Book Description

Customer Reviews (11)

Great!
I've been doing a lot of searching online about acting. I found some but I decided to get a book which I hoped would be more trutful and more exact. Well, it was! It gave information about a LOT of stuff. It seemed to be more about theater then movie acting but it was still a great book! Recommended reading: 12-20

Good introduction
I received this book as a gift.I had already been acting for a while, so some of the subjects I was already aware of.The book is a relatively quick read, but enjoyable.It covers basic things, like headshots, resumes, etc.I was most impressed by a small list of colleges with an excellent performing arts program.It covers a lot of topics, but nothing too thoroughly--like I said, a good beginner's book to open up the world of acting to someone who is unfamiliar with it.If you are looking for an in-depth history, technique, etc., this is not a wise choice.This is a fun book overall, and it definitely covers a lot of material.

basic
Helpful but basic

If your looking for a little more humor and an easy to followproactive guide with sound information try picking up a copy of Twelve Step Plan to Becoming an Actor in LA. It has been the top pick in NY this winter.

Sandy Lopez
NY

Great book for beginning actors
I thought that this was a great book. Some stuff was really stuff that you would already probably know if you were serious about acting but I guess it's an ok book for beginners. It did help me a little.

A good book for aspiring actors
This book is pretty good. Some of the chapters were a little off the subject, but for the most part this is a must-have.

This book takes you step by step, through thewhole process. It tells you how to present your resume, what type of photo's you should have made of yourself, and how much it will cost to be a working actor.

The second chapter, "BASIC TOOLS OF THE ACTOR" tells how you can use your body as your tools. The book lists warm up exercises that you can do to prepare yourself for an audition or play. There are vocal exercises and more.

In the tenth chapter it tells how some agents and casting directors like to scam amuater actors. It tells how to avoid them and how to get out of a situation like that. It says to trust your feelings when you feel uncomfortable about something. You should get this book if you want to know how to begin acting. ... Read more

Book Description
"A workhorse of a workbook!"--Library Journal

* New edition includes more classroom tips and ideas for teachers
* Useful for acting students, working actors, and in schools and colleges
* Long-term practice exercises and quick one-day brush-ups for auditions

American actors, fear Shakespeare no more! Through a series of inspiring, easy-to-follow exercises, an acclaimed director and drama coach shows both students and experienced actors how to break down the verse, support the words, understand the images, and use the text to create vibrant, living performances. This popular guide has been revised and expanded to include the unique challenges facing teachers and their students in performing Shakespeare's works, as well as time-tested tools for overcoming these obstacles. Effective delivery, correct breathing, scansion, phrasing, structure and rhythm, caesura, and more are covered. For text analysis and character interpretation, both classical British training and American methods are explored. In addition to ongoing, long-term practice exercises, Clues to Acting Shakespeare offers a one-day brush-up section to prep actors cast to play Shakespearean roles immediately. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Clues to Acting Shakespeare
This is a user friendly and practical guide for high school theatre teachers. The exercises are useful and the worksheets tremendous. I have just completed a unit of Shakespearean scenes with my second and third year students and this was a helpful resource.For a more indepth book try Speaking Shakespeare Speaking Shakespeare ... Read more

Book Description
For the first time--insights from 50 of the most distinguishedacting teachers in America

* Priceless gathering of wisdom and experience
* The biggest names in acting: Michael Howard, Lloyd Richards, OlympiaDukakis, dozens more
* Stunning, revealing photographs of acting teachers and their fineststudents
* A must-have for every acting student or working actor

Acting Teachers of America presents detailed, revealing interviewswith 50 of the most influential contemporary American acting teachers, aswell as actors and directors who teach acting. Michael Howard, LloydRichards, Olympia Dukakis, John Strasberg, Larry Moss, Anne Bogard, ZeldaFichandler, William Esper, Eric Morris, Terry Schreiber, Anne Jackson,Milton Katselas, Andre De Shields, Michael Kahn, and MarianSeldes are just a few of the contributors who offer a rare glimpse intothe world of actor training in the United States. Through theseilluminating interviews--including rare conversations with well-knownformer students plus unforgettable photos--readers gain insight into howthe craft is taught and how these distinguished teachers continue to have aprofound impact on our culture.

