Product Description
Every actor and director who enters the orbit of Marowitz's major work will find himself challenged to a deeper understanding of his art and propelled into further realms of exploration on his/her own. Marowitz meditates on all the sacred precepts of theatre practice including auditions, casting, design, rehearsal, actor psychology, dramaturgy, and the text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Build Your Library!
Anything written by Charles Marowitz has ever written should be included in personal library of a theatre professional.Why his writings are not mandatory as texts in courses is beyond me.I review, at least once a year, each of his books just to keep me on track to doing the best work I can.In every paragraph in every book, there is something of great value to think about, ponder if you will.The man has an amazing mind that never ceases to challeng and illumine.Gordon Goede (gordongoede@aol.com)And you can quote me!

A great tool both for Directors and Actors
I'm reading this book now for the second time. Charles Marowitz has an interesting style of writing, the kind that you have to stop and think about it for a little while every other page or so. I often go back and re-read some sentences just to make sure I fully understood the whole meaning and the context. It's a very professional view on theatre in all it's aspects. It's not usual to find an author that does not mind sharing his point of view and breaking taboos (I like the way he disagrees with Method acting in some aspects ). This book has helped me in my work as an actor and director. ... Read more

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Marowitz examines every aspect of contemporary theatre practice including auditions, first-readings, the rehearsal process, classical techniques and performance art. He delves beyond sub-text, probing the labyrinth that exists beneath conventional psychology. Marowitz comes up with a tantalizing new brew of ideas with which actors and directors can ply their craft into the new millennium. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Build Your Library!
Anything by Charles Marowitz should be included in personal library of a theatre professional.Why his writings are not mandatory as texts in courses is beyond me.I review, at least once a year, each of his books just to keep me on track to doing the best work I can.In every paragraph in every book, there is something of great value to think about, ponder if you will.The man has an amazing mind that never ceases to challeng and illumine.Gordon Goede (gordongoede@aol.com)And you can quote me!

My "Go To" for Inspiration and Practical Advice
In twenty years of directing there has not been a book that has influenced my work more than this one. I have kept a copy of it in mybook bag for more than five years. I use it when I need to get a quick fix of that essence that got me excited about theater when I was a teenager. For me, it's been invaluable.

A "Must Read" for actors and directors!Five stars AREN'T ENOUGH!
Um, as someone who was a student of Richard Hornby's when THE END OF ACTING came out, I feel that the other critic is creating a false dilemma.Why not buy both books, since each has a slightly different area of emphasis?They work very well together.Marowitz gets organic when Hornby stays very academic, and both are passionate, thoughtful, stimulating reads.I employ ideas from each when I direct, and the results have never let me down.This is one of the four books on acting that I revisit the most.Along with AN ACTOR PREPARES, Mamet's TRUE AND FALSE, and Madd Harold's THE ACTOR'S GUIDE TO PERFORMING SHAKESPEARE (aka, "Barton for Dummies"), Marowitz has the written book I come to the most for common sense and bold ideas.It is illuminating, inspiring, and practical.I knew an actor who was one of the best I've seen, but was, by-and-large, untrained.In fact, he had quickly learned the obvious -- 95% of actor training was tedious and pretentious.The first book he found that really invigorated him was TRUE AND FALSE.The next summer, he read this one and really took to it.It was the "next, logical step," and it moved him in the right direction.I can see how.Is it a little sloppy?Yes.But that's a minor cavil.This book is just great.And if you haven't read Marowitz's other plays and books, you're in for a real treat!

A Muddled Effort
If you can look past the poor design and layout, the careless editing and abysmal proofreading, and the overall cheap quality of the book (including fuzzy and irrelevant photos), there is at least a little food for thoughthere.For a critic who is normally so concise and clear in his theatrereviews, Marowitz proves to be a rambling and unfocused sort in a longerforum. He has some interesting ideas, but they tend to get lost in themuddled and inconsistent style. Probably a must-buy for the diehard theatreenthusiast who wants to stay informed, but a much better overall treatmentof the topic can be found in Richard Hornby's "The End ofActing". ... Read more

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Original monologs, duets, trios and quartets for acting practice covering a wide variety of the dilemmas in the lives of young women. ... Read more

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A Vintage Original

"The actor will do, in public, what is considered impossible." When the renowned Polish director Jerzy Grotowski began his 1967 American workshop with these words, his students were stunned. But within four weeks they themselves had experienced the "impossible."

