Acting: On stage and Off Book

Barton's friendly, humorous and conversational writing style makes this a particularly student friendly text. Students learn all phases of actor training - including scene study, auditioning, observation, and mind, voice and body relaxation techniques. The use of examples from daily life instead of dramatic literature make it possible to have meaningful class discussions when all students have not read the same plays. The emphasis on onstage/offstage connection is invaluable because students become better actors as they become more confident people. The Stanislavski System chapter is clear and accessible and acting strategies are broken down into specific tactics. This edition contains approximately 80 quotes from actors, including Debbie Allen, Kathy Bates, Annette Benning, Michael Douglas, Jessica Tandy, Denzel Washington, and Jeremy Irons to give students insight from successful actors' approaches. Up-On-Your-Feet exercises give students the opportunity to actively practice what they have learned and the numerous scene suggestions give students a wide range of choices. A chapter on scene study with a guide for text analysis assists actors in knowing how to read, analyze and use a script. In this text, students learn all phases of actor training--including scene study, auditioning, observation, and mind, voice and body relaxation techniques. The use of examples from daily life instead of dramatic literature make it possible to have meaningful class discussions when all students have not read the same plays. The emphasis on onstage/offstage connection is invaluable because students become better actors as they become more confident people. The Stanislavski System chapter is clear and accessible and acting strategies are broken down into specific tactics. A chapter on scene study with a guide for text analysis, assists actors in knowing how to read, analyze, and use a script.Read More