With a foreword by J. MichaelMiller, president of The Actors Center in New York City,Acting Teachers of America is a must-read for anyone training for alife in the theater, in film, or in television, and for everyone interestedin the performing arts and our nation's rich cultural life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Repetitive questioning undermines interest
The acting coaches featured in the book are certainly among the best known and for many actors the most inspirational they were priviledged to study with.

The problem I had with the book was that asking ONLY the same questions in the same sequence of them all got boring
and predictable.I would have found the interviewing alot more interesting, even intriguing if there was some variation in the format.This could have included perhaps
some personal anecdotes from these coaches about their own experiences when acting. But this wouldn't be so possible when the interviewer is sticking only to those
predetermined set of questions.

A top study
Libraries strong in performing arts representations will find ACTING TEACHERS OF AMERICA a top study representing the teachings and ideas of a professional group of American acting teachers. Interviews ask questions about acting in this country, from approaches to teaching acting, voice and body work to changing methods of teaching and acting. What differentiates ACTING TEACHERS OF AMERICA from the usual 'how to act' title is that the insights come from practicing, long-time drama teachers who lend additional insights into the evolution of modern drama.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch ... Read more

Book Description

Stella Adler was one of the 20th Century's greatest figures. She is arguably the most important teacher of acting in American history. Over her long career, both in New York and Hollywood, she offered her vast acting knowledge to generations of actors, including Marlon Brando, Warren Beatty, and Robert De Niro. The great voice finally ended in the early Nineties, but her decades of experience and teaching have been brilliantly caught and encapsulated by Howard Kissel in the twenty-two lessons in this book.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

she is amazing
i got this book to help me in my acting classes. I started reading it and i had a highlighter whith which i was planning to underline all the important stuff. Well i ccould not stop highlighting; every single paragraph in this book is pure genius. I already started developing as an actress more efficiently and faster than i used to, i wish i met her before she died...

the only criticism...she is too abrupt. She is harsh with you. even if she does not kknow you personally, she stil attacks the young actor. this can be rude, but her directions are always right. If u are an actor, you NEED this book. Acting teachers should read it too. I had some horrible teachers in my life

Not Just For Actors
This is one of the best books I read in 2006.It was recommended to me by a professional speaker who promised that the insights in the book were useful to not just professional actors, but rang true for any profession.He was right, this is a must read for business professionals, as well as the actors.

I read it with vigor and was thrilled to see the wisdom in each paragraph. I have recommended this book to friends who have thanked me for linking them up with this amazing publication.

If you are considering reading this book, just do it.

An amazing book about an amazing woman.A++++
This is going to the top of the "books my kids must read" when they are going off to college or leaving home.This book is a supposedly a series of Stella Adler's lectures about acting, but it is also very inspirational as a series of lectures about how to live.

Addler says that "The whole thing about acting is to give.The actor must above everything be generous.He doesn't hoard his riches...But before you can be giving and magnanimous, you must have something to give.Ideas don't come from your legs.They don't come from your voice.They come from your mind.The theatre is built on developing your mind.It's an education for your mind."

She works on critical seeing, self-awareness, discipline, self-control - skills that are important to everyone, not just actors.She discusses the importance of developing your imagination, "Eventually your imaginative reach will extend to other things, until you can say, I know how it feels to be in mourning, how it feels to be isolated, what it means to be abandoned, what it's like to be engaged or to be married."She means this in the context of acting on stage, but for the non-actor, it translates into becoming truly empathetic, to being able to truly understand and communicate with others.

Every page is full of memorable comments:

"You must be aware that even a subject of profound importance can be trivialized and degraded if you haven't the energy and interest to match it."

