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Actors & Acting
D to H by author
Acting as an art, and as a profession, has long since fascinated many.
Over the years, techniques, methods and styles have been formulated
by the likes of Stanislavski, Strasberg, and Mamet, each with their
own particular view on acting. Many of these legendary theatre artists
have created accessible, helpful books that not only help demystify
the craft, but also offer insight into their particular process.
This section has a wealth of titles, ranging from technical handbooks,
to intimate memoirs. An enthralling subject, these titles are sure
to enlighten.
 The Quotable Actor
Damon DiMarco
Collecting advice, quotes, essays, and observations from hundreds of famous actors and highly regarded acting teachers, The Quotable Actor covers a wide range of topics on the art and history of acting. Entertaining, instructive, and informative, it is organized into specific, easy-to-search categories, such as On Why We Act, On Auditioning, On Struggling and Building a Career, and On Gender Differences and Aging in the Biz. Softcover, $18.95.
 The Actor's Art and Craft: William Esper teaches The Meisner Technique
William Esper & Damon DiMarco
William Esper, one of the leading acting teachers of our time, explains and extends
Sanford Meisner's legendary technique, offering a clear, concrete, step-by-step
approach to becomming a truly creative actor. The Actor's Art and Craft vividly
demonstrates that good training does not constrain actor's instincts -- it frees
them to create characters with truthful and compelling inner lives. Softcover,
286 pp. $18.95.
 The Actor and the Target
Declan Donnellan
The exciting young Irish director provides a fresh and radical approach
to acting. It is a scalpel to the persistent fears of " I don't
know what I'm doing." " I
don't know who I am."" I don't know what I'm playing." "...
cuts open every generalisation about acting and draws out gleamingly
fresh specifics." Peter
Brook. Softcover, 276 pp. $22.95.
 Acting Characters: 20 Simple Steps from Rehearsal to Performance
Paul Elsam
Acting Characters is an introductory book for students and
aspiring actors to help demystify the process of acting. The author adopts
a no-nonsense, down to earth approach based on many years of teaching experience
at all levels. Acting is a demanding activity and when the inspiration,
energy and rehearsal time may be lacking, the author's 20 simple
tools help to
build confidence in developing a new role. Softcover, 175 pp. $24.95.
 Jacques
Copeau: Routledge Performance Practitioners
Mark Evans
A leading figure in the 20th Century theatre practice, Jacques Copeau
pioneered work on actor-training, physical theatre and ensemble acting,
and was a key innovator in the movement to de-centralise theatre and
culture to the regions. This book commbines an overview of his life
and work, an analysis of his key ideas as well as a series of practical
exercises offering an introduction to Copeau's working methods. Softcover,
173 pp. $36.95.
So You Want to Go to Drama School?
Helen Freeman
With competition for places at drama school becoming extremely tough and standards increasingly high, this clear and honest guide is packed with sound advice and essential information for young people who want to train as actors and performers. Written by a teacher and audition panellist with a lifetime's experience of the audition process, it will help all aspiring actors develop the self-confidence, motivation and skills required to get into the drama school of their choice. Softcover, 167 pp. $24.95.
 Casting Directors' Secrets
Ginger Howard Friedman
Technique and natural ability can only take you so far; if you don't know how
to audition, you can't expect to be a working actor. Ginger Howard Friedman
is a respected casting director and a leading authority on audition and rehearsal
technique. In this updated and expanded edition of Casting Directors' Secrets
she takes actors behind-the-scenes to hear what working casting directors have
to say about preparing for and performing first-rate auditions. Softcover,
188 pp. $16.95.
 Callback: How To Prepare For The Callback to Succeed in Getting the Part
Ginger Howard Friedman
The techniques used in the author's exercises can be used to prepare
for virtually any role - stage, screen, television, commercials. " ...one
of the most innovative and important teachers of our time." Jerry Orbach
(Law & Order).
$14.50.
Also by Ginger Howard Friedman: The Perfect Monologue $24.95.
Words Into Action
William Gaskill
Acclaimed director William Gaskill here shares his insight into the theatre, plays, and the art of acting. His focus is rooted in attention and respect for the words written by the playwright, but also explores the contemporary technique of 'actioning', the use of stillness and silence, and looks at special consideration for verse acting. More an exploration of what it means to perform on stage than an instructional book, Words into Action is essential reading for the actor, director, teacher or student. Softcover, 168 pp. $23.95.
 How to Stop Acting
Harold Guskin
In How to Stop Acting, Harold Guskin presents acting as a constantly
evolving exploration, all the while revealing the insights and techniques that
have worked wonders for the dozens of stage and screen actors he has coached,
beginners and stars alike. This lucidly written text offers sound and original
advice on auditioning, developing a role and keeping it fresh, adapting to
the demands of film and television, playing difficult emotional scenes, and
more. Softcover, 178 pp. $17.50.
 The Purpose of Playing: Modern Acting Theories in Perspective
Robert Gordon
The Purpose of Playing provides the first in-depth
introduction to modern critical acting, enabling students, teachers,
and professionals to comprehend the different aesthetic possibilities
available to today's actors. The book presents a comparative survey
of the major approaches to Western acting since the nineteenth century,
their historical evolution, and their relationship to one another.
Softcover, 418 pp. $41.00.
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Twentieth Century Actor Training
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A Challenge for the Actor
Uta Hagen's Acting Class (DVD)
Memory Power
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