Actors at Work

Actors at Work

Author: Rosemarie Tichler

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Published: 2007-08-07

Total Pages: 400

ISBN-13: 9780865479555

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It's extremely difficult to be an actor, for many reasons: It's mostly unrewarding financially. It takes a lot of hard work before an actor even gets a part. A career is apt to be short-lived. The field is incredibly competitive. Cream does not always rise to the top. And yet actors young and old line up by the thousands wanting to do it. What fuels this desire? What is it that drives actors to withstand the frustration of not getting parts, of getting bad parts in bad plays, of being mistreated by directors, misundertood by audiences, misinterpreted by critics? With a nod to the Paris Review's Writers at Work model, Actors at Work looks at the way some of our most respected stage and film actors today approach their calling. In a collection of interviews with a dozen artists, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Patti LuPone, and Billy Crudup, the book explores not only the impetus to perform but also key topics about the process and profession, including the way actors approach a role, what techniques they use to deal with directors and other cast members, the ways in which they use their own personal lives in their work, and their influences, idols, and insecurities. The result is a book that actors will find indispensable and fans will find irresistible.


Book Synopsis Actors at Work by : Rosemarie Tichler

Download or read book Actors at Work written by Rosemarie Tichler and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. This book was released on 2007-08-07 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It's extremely difficult to be an actor, for many reasons: It's mostly unrewarding financially. It takes a lot of hard work before an actor even gets a part. A career is apt to be short-lived. The field is incredibly competitive. Cream does not always rise to the top. And yet actors young and old line up by the thousands wanting to do it. What fuels this desire? What is it that drives actors to withstand the frustration of not getting parts, of getting bad parts in bad plays, of being mistreated by directors, misundertood by audiences, misinterpreted by critics? With a nod to the Paris Review's Writers at Work model, Actors at Work looks at the way some of our most respected stage and film actors today approach their calling. In a collection of interviews with a dozen artists, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Patti LuPone, and Billy Crudup, the book explores not only the impetus to perform but also key topics about the process and profession, including the way actors approach a role, what techniques they use to deal with directors and other cast members, the ways in which they use their own personal lives in their work, and their influences, idols, and insecurities. The result is a book that actors will find indispensable and fans will find irresistible.


An Actor's Work

An Actor's Work

Author: Konstantin Stanislavski

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2016-10-04

Total Pages: 726

ISBN-13: 1315474247

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Stanislavski’s ‘system’ has dominated actor-training in the West since his writings were first translated into English in the 1920s and 30s. His systematic attempt to outline a psycho-physical technique for acting single-handedly revolutionized standards of acting in the theatre. Until now, readers and students have had to contend with inaccurate, misleading and difficult-to-read English-language versions. Some of the mistranslations have resulted in profound distortions in the way his system has been interpreted and taught. At last, Jean Benedetti has succeeded in translating Stanislavski’s huge manual into a lively, fascinating and accurate text in English. He has remained faithful to the author's original intentions, putting the two books previously known as An Actor Prepares and Building A Character back together into one volume, and in a colloquial and readable style for today's actors. The result is a major contribution to the theatre, and a service to one of the great innovators of the twentieth century. This Routledge Classics edition includes a new Foreword by the director Richard Eyre.


Book Synopsis An Actor's Work by : Konstantin Stanislavski

Download or read book An Actor's Work written by Konstantin Stanislavski and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2016-10-04 with total page 726 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Stanislavski’s ‘system’ has dominated actor-training in the West since his writings were first translated into English in the 1920s and 30s. His systematic attempt to outline a psycho-physical technique for acting single-handedly revolutionized standards of acting in the theatre. Until now, readers and students have had to contend with inaccurate, misleading and difficult-to-read English-language versions. Some of the mistranslations have resulted in profound distortions in the way his system has been interpreted and taught. At last, Jean Benedetti has succeeded in translating Stanislavski’s huge manual into a lively, fascinating and accurate text in English. He has remained faithful to the author's original intentions, putting the two books previously known as An Actor Prepares and Building A Character back together into one volume, and in a colloquial and readable style for today's actors. The result is a major contribution to the theatre, and a service to one of the great innovators of the twentieth century. This Routledge Classics edition includes a new Foreword by the director Richard Eyre.


Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition

Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition

Author: Judith Weston Judith

Publisher:

Published: 2021-04-06

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 9781615933211

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Directing film or television is a high-stakes occupation. It captures your full attention at every moment, calling on you to commit every resource and stretch yourself to the limit; it's the white-water rafting of entertainment jobs. But for many directors, the excitement they feel about a new project tightens into anxiety when it comes to working with actors.In the years since the original edition of Directing Actors was published, the technical side of filmmaking has become much more easily accessible. Directors tell me that dealing with actors is the last frontier--the scariest part and the part they long for--the human part, the place where connection happens.Weston's books help directors scale the heights of the actor-director dynamic, learn the joys of collaborating with actors--and become an "actor's director."


Book Synopsis Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition by : Judith Weston Judith

Download or read book Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition written by Judith Weston Judith and published by . This book was released on 2021-04-06 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Directing film or television is a high-stakes occupation. It captures your full attention at every moment, calling on you to commit every resource and stretch yourself to the limit; it's the white-water rafting of entertainment jobs. But for many directors, the excitement they feel about a new project tightens into anxiety when it comes to working with actors.In the years since the original edition of Directing Actors was published, the technical side of filmmaking has become much more easily accessible. Directors tell me that dealing with actors is the last frontier--the scariest part and the part they long for--the human part, the place where connection happens.Weston's books help directors scale the heights of the actor-director dynamic, learn the joys of collaborating with actors--and become an "actor's director."


Everyday Law for Actors

Everyday Law for Actors

Author: Robert Woods

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2021-07-15

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 1493059106

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Everyday Law for Actors is a resource and reference book, providing both professional working actors, and those who aspire to be, with clear, easy-to-read information about the everyday laws they need to know. The book is intended for actors just starting out, for those who have been making a living at acting for a long time, and for every actor in between. All actors can benefit from knowing more about the everyday law that affects their trade. Even well-established "stars" with a full team of lawyers, agents, managers, and business managers will still find this book useful because they can learn all about that "legalese" and "business mumbo jumbo" that maybe they never fully understood. Everyday Law for Actors features short chapters, numerous examples of legal principles in plain, understandable language, practical explanations about contract provisions and how to negotiate them, and useful and concise information about actors' unions, working with agents and managers, employment laws, landlord-tenant laws, and more. Actors are artists. But actors must also be smart business people. They don’t call it "show business" for nothing. With this book in hand, actors will be much better prepared to work the "business" side of "show business," and will have easy reference in one manageable volume to the wide variety of legal information they need to advance their careers.


Book Synopsis Everyday Law for Actors by : Robert Woods

Download or read book Everyday Law for Actors written by Robert Woods and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2021-07-15 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Everyday Law for Actors is a resource and reference book, providing both professional working actors, and those who aspire to be, with clear, easy-to-read information about the everyday laws they need to know. The book is intended for actors just starting out, for those who have been making a living at acting for a long time, and for every actor in between. All actors can benefit from knowing more about the everyday law that affects their trade. Even well-established "stars" with a full team of lawyers, agents, managers, and business managers will still find this book useful because they can learn all about that "legalese" and "business mumbo jumbo" that maybe they never fully understood. Everyday Law for Actors features short chapters, numerous examples of legal principles in plain, understandable language, practical explanations about contract provisions and how to negotiate them, and useful and concise information about actors' unions, working with agents and managers, employment laws, landlord-tenant laws, and more. Actors are artists. But actors must also be smart business people. They don’t call it "show business" for nothing. With this book in hand, actors will be much better prepared to work the "business" side of "show business," and will have easy reference in one manageable volume to the wide variety of legal information they need to advance their careers.