"Sometimes, when a husband and a wife go on a trip together, he might say, "My God!Do you know what that is?Why that's Notre Dame!" and she replies, "Yes I know.I can see it."They are seeing in Notre Dame something entirely different.As actors you must make everything you see come alive."

"You will fail.That's great.Here's a secret for you - that's the only way you can learn.Learning has to cost you something."

And on and on and on!She must have been such a strong, amazing woman, so completely different from anyone in my own solidly suburban middle class life.It is profoundly uplifting to hear her voice through the pages of this book.I highly, highly recommend this book.

The ultimate Guide to a successful Life!
This book was recommended to me by my mentor and coach Bob Proctor (watch DVD "The Secret"!!!) as an inspiring read for living the life I want.
Receiving the book and spending an hour disappearing in it, leaning with my partner (it was her birthday gift) over the kitchen counter forgetting time while being totally absorbed by the Truth these pages contain.
A must have in every serious library!
Acting? Yeah, learn to ACT! Right action is what propels us forward in life. Why not learn from a pro?!!

Essential
Stella Adler was considered one of the best (perhaps the best) acting teachers of all time. This books give concrete ways to become a better actor and, I believe, at the same time become a more fully developed human being. It is an inspiring book full of wisdom and thought provoking ideas. Definitely worthwhile. ... Read more

Book Description
This book directly addresses all performers who sing and act, whether in opera, musical theatre or music-theatre. By looking beyond the separate acts of singing and acting the performer builds up a greater awareness of how the two interrelate to form a single powerful expression. Using games, exercises and discussion, this book takes a stimulating approach to the demands made upon today's performers, and will equip both the experienced professional and the student to take full advantage of rehearsal and performance. With advice on approaches to learning music, interpreting scores, and building characters, it provides a long-awaited innovative resource for performers, directors, workshop leaders and teachers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is a revelation!
I think any musical theatre or opera performer will relate to the accessible and sympathetic way De Mallet Burgess and Skilbeck communicate their ideas. They have a real insider's grasp of their subject. I've had a go at some of the exercises and I am already becoming aware of aspects of my stage work that I know will benefit. What makes this book so enjoyable is that it is written from the performer's point of view. There is never any attempt to mystify. Quite the opposite - the gauntlet of detailed technical excellence is thrown down without ever forgetting that the ultimate aim is to put on a jolly good show; probably underfunded; possibly underrehearsed but with heart and soul. Excellent! ... Read more

Book Description
"Fascinating anedcotes about Adler's wit and style make this book an entertainment to read..." - Choice"Rotte's account creates a vivid portrait of Adler as a consummate teacher and a complex woman." -Theatre Journal ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Joanna Rotte has written an brilliant book.
At first, you could be not attracted by this book to give you an explanation of Stella Adler's Techniques of Acting. Because Joanna Rotte "seems" to be an external person from Adler's Techniques. You would be wrong. It' s not the case. Joanna Rotte has been in touch with Stella Adler for 3 years as a student, then as an actress. Therefore, she has a great understanding of Adler's Techniques. But, the most important, she has been able to organize this knowledge in a book which is CLEAR, complete, precise. If you' re interested by Adler' s Techniques of Acting, get it. ... Read more

Book Description
It is virtually impossible to discuss modern acting or actor training without first mentioning the Russian thoerist and director Konstantin Stanislavsky. Complete in one volume, Mel Gordon explores the actor training systems of Stanislavsky and his two most important disciples, Evgeni Vakhtangov and Michael Chekhov, tracing the major teachings and refinements over the first 50 years of use by actors. Gordon reconstructs the actual exercises taught at the Moscow Art Theatre and various Russian acting studios, and he clears away the myths and confusion about the practical use of Stanislavsky's System. This volume contains: The Stanislavsky System - First Studio Exercises 1912-1916; Vakhtangov as Rebel and Theoretician - Exercises 1919-1921; Michael Chekhov - Exercises 1919-1952; and Stanislavsky's Fourth Period - Theory of Physical Actions, 1934-1938. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I adore mr Gordon (by Theater Student)
I adore this book.It made me understand what our teachers try to explain to us in such unclear and tortous way.
If you're involved in theater and/or acting I've one advice for you: READ THIS.

