The journeys in Acting and Singing with Archetypes are based on the
Voices of the Archetypes and Myths workshops that Frankie Armstrong has
conducted throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States. Primarily
geared toward theatre teachers, directors, and theatre workshop leaders,
this groundbreaking, interactive book - with an accompanying CD - shows
actors and singers how to expand their creative choices by taking
journeys to find the archetypes within themselves. Archetypes are
universal essences that we all recognize: the Mother, the Lover, the
Trickster, the Spiritual and Temporal Leader. Each one is not a fully
developed character but rather its essence - images, forms, voices,
bodies and psychological elements - around which a performer can
organize a portrayal and begin full character development. The first
part of the book contains sixteen archetype journeys. Each archetype
journey is accompanied by preparatory explorations for the voice, body,
and imagination. The CD, sung by Ms. Armstrong, provides songs and
examples of vocal ornamentation to prepare and assist the journeyer. The
second part of the book contains suggestions on how to apply the
discoveries to real acting situations, explaining how to use the
archetypes in the creation of multifaceted characters and in classroom
explorations such as mask making, improvisation, monologue, scene and
song work, and devising theatre.