Theatre Books: Online Versions & Excerpts

ch4ck availability of 1989 print edition -- 1948 print edition -- 1936 print version
This work is the first volume of Stanislavski's trilogy on the art of acting; it explains the art of acting in semi-fiction form. Fusing psychological realism and expressionism, his exploratory exercises teach actors to evoke past emotions that draw out their vulnerability. Stanislavski here introduces such concepts as the "magic if," "emotion memory," the "unbroken line" and many more now famous rehearsal aids. This classic manual is written from the viewpoint of fictional actors taking lessons from a director (based on Stanislavski). Through the student's mistakes, questions, revelations, and struggles, Stanislavski teaches the actor about the stage, truth, and life itself.

Part 1 BEFORE: 1 How a Production is Cast; 2 Where to Find Auditions; 3 Preparation & Research; 4 Submitting Yourself for Work; 5 Showreels; 6 Showcases; 7 Networking; 8 Agents; 9 Audition Log; 10 Audition Wardrobe; 11 Perceptions; 12 The Power of Positive Thinking; 13 Gatecrashing
Part 2 DURING: 14 Entrances & Exits; 15 Nerves; 16 Drama & Theatre Schools; 17 Amateur vs Professional; 18 Theatre; 19 Musical Theatre; 20 Actor Musicians; 21 Recalls & Workshop Auditions; 22 Television; 23 Films & Screen Tests; 24 Self Taping; 25 Commercial Castings; 26 Roleplay; 27 Corporate Training Films; 28 Radio Drama; 29 Voice Work; 30 Presenting; 31 Interview Technique; 32 Awkward Questions; 33 Is Timing Everything?; 34 In the Mood; 35 Friend or Foe?; 36 Actors Who Know Too Much; 37 Same Old Faces; 38 Recasts; 39 The Casting Couch
Part 3 AFTER: 40 Red Letter Days; 41 Success; 42 Negotiation; 43 Rejection; 44 Follow Ups; 45 Turning Down Work; 46 Help! What if...?; 47 A Diary of an Audition; 48 Final Thoughts

"Book of Sides: Original, Short Scenes for Actors and Directors offers scenes that are considerably shorter than those in similar books but still feature the structure of typical scenes with arcs, clear playable objectives, and stakes for both actors. Here you will find scenes that are: One-page in length and specially designed for new, high-intensity exercises that help students develop quickly Printed in an easily readable, film-script format that provides plenty of room for annotations Completely original, allowing you to produce and distribute reinterpretations without worrying about copyright restrictions Universally castable, with roles that can be assigned to actors regardless of gender, appearance, skill level, or race Simple and conducive to performing in the classroom without props, costumes, or sets Perfect for audition workshops and crowded directing or acting classes where everyone wants an opportunity to perform."

ch4ck availability of print edition
Contents: Toward a physical characterization -- Dressing a character -- Characters and types -- Making the body expressive -- Plasticity of motion -- Restraint and control -- Diction and singing -- Intonations and pauses -- Accentuation: the expressive word -- Perspective in character building -- Tempo-rhythm in movement -- Speech tempo-rhythm -- Stage charm -- Toward an ethics for the theatre -- Patterns of accomplishment -- Some conclusions on acting.

"This volume contains over 30 two-character scenes (for women/women and women/men). The selection of scenes encompasses the widest range of dramatic styles - from serious to comic and shades in between - providing a varied challenge for any actor. "

In The Science of Acting,Sam Kogan uses his theories on the relationship between neuroscience, psychology and acting to answer these questions. Practical exercises provide a step-by-step guide to developing an actor's ability, culminating in Ten Steps to Creating a Character. "

Contents: Introduction -- Basic firearms -- Choose your weapons! -- Acquiring props -- Backstage protocol & gun wrangling -- Looking the part -- Staging your shootout -- Shooting your shootout -- Troubleshooting -- Consequences -- Realities of modern combat -- Covering yourself (legal issues)