Gordon clears up misconceptions concerning Stanislavski.
Before I read his novel, I had my doubts about Stanislavski. I had tried active memory with some disastrous results. However, Gordon clarifies these misconceptions and others in his novel.

He begins each section byexplaining the lives of Stanislavski and his disciples (Chekov andVakhtangov). Hence, the reader gets an understanding of the motivations foreach section or interpretation of the System. Furthermore, Gordon givesexercises designed by each man that are useful for actors. Perhaps thegreatest thing I gained from this novel is an understanding of whatdisciple of the System I follow. Chekov and I have similar views on acting.If I had not read this novel, I may never have discovered this. My adviceto any young actor who is persuing the Stanislavski's System as a methodfor acting to read this insightful book ... Read more

Book Description
To those for whom the monologue has always been synonymous with terror, The Monologue Workshop will prove an indispensable ally. Jack Poggi's new book answers the long-felt need among actors for top-notch guidance in finding, rehearsing, and performing monologues. For those who find themselves groping for a speech just hours before their "big break," this book is their guide to salvation. The Monologue Workshop supplies the tools to discover new pieces before they become over-familiar, excavate older material that has been neglected, and adapt material from non-dramatic sources (novels, short stories, letters, diaries, autobiographies, even newspaper columns). There are also chapters on writing original monologues and creating solo performances in the style of Lily Tomlin and Eric Bogosian. Step by step, Poggi works with the actor in the rehearsal process, combining improvisation and textual analysis in the acclaimed technique that he has developed over thirty years of teaching. Besides the wealth of practical advice he offers, Poggi transforms the monologue experience from a terrifying ordeal into an exhilarating solo opportunity. Jack Poggi, as many working actors will attest, is the actor's partner in a process they had always thought was without one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Monologue Workshop by Jack Poggi
Monologues and just simple acting require some coaching and mentoring. Jack Poggi is one of the best in the world. He shares academic, professional and practical insights into the craft of acting. Do you want to bring more confidence and emotional credibility to your monologues and your acting in general? Purchase this book, read it and keep it as a source of reference. It works and it will improve your acting game.
JC ... New York City ... Read more

Book Description
This practical, step-by-step guide is organized into 18 lessons for achieving outstanding performance in acting and directing.This text offers an alternative to the Stanislavsky "method" and teaches another way of arriving at emotions, which is described in detail throughout the text. MARKETS: Undergraduate and graduate courses in acting and directing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A very valuable point of view
In this compact, easy to read tome, the late Mr. Richardson (an experienced director besides teacher)attacks, debunks and demystifies the insipid acting cult known as "the method". Breaking down acting into simple (albeit far too simple-hence the 4 star rating)and applicable steps, Richardson approaches acting as a joyful and natural form of human expression.

While the book doesn't really provide as many usefull lessons (a few more would have earned the book a slightly higher rating)as attending a class would, it does communicate a clear philosophy that makes acting accessible to a wider variety of students.

Richardson attacks the psuedo-pyschiatric approaches made popular by too many 20th Century acting teachers and sticks to the very basics. A successful director himself (unlike the most of the pantheon of American Acting teachers- Adler, Meisner, Strassberg- Lewis being the exception)Richardson takes great pains to approach acting from both sides of the camera and stage. His teaching method is to make acting as painless as possible.

Too bad this is relatively hard to get ahold of. A valuable addition to any actor's library.