In An Acrobat of the Heart, teacher-director-playwright Stephen Wangh reveals how Jerzy Grotowski's physical exercises can open a pathway to the actor's inner creativity. Drawing on Grotowski's insights and on the work of Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, and others, Wangh bridges the gap between rigorous physical training and practical scene and character technique. Wangh's students give candid descriptions of their struggles and breakthroughs, demonstrating how to transform these remarkable lessons into a personal journey of artistic growth. Courageous and compelling, An Acrobat of the Heart is an invaluable resource for actors, directors, and teachers alike.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The (Physical) Acting Bible
This is a great find for any actor wishing to find his technique. The book gives a plethora of exercises to free the actor and find the character. The teachings of Jerzy Grotowski were in and of themselves very groundbreaking, but Wangh makes the concepts more teachable while exploring and expanding upon them.
A great tool for a serious actor.

Beneficial read for an actor
Wow. An Acrobat of the Heart is a must-read for any actor or any student of theater. Stephen Wangh has a great understanding of Grotowski's work and explains it clearly. The book is a helpful aid to any theater class that you may be taking, especially if it's physical-based. The technique presented is very useful to me, but I think it's important to know multiple techniques and choose which one work for you, that's what works for me anyway, and Wangh mentions this too, but I think Grotowski's technique can be used with pretty much anything.

Disappointing
I felt disappointed reading this book.... The ideas of the author are not fresh and his interpretation of Grotowski is, at best, misguided.

a grateful heart
After a long hiatus from performing, reading this book excited me to absolutely no end! Stephen's thoughts and wise teachings brought me back to a place that I'd forgotten and was sorely missing. Thank you for the palpable tenderness and care that LEAPS off the page directly into my world and " where I live " Reading about acting can be confusing, right? This book magically trancends anything stodgy, incoherent, or inconsistent in structure and message. ( SO MANY acting and performance manuals DO NOT EVER get past the lumpy and condescending realm...) THIS is elegantly crafted and now sacred to me! Thank you Stephen.

Every actor should read this book.
Stephen Wangh, a former student of Grotowski and now a teacher of Experimental theater shares his knowledge in this inspiring and well written book. First of all, I want to say that you really need to have a teacher and be in a group to learn Grotowski's physical acting better. Grotowksi's work can also be very challenging and confussing at times and this book really helps guide you through it. The book follows a group of Stephen Wangh's first students through his training. That is what makes the book better then your average acting text book. You take a journey along with these people while learning the Grotowski method. As an actor I could relate to the actors frustrations and fears and in the book we see them overcome them. The book explains everything from what clothes to wear to voice work. I am glad Wangh added a section at the end of the book about how to deal with and survive acting. Very few people talk about this subject and it needs to be brought up more. I read this book before I was about to start working on a play and it re-inspired me and made me more discplined and focused. Stephen Wang also isn't self centered and basically says that do what you have to do to do the role you're playing good but try this method. The book is very well-thought out and easy to understand. Any actor should read this even if they think they know the Grotowski method. ... Read more

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This practical guide to the integration of voice, acting, and movement in opera performance is especially designed for use in opera and musical theater workshops on the university level, and by beginning professional singers. Drawing on years of research, teaching, and performing, Mark Ross Clark provides an overview of dramatic methodology for the singing actor that encourages the student's active participation, with practical exercises and applications to well-known opera excerpts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great resource for singers
This book is an amazing resource for singers of all levels of experience.There are exercises for both students and teachers, and it is a great one-stop resource for preparing a role.

