The effects of breath and voice control on the acting performance

The purpose of this study presented as a Master's Thesis for the Graduate Theatre Programme of Haliç University (Turkey) Social Sciences Institute Theatre Department, is to analyse and determine the influence / effects of breath and voice control -two of the most important physical tools of an actor's main instrument, his body- on the acting performance on stage. The purpose and targets of the study are exposed in the introduction part. The second part is dedicated to the respiratory system of the human body. In this section, the human respiratory system and mechanism are described in a step-by-step fashion. Here, we explain how the air reaches the lungs after passing through the relevant organs once it enters the body through the mouth and nose. This part also delves in detail into the different types of breathing. The next section of the study depicts the formation processes of the voice. Here, the systems and mechanisms that create the voice in the body are presented, as well as the ways with which the actor can benefit from them. It is crucial for an actor to be acquainted with the possible disorders and discomforts that may arise during the use of the voice on stage, for the voice is an actor's most important communication tool. Therefore, the end of this part is dedicated to possible vocal disorders. The fourth section is entitled "The Effect of Breath and Voice Control on the Acting Performance". Here, we illustrate why the breath is of the utmost importance for an actor, how he must wield it and the possible issues he might encounter while using it. We then state the measures to be taken by the actor when using the voice and the positive effects of the right and healthy use of the voice can have on the acting performance. The fifth section of the study suggests vocal exercices that will improve and sustain the actor's vocal health. Keywords: Theater, actress, actor, breath, sound