Interesting premise.Not 100% though.
Ultimately, yes, this is an interesing book.What makes it interesting is that it points out a lot of the flaws and pitfalls in 'Method' acting.That was something that I wrestled with for years.All the agony.I'd lost the joy in the process.That part makes this book interesting.However, these techniques, although they sound promising are a bit shallow and overly simplistic at times.I still think this is a worthwhile book.There are bits of it that are very good.I would just say to watch out for when it gets too gimmicky.Now, this is just my own experience, I want to be fair here, maybe others were able to make this work, but I tried his system for supposedly creating emotions and to me that is just a gimmicky way to work.I can't imagine how that could work for anyone.It sounds interesting but after trying it, the techniques given for emotions just fall flat (for me anyway).
The overall problem with this book is that it tries to create too many little 'tricks' at times.I don't think it quite works that way. My personal feeling is that you need to be thorough in your character choices, knowthe right questions to ask, and eventually trust your talent.BE.Be in the moment, with all the work you've done you then jump in and surrender to your talent.I don't think any little system can do that.I think it's a god given-surrendered kind of thing, not something you try to manipulate.That was at times the problem I had with this book.
Nevertheless, it does have some gems in it.Aside from the system for creating emotions, the rest of the book is very good.It points out the importance of a well chosen objective, he gives you good character questions and explains how to work on different styles.Also, he does find a nice way to simplify things.I did feel I learned some good things from this book.

This is the best book for actors and actresses in print.
After translating this book into spanish,I have had a very closerelationship with don richardson's text. I trust that this book will be asvaluable to spanish speaking theater students as it has been to englishspeaking actors and actresses.I would like to publish the work, and wouldlike to contact mr. richardson.

It's required reading in my class at Ball State university
The best book I ever read about the art of acting. It's simple and direct. I require it in my classes. Wonderful for directors as well

One of the top two books that I have ever read on Acting.
I had the good fortune to study with Don Richardson when I was living in California.What a treat to find this book recently while I was searchingfor theatre books on Amazon.com.Don's book is probably one of the top two books that I have ever read on Acting.It is clear, concise, and incredibly helpful for either the beginner or professional actor.I'm an actor, director, and am currently teaching a course on acting and I use Don's book at the top of my list of reference books.Thank you Don, for putting your ideas down on paper for us all ... Read more

Book Description
Tough love for the uninitiated actor meets from-the-trenches guide for working and aspiring actors in this young, hip look at the demanding acting profession. A working actor shares his "day player" insight to the hilarity and heartbreak of a thespian trying to find work. Readers will get an unvarnished overview of the state of the business of live theater and film and television; pitfalls (and values) of type casting; what to expect before, during, and after an actor training program; the grunt work of starting a career; actors' experiences with agents, managers, and casting directors; a day in the life of an actor looking for work; tips for how to keep going in the face of constant rejection; and much more. Actors will learn what they need to know the first day on the set and how to cope with the economic realities of life as an actor. Success stories and myth-shattering anecdotes from the front lines bring a personal, intriguing tone to this guide. Whether one is just starting out, trying to build career momentum, or trying to explain to mom what it means to be an "under-five," this is the backstage guide to the acting trade that everyone must read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Definitive
There is no better book on how to create and continue a career as a professional actor in today's entertainment industry.This book should be required reading in acting schools of every kind throughout the country.His lessons are rooted in thorough research and extensive personal experience.This is a comprehensive guide on the steps necessary to give actors their best chance of success in the actual arena of the business.This book also teaches you about the all important psychological and emotional resources needed to be a professional artist in America.We should all be grateful to Pugatch for taking valuable time out of his life and career to write it.This book is an act of great generosity to his peers.

Good Life Lessons
This a great, smartly written book. It is useful for both actors who are just starting out, as well seasoned professionals who want to get back to the basics of the business. The book gives new insight into the other side of the acting business, brilliantly articulating how important it is to be your own best agent, producer and ally - and taking it to the next step by giving practical advice on making that happen. Pugatch's retelling of his peers' experiences, as well as the use of his own personal trials and tribulations are both entertaining and invaluable. He reminds us that how no matter where you are in your career, there are always hurdles, as well as triumphs, along the way. I highly recommend this book.