Useful!
Useful, smart and full of details on singing acting and movement of an opera singer, but not the best on this subject. ... Read more

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Provides an overview of the theatrical production process with a focus on practical acting skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Short Plays for Upper Elementary Students
I'm not sure what book the other reviews here at Amazon were reviewing, but it's not THEATRE ARTS: THE DYNAMICS OF ACTING: ACTOR'S PLAYBOOK.Amazon often links reviews to other editions of books and sometimes to books that aren't, so I'm sure it's a web linkage problem.Whatever the case, this book, TEATRE ARTS: THE DYNAMICS OF ACTING: ACTOR'S PLAYBOOK is a collection of short plays for upper elementary students that have been adapted from works of classic and children's literature. Other than a short note about each play in the table of contents and a page for each page that lists the characters, setting, and other important notes, that's it.Each of the plays is about 20-pages in length. The plays in the book are:

"Cinderella, Cinderella"
"Hansel and Gretel"
"Dragon of the Winds"
"An O. Henry Holiday"
"A Game of Catch"
"The Fall of the House of Usher"
"Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz"
"Alice in Wonderland"
"Uncle Vanya"
"The Magic Wood"
"Scraps"
"Winnie-in-the-Citie"
"Just Another Decoration Day"
"The Case of the Kidnapped Nephew"
"Rockway Café II"
"Dark Doings at the Crossroads or Who Stole the Salad Dressing"

Former student of Joan Snyder
I believe "The Dynamics of Acting" to be an invaluable asset to ANY instructor OR student of theatrics. I,myself,am a former drama student of Joan Snyder,(1969/70 thru 1971/72). I, and all my fellow theater students, remember well when this book was being written. Many of our photographs are featured demonstrating various techniques & styles. For more than 4 years previous to "Dynamics" first edition she taught using the same techniques & styles found in this book. An extraordinarily gifted educator; her success can be measured not only in the many awards her students won in local and statewide competitons, but also in the many paths taken in their adult lives. BELIEVE in Dennis Caltagirone & Joan Snyder, and BELIEVE in thier book "The Dynamics of Acting". Both you, your students and all of your experiences in theatrics & in your lives will be enriched in the process. My all time favorite Joan Snyder phrase:"Remember: The KEY to acting is BELIEVABILITY".

A Great Book for Everyone
After looking at many books for insights into the theatre and teaching drama to my students, I've discovered the wonder of this book that arranges the abundant material in such an easy to digest form that my students are borrowing it from me to read it themselves. It not only informs, but it cultivates interest and is a necessary reference for any teacher of English Literature, drama or stage production. Thank you Dennis! ... Read more

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For the first time--insights from 50 of the most distinguished acting teachers in America

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

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

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

Customer Reviews (3)

personal opinion & theory
This is an informative collection of condensed theories of major acting teachers and the views of their students.It has valuable historical content regarding the evolution of acting technique in the US from late 1950's to the present day.There is worthwhile inspirational reading here revealing the philosophy and ethics of training the actor.

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

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Exploring the relationship between script and performance, and drawing out the individual elements of performance, such as the awareness of the frame, and the use of voice and physique to embody a character, Screen Acting reveals the centrality of the actor's performance to a film's impact and offers new directions for the study of performance on film.The book also discusses the acting styles of different stars, including Bette Davis, James Mason, Susan Sarandon and Morgan Freeman.
Contributors include: Cynthia Baron, Sharon Marie Carnicke, Susan Knobloch, Paul McDonald, David Mayer, Roberta E. Pearson, Gianluca Sergi, Martin Shingler, and Carole Zucker. ... Read more

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A highly readable, informative book about the professional lives of some of the foremost actresses working in theatre and film today. ... Read more

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The Actor in You serves as an introduction to beginning acting by helping students realize that they already possess the basic skills of an actor. This text enhances the student's appreciation of the art of acting by helping them realize that they already possess, in principle, the following skills: the ability to play a role, the ability to fulfill the sense of drama and to structure dramatic scenes, and the capacity to express emotion. Without losing its simplicity, directness, and enjoyable writing style, this revised and enlarged edition has benefited from helpful suggestions by teachers who have used it successfully in the classroom. Drawing exercises and examples from students' everyday lives and from well-known films and television programs, Benedetti succeeds in deducing dramatic principles from those experiences and then applying them to everyday life for artistic purpose. Still organized in sixteen steps meant to correspond to the weeks of a typical semester or school year, The Actor in You provides a direct, concise presentation and explanation of fundamentals for beginning students. ... Read more

