The Method PDF Download

Author: Isaac Butler
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1635574781
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 545

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Book Description
National Book Critics Circle Award Winner, Nonfiction NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF 2022 BY THE NEW YORKER, TIME MAGAZINE, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, VOX, SALON, LIT HUB, AND VANITY FAIR “Entertaining and illuminating.”--The New Yorker * “Compulsively readable.”--New York Times * “Delicious, humane, probing.”--Vulture * “The best and most important book about acting I've ever read.”--Nathan Lane The critically acclaimed cultural history of Method acting-an ebullient account of creative discovery and the birth of classic Hollywood. On stage and screen, we know a great performance when we see it. But how do actors draw from their bodies and minds to turn their selves into art? What is the craft of being an authentic fake? More than a century ago, amid tsarist Russia's crushing repression, one of the most talented actors ever, Konstantin Stanislavski, asked these very questions, reached deep into himself, and emerged with an answer. How his “system” remade itself into the Method and forever transformed American theater and film is an unlikely saga that has never before been fully told. Now, critic and theater director Isaac Butler chronicles the history of the Method in a narrative that transports readers from Moscow to New York to Los Angeles, from The Seagull to A Streetcar Named Desire to Raging Bull. He traces how a cohort of American mavericks--including Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, and the storied Group Theatre--refashioned Stanislavski's ideas for a Depression-plagued nation that had yet to find its place as an artistic powerhouse. The Group's feuds and rivalries would, in turn, shape generations of actors who enabled Hollywood to become the global dream-factory it is today. Some of these performers the Method would uplift; others, it would destroy. Long after its midcentury heyday, the Method lives on as one of the most influential--and misunderstood--ideas in American culture. Studded with marquee names--from Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, and Elia Kazan, to James Baldwin, Ellen Burstyn, and Dustin Hoffman--The Method is a spirited history of ideas and a must-read for any fan of Broadway or American film.

Author: Edward Dwight Easty
Publisher: Ivy Books
ISBN: 0804105227
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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Book Description
Practiced by such actors of stature as Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Julie Harris, Dustin Hoffman, and Ellen Burstyn (not to mention the late James Dean) the Method offers a practical application of the renowned Stanislavsky technique. On Method Acting demystifies the "mysteries" of Method acting -- breaking down the various steps into clear and simple terms, including chapters on: Sense Memory -- the most vital component of Method acting Improvisation -- without it, the most integral part of the Method is lost Animal Exercises -- just one way to combat the mental blocks that prevent actors from grasping a character Creating The Outer Character -- so actors can give the freshness of originality to a role while at the same time living the life of the character On Method Acting is also an indispensable volume for directors, designers, lighting technicians, and anyone in the dramatic arts interested in creating a believable and realistic effect in their productions.

Author: Jeff Alan-Lee
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1493061046
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 267

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Book Description
In A Young Actor Prepares, Jeff Alan-Lee masterfully delivers kids' and teens' acting classes presented as plays in script form. The classes are based on actual semesters at the Young Actor's Studio in Los Angeles and provide step-by-step approaches to help children and teenagers portray complex characters and tackle emotionally challenging roles. For over thirty years, Alan-Lee has worked with thousands of young people, teaching the work presented in this book. His work has been the springboard for award-winning artists in acting, directing, playwriting, screenwriting, and music. Inspired by Stanislavski's An Actor Prepares, Alan-Lee has developed engaging and exciting ways to create great acting, using a unique version of the Stanislavski system that he reworked for the young actor. It's a fun and easy method to help children and teens learn to apply Stanislavski-based exercises and use their own their own life experiences, imagination, and emotions to create authentic acting and performances. The book is for kids and teens, as well as teachers and parents. Kids and teens can find relatable characters and gain a deeper ability to make their acting shine. Teachers will get a unique look at how to handle a multitude of personalities while teaching the real work to children as young as eight. Parents will discover an actor's process that can lead their kids to greater self-esteem and creativity in all the arts.