Covers everything you'll need to know about the industry
ACTING IS A JOB: REAL LIFE LESSONS ABOUT THE ACTING BUSINESS provides both humor and solid insights as it covers the basics of the acting world and uses interviews with other working actors, agents, and directors to fill in any gaps. From a review of lie theatre, film and TV opportunities and experiences to the basics of locating good-paying work and how to handle training programs, ACTING IS A JOB covers everything you'll need to know about the industry.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

A must read!
This is the most helpful book about acting I have ever read. It is honest, candid, funny and so true! No sugar coating, no "just do this and you will make it!" It's a truthful look at how hard a business acting is, and how long it takes to build a career but also how rewarding it can be if it is your passion and you are patient and willing to stick through the tough times. This book shows you that it's okay to be an artist and a business person, and once you meld the two, you can have a career.

Acting is A Job is fantastic!
For the first time, an accurate and hilarious breakdown of what the acting business is really like. Thoroughly entertaining, concise and informative, the author strips away the frothy fantasy of Hollywood that is sold to the public and to beginning actors, preparing his reader for the emotional, practical and economic realities of the entertainment industry. A must read for veterans, novices, and their confused parents. ... Read more

Book Description
Mr. Caine gives you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rob him blind! The man who's hypnotized the camera lenses for a quarter of a century reveals the most closely guarded secrets on script preparation. working with the director, forming a character, voice, sound, and movement. Pearl by pearl he lays out the Caine wisdom on everything from set politics to set decorum, the film bureaucracy and more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Life between "Action" and "Cut"
A great book. Michael Caine is one of the best in the business, and part of the fun crowd.This book gives wonderful insight into the world of acting in film, behavior on/off the set, "the take," and more.

listen to what the man says...
acting is acting and if you can act onstage, you can act on-camera, probaly true but still before you make your move to the silver screen, read this book...Michael Cain reveals insider secrets, tips and straight forward talk about acting from a grand master..what a gem of a book for anyone interested in film...

Nothing but net...
This book is short and sweet, right to the point and actually pretty fun to read. Michael Caine knows what he's doing (ridiculously obvious comment of the day) and he gives a lot of great tips to actors and filmmakers alive. I am a director and I've read dozens of books on directing and there are things in this slim volume that I have never seen anywhere else.

Spot On
Michael Caine's awareness of what makes screen acting different than the stage, and his ability to perform with that awareness and then share it with others is a gift to all actors, as well as those who want to understand what makes an actor great and a movie superb or a bomb. There is nothing better for acting on screen.

a good tool for filmmakers and film actors
Caine provides a succinct account of where he's been and what he's learned in the world behind the camera.Tips are thrown at the actor as we visit Caine's memories and experiences in film.There were only a few pieces of knowledge I was able to pull from the text in the end, and in that sense I feel a little shortchanged.But the book was an interesting and easy read, and should be read by anyone whose experience behind the camera has been very minimal or independent.

Main theme:If you want to act and entertain OTHER PEOPLE, don't treat people like [...]. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not bad
This book presents a smorgasboard of acting games, which Levy often, but not always, links to specific acting techniques and reasons for teaching the specific activity.Rather than himself supporting any particular philosophy of acting or of teaching acting, he presents a wide array of activities that various teachers may or may not find helpful according to their own teaching philosophy.Only beginner teachers or teachers very new to theatre will learn about acting itself from his descriptions of the usefulness of each exercise, as the explanations of usefulness are often quite facile.This book could be relatively helpful to a teacher who already has developed her own philosophy of acting and of teaching and is simply looking for supplemental games.

Handy book for drama teachers
After buying many books about theatre games, I finally found one that is a real gem.I have almost tried every game in the book. It is a lifesaver.

An amazing book
I found at least one game in each section that worked for my class. The students loved it!

A fine gathering of tested theatre games for learning acting skills
Aspiring actors receive a fine gathering of tested theatre games for learning acting skills, divided into sections by type of skill learned, in the exercise set 112 Acting Games: A Comprehensive Workbook Of Theatre Games For Developing Acting Skills. From games devoted to increasing memorization and sensory awareness to improvisation and motor skills development routines, 112 Acting Games can apply equally well to adults and student actors.