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If you've ever seen Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman, then you know that the movie hits home again and again about the difficulties involved in making a career as an actor. The plot unfolds around the much-lamented fact that acting is the only art form in which one cannot practice one's craft without having a job. While this is true, actors can, and should, be working on many aspects of their craft even if they are working alone. Acting Solo focuses on the things an actor can, and much of the time should, do solo. Analysis, memorization, learning how to take criticism, and finding the courage and persistence to move forward are all essential parts of an actor's craft. Acting Solo addresses these and other issues facing actors with specific details on how to deal with these concerns. Acting Solo is a straightforward guide with useful information to help you master your craft, including chapters on monologues, preparing to sing for the stage, memorization, playing Shakespeare, and thinking critically. ... Read more

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Drawing on 15 years of theather experience, Mary Starkdemonstrates how the latest advances in mind/body awarenesstechnologies and modeling techniques can be used to create rapportwith any audience.She translates these techniques into everydayskills that business professionals can use to project a moreconfident, polished, and dynamic image.Of particular interest tostudents of NLP, Alexander Technique, Rolfing, yoga, and ActingCommunication Technique. ... Read more

Product Description
General Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1942Original Publisher: Harrison Lewis screen and stage schoolSubjects: ActingNotes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Extremely user friendly, forthe novice and the experienced
About ten years ago, a fellow drama teacher loaned me her copy of Promptbook, and I became a huge fan. The material is organized in an easy to use format, and is even broken into daily lesson plans that can, in fact, be covered in a day. All of the necessary "stuff" is there; lesson plans, the topics, scenes, directions, etc. to complete the assignment, the evaluation sheets, quizes and tests. Even with a degree in theatre, I found this book to be invaluable to my teaching. To a person thrown into a drama classroom, be it middle, junior high, or high school, this text would be a life saver. While it is not as "academic" as other drama texts, it does do one very important thing: it engages students in the practice of theatre on a daily, and very accessiable basis. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

A bible for the seconday teacher of theatre arts
Coming with nearly 40 years experience in teaching theatre arts at the secondary level, I pause at being too glowing for a review of a classroom textbook.However, I have used this text for a number of years.It is by far the best example of a workable (underline "workable") text for the classroom.The lesson plans are easy to follow.The author knows the attention span of the teen, and his lessons take just the amount of time he recommends for each activity.The book may be used at a variety of levels.I used part of the text for the Theatre Arts 1 - 2 class, and other parts of the same text for the advanced "Play Production Class."The book is filled with activities for the classroom teacher.Organization of the text is well planned.Great variety of examples.Clear instructions for both the teacher and the student. ... Read more

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This book provides students with a clear, common sense, non-faddish technique for performing on stage. Kuritz's technique is explained in terms of the actors' personal, common, everyday dramatic experiences. Simple exercises build upon one another as the technique is explored. Kuritz supplies actors with a special comfort and confidence in two of the stage's most daunting features - comedy and Shakespearean verse poetry. The hook eases the nervous actors into both, by building in the basic techniques basis in their everyday experience and logic. Comedy and verse become seen as two variations or extensions of the fundamental acting process, rather than as exotic, unique skills. ... Read more

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The Late Night Show Every night after we go to sleep we become the star of a major motion picture. Scene by scene we are literally drawn into a drama that surpasses any movie. In this movie, we're the star. But unlike any other movie our whole mind, body and imagination is involved in such a way that our brain is convinced that it's actually happening to us. No matter how bizarre the situation or the images, and when we wake up we may find ourselves still sweating from the fright, or still trying to escape some unknown entity that has been chasing us. We may find ourselves still haunted by the images or feelings for years, or in some cases, the rest of our life. So why not look at the dream as it is- a movie. And in doing so, we can use the same techniques that actors use to understand the characters they play in solving our own dilemmas with our starring roles, "by Acting Your Dreams." ... Read more

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Written for law students and lawyers at all stages of their careers, Winning Jury Trials Using Acting Techniques (Just Like Perry Mason And Ben Matlock!) is a user-friendly guide to improving courtroom presentation.Experienced trial lawyer Richard D. Jensen combines his legal training and courtroom experience with his 35 years as an award-winning professional actor to teach lawyers how centuries of theatrical stereotypes and acting techniques can be used to make a lawyer's presentation into a sure-fire winner with juries. ... Read more