Author: Shari Shaw
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 9781982238094
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 260

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Book Description
Acting isn't just a job, it's a way of life. It makes you open your heart, expose your vulnerabilities and share your authentic self... over and over again. If you want to be the kind of performer who has an endless well of inspiration, creativity and rock-solid techniques to pull from, then there's only one way for you to go: The Positive Path. And there's only one person to take you there: top Hollywood acting coach, Shari Shaw. For nearly two decades, Shari has helped thousands of actors score dream jobs while leading a life that they love. Now, Shari shares her secrets in this must-have, how-to guide to stop second guessing your talent and start kicking a$$ in your career, including: The 7 steps to successfully break down a drama or comedy script Transforming your "Pain Pit" into your "Power Pit" Building your positivity bubble for professional & personal protection Turning your memories into rocket fuel for acting Self-care rituals for positive actors Exercises to relax, visualize and actualize success "I look forward to working with actors who have worked with Shari Shaw - they have talent, confidence and do their homework. It makes my job easier and more fun!" - Pamela Fryman, Director/Producer, "Merry Happy Whatever," "One Day At A Time," "How I Met Your Mother" "I've seen Shari in action with her students a number of times. She's a delight to watch. She's straightforward, yet constructive in her criticism. She's also super encouraging when she talks about an actor's life. If I were an actor - I'm not, it's way too hard - I'd feel as if I were in great hands." - Mark Wilding, Executive Producer, "Good Girls," "Scandal" "I truly enjoy coaching with Shari before an audition. Her pointers and breakdown of character are always helpful. Plus she likes to run the material with you endlessly which really prepares you to be comfortable, focused and ready to go." - Roselyn Sanchez, Series Regular, "Devious Maids," "Without A Trace," "Grand Hotel" "Shari is amazing! She helps you look at a script and really find the comedy that works for you so it's really genuine and authentic." - Danielle Macdonald, Starring in "Dumplin'", "Unbelievable," "Patti Cake$," "Birdbox"

Author: Seth Barrish
Publisher: Theatre Communications Group
ISBN: 1559367970
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
"I was totally unprepared for the transformation that Seth's technique created in me. . . . I realized that what I thought I knew about acting up to that point was largely misguided . . . but I now had a great, talented, dedicated teacher who generously wanted to share his tools with everyone. There is muscularity, not to mention wisdom and truth to Seth's techniques. He is a wonderful teacher, and I know that having him as my first guide is one of the luckiest things to have happened to me in my career and life. And when I can't get back to class with him, I am so grateful I have this book to turn to."—Anne Hathaway "This book is truly unlike anything else I know—these pieces are haikus on specific elements of performance and character building."—Philip Himberg, executive director, Sundance Theatre Institute A collection of practical acting tips, tools, and exercises, An Actor's Companion is ideal for both the seasoned professionals and actors-in-training. The tips—all simple, direct, and useful—are easy to understand and even easier to apply, in both rehearsal and in performance. Seth Barrish is an actor, teacher, and the co-artistic director of The Barrow Group in New York City. In his thirty-year career, he has directed the award-winning shows My Girlfriend's Boyfriend (Lucille Lortel Award for Best Solo Show, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for Best Solo Show), Sleepwalk With Me (Nightlife Award for Outstanding Comedian in a Major Performance), The Tricky Part (Obie Award, Drama Desk nominations for Best Play and Best Solo Show), Pentecost (Drama Desk nomination for Best Play), Old Wicked Songs (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award and Garland Award for Best Direction), and Good (Straw Hat Award for Best Direction), among dozens of others.

Author: Jane Drake Brody
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472573706
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 273

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Book Description
The Actor's Business Plan is a self-directed practical guide for actors graduating from formal training programs, as well as for those already in the business whose careers need to move ahead more successfully. Using the familiar language of acting training, the book offers a method for the achievement of dreams through a five-year life and career plan giving positive steps to develop a happy life as an actor and as a person. It assists performers to flourish using the same kind of business/career planning that is a necessary part of life for entrepreneurs and business people. This introduction to the acting industry provides essential knowledge not only for how the business actually works, but also describes what casting directors, agents, and managers do, demystifies the role of unions, discusses how much things cost, and offers advice on branding and marketing strategies. It differs from other such handbooks in that it addresses the everyday issues of life, money, and jobs that so frequently destroy an actor's career before it is even begun. While addressing NYC and LA, the guide also gives a regional breakdown for those actors who may wish to begin careers or to settle in other cities. It is loaded with personal stories, and interviews with actors, casting directors, and agents from throughout the US. The Actor's Business Plan is the answer to the common complaint by students that they were not taught how to negotiate the show business world while at school. It is the perfect antidote for this problem and can easily fit into a ten or a thirteen-week class syllabus. Offering support as a personal career coach, empowering the actor to take concrete steps towards their life and career dreams, The Actor's Business Plan: A Career Guide for the Acting Life is a must-have book for actors who are determined to be a part of the professional world .

