content of the imaginative response to archetypal suggestion and marshal it firmly toward artistic results."