Acting QS

Acting QS

Author: Bonnie Gillespie

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780972301916

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Real conversations with working actors at all levels --Broadway darlings, feature film heartthrobs, commercial pitchmen, sitcom series regulars, standup comedians, and on-air personalities. These candid stories focus on the creative process and maintaining emotional balance in a difficult profession and are humorous and motivational. A photograph and biography accompany each first-person account. Includes: * how they got their first agents * how they prepare for roles * who their favorite actors are Acting Qs is both an inspirational volume for aspiring actors and a delightful peek into the personal lives of the actors whose work we know so well.


Book Synopsis Acting QS by : Bonnie Gillespie

Download or read book Acting QS written by Bonnie Gillespie and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Real conversations with working actors at all levels --Broadway darlings, feature film heartthrobs, commercial pitchmen, sitcom series regulars, standup comedians, and on-air personalities. These candid stories focus on the creative process and maintaining emotional balance in a difficult profession and are humorous and motivational. A photograph and biography accompany each first-person account. Includes: * how they got their first agents * how they prepare for roles * who their favorite actors are Acting Qs is both an inspirational volume for aspiring actors and a delightful peek into the personal lives of the actors whose work we know so well.


Working on the Inside

Working on the Inside

Author: Retta Blaney

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9780742533196

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Stage and screen actors form unique relationships with their audiences. Through their work, they challenge, teach, and inspire us by shedding light in all corners of life and connecting with us through our senses and emotions. Working on the Inside goes backstage into the inner lives of respected actors like Liam Neeson, Vanessa Williams, Phylicia Rashad, Edward Herrmann, Kristin Chenoweth and many others to reveal the deep spirituality each one relies on in their lives and work. The result is a book like no other that draws ten key elements of the universal spiritual life from the perspective of actors whose work it is to tap into the essence of life, tell stories, and reveal life's truths. Retta Blaney, an award-winning journalist now specializing in theatre and religion, was inspired to write this book by the spiritual wisdom actors conveyed in their interviews with her over the years. She dared to ask actors questions few ever do--How does your spirituality influence your life and work? How do you pray? What do you pray for? How do you stay centered in a career with so much uncertainty? And they answered her, readily sharing experiences of faith, being in the moment, listening, silence, prayer, self-knowledge, community, hospitality, ritual and transformation. The result is a book that takes readers into the private thoughts of some of their favorite actors for inspiring tips on how they, too, can begin working on the inside.


Book Synopsis Working on the Inside by : Retta Blaney

Download or read book Working on the Inside written by Retta Blaney and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2003 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Stage and screen actors form unique relationships with their audiences. Through their work, they challenge, teach, and inspire us by shedding light in all corners of life and connecting with us through our senses and emotions. Working on the Inside goes backstage into the inner lives of respected actors like Liam Neeson, Vanessa Williams, Phylicia Rashad, Edward Herrmann, Kristin Chenoweth and many others to reveal the deep spirituality each one relies on in their lives and work. The result is a book like no other that draws ten key elements of the universal spiritual life from the perspective of actors whose work it is to tap into the essence of life, tell stories, and reveal life's truths. Retta Blaney, an award-winning journalist now specializing in theatre and religion, was inspired to write this book by the spiritual wisdom actors conveyed in their interviews with her over the years. She dared to ask actors questions few ever do--How does your spirituality influence your life and work? How do you pray? What do you pray for? How do you stay centered in a career with so much uncertainty? And they answered her, readily sharing experiences of faith, being in the moment, listening, silence, prayer, self-knowledge, community, hospitality, ritual and transformation. The result is a book that takes readers into the private thoughts of some of their favorite actors for inspiring tips on how they, too, can begin working on the inside.


An Actor's Companion

An Actor's Companion

Author: Seth Barrish

Publisher: Theatre Communications Group

Published: 2015-05-25

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 1559367970

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"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.


