Betsy Polatin Books

Each of us has an everyday self that we assume our self to be. But what if there is more to us than meets the eye? What if there is an expanded version of our self that includes not only the habitual patterns, the lost parts, and the innate organization but also a connection to the grand, scintillating space of the universe and the possibilities it offers us? HUMAN UAL is a unique and comprehensive approach to self-knowledge and self-improvement, offering a clear, concise, and rather simple set of explanations and exercises to facilitate understanding and unity of body, mind, and spirit. Many of us have lost our connection to each other, the planet, ourselves, and our bodies, causing distress and discomfort. But in actuality, we have a wealth of resources inside of us that we can learn to enliven and use to our advantage to access health and well-being. Anyone can use the exercises in this book for personal exploration and growth. You will HUMAN UAL will help you learn to use what you already have within you . . . and expand your full potential! Learn to do whatever you do with just a bit more presence in every minute. The book is both instructional and inspirational.

Offering revolutionary training for actors, this guide teaches performers to integrate the Alexander Technique, Somatic Experiencing®, and Breathing Coordination to alleviate performance anxiety, enhance stage presence, and promote overall well-being. These kinesthetic disciplines facilitate profound change and healing through body-mind reeducation. Part I outlines the principles of each technique. The Alexander Technique emphasizes altering inefficient movement habits and tension patterns that restrict ease of movement. Breathing Coordination enhances breathing capacity and awareness, while Somatic Experiencing® addresses emotional trauma by tracking bodily sensations to restore vitality. Enhanced with over 100 instructive photos, Parts II and III provide explorations and exercises based on these methods. Topics include the significance of presence and non-doing, vocalization mechanics, character understanding, and the actor's journey from auditions to performance, covering script preparation, rehearsal, monologue, and scene work. Developed by Betsy Polatin, a movement specialist and master lecturer at Boston University's College of Fine Arts, the exercises offer actors simple tools for their craft. Unlike typical self-help approaches that emphasize "doing," this book reveals the power of "non-doing," allowing actors to recognize and suspend habitual patterns, unlocking deeper artistic choices.