Unearthing “Vocal Transparency” Part Two: The Integration of the Miller Voice Method and the Michael Chekhov Technique—Breath for Transformation

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article describes why the integration of the Miller Voice Method and Michael Chekhov Technique is useful for actors seeking to speak their character’s words with spontaneity, clarity, and specific point-of-view. Citing Dr. Arne Dietrich’s Transient Hypofrontality Theory, the article highlights how combining circular breathing techniques, such as Miller Voice Method’s Active Breath, with psychophysical practices, such as the Michael Chekhov Technique, can downregulate the higher order functions of the brain’s prefrontal cortex, leading to an altered state of consciousness. The characteristics of altered states of consciousness and their advantages for the actor is discussed. Also included in this article is an outline, created using the author’s teaching-based research, of a 10-step approach to the integration of the Miller Voice Method and Michael Chekhov Technique, as well as lessons learned from an actor’s case study, from process to performance.