There are hundreds of books out there about the craft of Acting and even about the Business of Acting. It can be very overwhelming about where to start, especially if you have no one to guide you. I alwasy recommend Actors take acting classes. However, I'm aware some people like to read books to supplement their education or as a starting point. Here are some books I recommend for ALL beginning Actors.
"Great Acting Teachers and Their Methods" - This book was published in 1996, so focuses on the people who are considered the "greats" when it comes to the craft of acting. Most of the teachers are white American/white European. That's not a bad thing, but since then the acting community is branching out to include more methodologies that are not based on white/Eurocentric ideas.
I like this book because it highlights various methods and styles of approaching the work. I recommend this book as a way to get a sample of what's out there. I remind actors that this craft is a buffet. You're going to want and need different things for each role. It's ok to have one you prefer over the other. I don't believe we should be attached to only a handful of methods without having a basic understanding of the others. Part of this is because you will work with a varity of Actors and Directors that have their own ways of approaching the work. It's helpful (and less frustrating) when you have the tools to be able to work with them.
You can purcahse a hard copy here. For those that prefer a paperless copy, you can purchase the Kindle Version here.
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"Great Acting Teachers and Their Methods" Volume Two - The author of the first book to showcase more modern style teachers. These are practionors whom I have found are known, but their methods are not as widely taught. I do believe they offer a more modern view and one that also reflects theatre from the 1960's through the 1990's. This in my opinoin gives the Actor good insight when working with pieces written during that time and for those audiences. Granted we are now performing them for a contemporary audience. However, having this information can possibly help the Actor make choices based on the additional information givem to them from this text.
You can purchase your hard copy here. For those that prefer a paperless copy. you can purchase the Kindle Version here.
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"Memorizatin for Actors" - As Actors we are portraying 'real life.' This means we don't walk around with a script in our possession reading from it the entire time. Memorizing can be difficult for any Actor, even the seasone one. This is why it's important to begin learning how to memorize very early one. I offer to Actors that there is no one way to memorize. It's best for you to try various tools and techinques to find one that works best for you.
If you're wanting to have a more formalized way to learn this, I recommned this book. It's something I wish existed when I was a young Actor. When I went to school, I don't recall any of my Acting teachers offering much or any tips on how to memorize effectively.
I remind Actors that memorization is very important at all levels and places where you act. If you can't memorize a simple monologue or scene, then don't expect a Director to trust you with an entire play or film. This book can offer some great tools and ideas to support you while you learn how to memorize.
You can purchase your hard copy here. For those that prefer a paperless copy. you can purchase the Kindle Version here.
If you are wanting to disucss any of these methods or ask questions, you can schedule a 1:1 consultation with me here. That way you have the opportunity to ask specific questions and have them anwered more effectively.