Author: Erik Exe Christoffersen
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 0415087961
Category : Experimental theater
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
In "The Actor's Way," four experienced actors talk about the secrets and the practical realities of theatre training. Under the unique direction of Eugenio Barba, director of Odin Teatret and protege of Jerzy Grotowski, they explore issues such as the connections between physical and mental work on stage, how to earn and control the spectator's attention, and how to develop intercultural performance techniques. In an interview with Erik Exe Christoffersen, the actors provide the fullest account yet of Odin Teatret's groundbreaking combination of European and Asian theatre. Linking traditions of Commedia dell'Arte to Indian Kathkali dance, these actors have been at the forefront of a genuinely new kind of performance. "The Actor's Way" is a fascinating account of personal and professional development in the theatre. It will be vital reading for drama students and actors, and enjoyable and illuminating for anyone interested in the craft of acting.

Author: Valorie Hubbard
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780989704984
Category : Acting
Languages : en
Pages : 121

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Book Description
"Teaches professional actors how to create and operate their acting career as a successful business. Of utmost importance is how actors must change their mindset about the impact and value they bring to their work, including viewing themselves as part-time extras to full-time professionals."--Back cover.

Author: Jackie Snow
Publisher: A&C Black
ISBN: 1408157136
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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Book Description
"This book vividly captures vital and imaginative lessons from one of the most influential and joyous traditions of contemporary actor training. Any actor or teacher, who is devoted to the transformational power of the theatre, will want to return to these pages again and again, finding in them not only the work to be done, but also the inspiration to do it." James Bundy - Dean, Yale School of Drama; Artistic Director, Yale Repertory Theatre Movement training techniques allow actors to acquire the physical body language and non-verbal skills to clearly express the ideas and emotions of their characters. The techniques contained in this book help actors to develop awareness of their own natural posture, walk and rhythm, release the physical imagination and transform into the characters they are portraying, on stage, in film or on television. Movement Training for Actors provides a practical workbook approach to the core fundamentals of movement, fusing together the work of the key practitioners: Sigurd Leeder, Kurt Jooss, Rudolf Laban, Trish Arnold, Litz Pisk, F. M. Alexander, Moshé Feldenkrais, Jerzy Growtowski, Jacques Lecoq and Belinda Quirey. Chapters include Games, Pure Movement, Historical Dance, Acrobatics and Animal Study. The book is illustrated with photographs throughout and contains a DVD featuring over an hour of movement exercises further demonstrating the techniques. Movement Training for Actors is a masterclass on movement written by experienced coach, Jackie Snow and a culmination of her many years of teaching and coaching professionals. The highly practical approach will suit actors of all abilities as well as serving as an inspirational teaching guide.

Author: Betsy Polatin
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1583946837
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 297

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Book Description
Offering revolutionary new training for the actor, The Actor's Secret teaches actors and performers how to incorporate the fundamentals of the Alexander Technique, Somatic Experiencing®, and Breathing Coordination in order to reduce performance anxiety and stress; improve stage presence, breathing, and vocal production; and restore well-being and healthy functioning. These three kinesthetic disciplines are designed to lead to profound change and healing through body-mind reeducation. Part I explains in detail the principles of the three techniques. A practical method for self-improvement and neuromuscular reeducation, the Alexander Technique focuses on changing inefficient habits of movement and patterns of tension that inhibit the ability to move easily. Breathing Coordination helps increase breathing capacity and awareness. A method for resolving emotional trauma, Somatic Experiencing® follows a process of tracking bodily sensations to restore vitality and health. Enhanced with over 100 instructive photos, Parts II and III present explorations and exercises that draw on elements of the three methods. Topics covered include the importance of presence and non-doing; the proper mechanics of vocalization and singing; the understanding of character and role; and the actor's journey from auditions to performance, including initial 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 book's exercises provide the actor with simple tools for exploring his or her acting work. Most techniques and self-help books teach a new way of "doing." The secret of this book lies in "non-doing." When the actor learns to first recognize and then suspend habitual patterns, he or she opens the door to deeper artistic choices. "I have worked with many fine Alexander Technique teachers over the years and Betsy Polatin is far and away one of the finest. Her touch, her instincts, and her knowledge are miraculous."—Andre Gregory, actor and director, My Dinner with Andre