A fine gathering of tested theatre games for learning acting skills
Aspiring actors receive a fine gathering of tested theatre games for learning acting skills, divided into sections by type of skill learned, in the exercise set 112 Acting Games: A Comprehensive Workbook Of Theatre Games For Developing Acting Skills. From games devoted to increasing memorization and sensory awareness to improvisation and motor skills development routines, 112 Acting Games can apply equally well to adults and student actors.
... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description
Recognized as a classic in its field, Acting with Style continues to be an invaluable guide to the process of approaching plays. The Third Edition retains all of the significant facts, data, information, and exercises, and offers a clear and warm writing style that expresses a sensitivity to the needs of actors. In addition to presenting the physical approach to actor training, the authors encourage readers to use the text materials and concepts with creativity and imagination, asserting that the process of discovering language is not limited to one specific time, place, or culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Understanding Style
Many people approach "style" in theatre as a play where wigs and tights are necessary.Harrop & Epstein do not attempt to disprove this notion, but rather detail the approach to acting in all dramatic genres i.e. greek, comedy, farce, tragedy, Shakespeare, etc.They also identify the necessity to understand the "style" of the piece being produced from an all areas and suggest exercises to unlock the meaning of the piece.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is afraid of a stylized play and is a necessary read for both actors and directors (especially those directors who have had little or no performance training). ... Read more

Book Description
Appropriate for any course in which students learn the basic principles of stage performance and acting, the seventh edition of this classic text builds on the strengths of the previous editions.Drawing on a wide range of dramatic materials, the author uses the Stanislavski method of acting as unifying concept in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Useful for anyone, even a non actor
Life is a stage and everyone is a performer and actor. If you want to understand yourself and possibly change behavior, this book is great. I have the first edition which I paid $$$ for. I am not an actor, but we all act a part when in front of people. If we want to portray some person with certain traits or characteristics which would benefit us, you can learn from this book. It is not being someone who you are not, but bringing out some behavior which is part of you anyway, which would positively benefit you.

A Very Powerful Resource
If you need a good, step-by-step resource that outlines all of the basics you need to know to perform well, go ahead and buy this book. It is a little expensive, but it is worth it because no other book I have run across gives you such powerful basic methods to charge-up your acing skills when you are feeling a little confused about what you should/could be doing. Someone who follows the instructions in this book can literally transform from a clumsy actor to a basically skilled actor in about a week.

A Basic but Most Complete Method
This is a fabulous book for novice actors! An absolute must for the beginner. Summurised in these pages you can find the teachings of the great masters of drama (such as the well known Stanislavski. It is very clear andeasy to read and understand even for the complete beginners. On top of allthe good advice and techinques you get a lot of exercises to practice whatyou've learnt till then. It really has helped me with my acting! ... Read more

Book Description
Emphasizing that "an actor must believe to make his audience believe," ACTING IS BELIEVING remains one of the classic texts in the field of acting. Charles McGaw's and Larry D. Clark's earlier editions influenced generations of actors, and the book has been completely updated by Kenneth Stilson with the hope of inspiring today's future professionals. The Ninth Edition has an expanded theoretical grounding, while providing numerous new and revised exercises to help today's acting student apply the key concepts of a Stanislavski-based training program as interpreted through the eyes of twenty-first century artists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

the best I've found
This was our assigned text in beginning acting.I was first skeptical about how much one could learn about from a book.The answer is, "quite a bit."The book, in spite of its slim appearance, holds a good amount of information and is packed with acting exercises.All in all, a good supplement to anyone's shelf. ... Read more

Book Description
In this must-have guide for aspiring performers, a veteran film actor shares her secrets for success when performing for film and television. Readers will discover exercises for relaxing the face to achieve maximum expressiveness; maintaining proper eye focus in front of the camera and conveying the "beats" of a scene, even in the shortest takes. They'll also discover tested techniques for adapting to the styles of different directors; modulating voice and breath for maximum effect; preparing for the first day on the set; enduring multiple takes and on-the-set waiting; and much, much more. For any performer who intends to make a living in front of the camera, Acting for Film is the most authoritative resource! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Informative, thorough guide to Acting
This is one of the most comprehensive and thorough guides to Acting out there.It covers all the bases from inner voice, to auditions, to the making of a film and the performers role.By following the essentials in this guidebook, any aspiring craftsman in the performing arts will excel in their field. They will thoroughly understand how their body is the instrument of the performance and develop the skills to step into each characters skin.Highly recommended.

Practical Guide to Acting in Front of the Camera
"Acting for Film" is a very good book for actors who want to know how to act in front of the camera. It covers alot of practical knowledge such as the audition process, reading a script and creating your character. Also covered is what is expected during the film shoot both for big-budget and low-budget films. This book will teach you what acting in front of a camera is all about. A "must have" book for all aspiring film actors.

A survey of technique, craft, and artistic requirements
Cathy Haase's ACTING FOR FILM provides a survey of technique, craft, and artistic requirements for actors. Chapters cover the specifics of converting drama lessons to film; from maintaining proper eye focus on front of the camera to preparing for auditions and sets. There's a big difference between acting on stage and acting for the camera: Haase covers all the finer points of the latter.

All the nitty-gritty details . . .
Acting is hard work, one of the most emotionally and mentally demanding professions in the world. This book clearly and honestly delves into all the nitty-gritty details of the actors process when acting in front of a camera (and the crew behind it).

From the private moments of preparation, through collaborative efforts of production, and even the difficulties and pleasures of viewing the results, Cathy Hasse misses nothing in this informative and helpful guide. She clearly explains all of the hard "work" that goes into making acting look so easy and natural.

As a filmmaker, I was really amazed at her presentation of the entire filmmaking process from the Actor's perspective. It was unique, accurate and illuminating.

NOW I'm Ready for my Close-Up!
I loved this book.There are certainly a lot of books out there that claim they can teach you what you want to know about everything under the sun, but try and find the good ones.Well, you've found one with Acting for Film.Not only does it supply you with the solution to pretty much any situation you'll come across, you get to travel along with the author on her journey of how she gathered this information, and the two of you will come out the other side of the journey longtime friends.

Having myself been trained only in stage technique, I found this book incredibly helpful, as Ms. Haase's own experience embraces her own stage training into how it can work with film (or not).Developing new instincts for a new venue is rough.Many times, an author will tell you their own story, without allowing for the fact that each person's journey is subjective.Ms. Haase gracefully shares her knowledge with the reader without any condescension.Instead, you are gently held by the hand and walked around the minefields of the film profession to a safe conclusion of the trip.

A great book.Everyone should have one! ... Read more

Book Description
Used to teach beginning acting on more campuses than any other text, Acting One covers the basic elements of realistic acting in twenty-eight lessons – all based on experiential exercises. The text covers basic skills such as talking, listening, tactical interplay, physicalizing, building scenes, and making good choices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book from an insightful author
I have read through Cohen's "Theatre" and "Acting One" and both are outstanding books on theatre for any actor.It is almost as good as Sidney Lumet's "Making Movies," but without all the funstories about movie stars.This is one book I actually read for fun, andkeep it in my glove compartment when I prepare for auditions.I am glad Iam going to the school where this man teaches.

Useful but overstuffed introductory acting text
The First Six lessons--goal and obstacle, the other, tactics, expectation, and their summary "GOTE" -- are excellent and concise.Unfortuantely, the book covers a great deal more ground than anintroductory class could hope to cover.THe other chapters make goodreading, and a student who decides s/he's serious about pursuing acting asa craft would be well served by owning this text.The casual student wouldbe less well served.

An excellent text for both the instructor and student.
His concepts of conflict and theatricality are excellent. Goal, Obstacle, Tactic and Expectation (GOTE)lead to a complete understanding of the actor's craft.For the beginner, this concept is absolutly necessary; theyoung actor now has a deep understanding of what makes an action theatricaland interesting.Through Cohen's work,the actor can understand and applyStanislvaski's "beats." ... Read more