Book Synopsis An Actor's Companion by : Seth Barrish

Download or read book An Actor's Companion written by Seth Barrish and published by Theatre Communications Group. This book was released on 2015-05-25 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "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.


The Working Actor's Guide to Los Angeles (2003)

The Working Actor's Guide to Los Angeles (2003)

Author: Kristi Callan

Publisher: Aaron Blake Publishers

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 9780937609200

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Book Synopsis The Working Actor's Guide to Los Angeles (2003) by : Kristi Callan

Download or read book The Working Actor's Guide to Los Angeles (2003) written by Kristi Callan and published by Aaron Blake Publishers. This book was released on 2003 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Actors Working

Actors Working

Author: Clair Sinnett

Publisher: Georgia Publishing

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780974057347

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Clair Sinnett is a Hollywood casting director who has cast Keanu Reeves, James Earl Jones, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, among others. In addition to her seminars, she also directs, performs, teachers and serves in many capacities in many film and theater troupes and organizations. A Theater Arts major at the U. of Michigan and NYU, she is a graduate of the AADA and trained at the Stella Adler Conservatory, among other troupes.


Book Synopsis Actors Working by : Clair Sinnett

Download or read book Actors Working written by Clair Sinnett and published by Georgia Publishing. This book was released on 2003 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Clair Sinnett is a Hollywood casting director who has cast Keanu Reeves, James Earl Jones, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, among others. In addition to her seminars, she also directs, performs, teachers and serves in many capacities in many film and theater troupes and organizations. A Theater Arts major at the U. of Michigan and NYU, she is a graduate of the AADA and trained at the Stella Adler Conservatory, among other troupes.


The Working Actor's Toolkit

The Working Actor's Toolkit

Author: Jean Schiffman

Publisher: Heinemann Drama

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13:

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How does an actor handle the challenge of performing under heavy make-up? What are the special requirements of acting in a docudrama? How does a nonsmoking actor tackle smoking for a role? How do actors deal with the director from hell? And what about nudity? Jean Schiffman knows. In The Working Actor's Toolkit, she amasses the information she garnered after years of interviewing professional actors, master teachers, and directors. Each of her chapters explores a clearly defined craft topic. Because there is neither one way to act nor one approach that works for every actor, each topic is discussed from a variety of perspectives-in often humorous ways. Together, Schiffman's chapters offer a nontraditional set of techniques to fill the gaps left by more academic acting primers. Her approach is eccentric, her range of subjects eclectic, her bottom line indisputable: there are certain truths about the elements of acting-the need to dig deep and personalize, to be specific, to avoid cliche, to take risks, and to remember that, in most cases, less is more. For beginning, mid-career, or longtime professional actors-or devoted fans who are curious about "How do they do it?"-Schiffman provides lively and provocative prose, but most of all practical ways for actors to hone their craft, solve unexpected acting problems, and make themselves marketable.


Book Synopsis The Working Actor's Toolkit by : Jean Schiffman

Download or read book The Working Actor's Toolkit written by Jean Schiffman and published by Heinemann Drama. This book was released on 2003 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How does an actor handle the challenge of performing under heavy make-up? What are the special requirements of acting in a docudrama? How does a nonsmoking actor tackle smoking for a role? How do actors deal with the director from hell? And what about nudity? Jean Schiffman knows. In The Working Actor's Toolkit, she amasses the information she garnered after years of interviewing professional actors, master teachers, and directors. Each of her chapters explores a clearly defined craft topic. Because there is neither one way to act nor one approach that works for every actor, each topic is discussed from a variety of perspectives-in often humorous ways. Together, Schiffman's chapters offer a nontraditional set of techniques to fill the gaps left by more academic acting primers. Her approach is eccentric, her range of subjects eclectic, her bottom line indisputable: there are certain truths about the elements of acting-the need to dig deep and personalize, to be specific, to avoid cliche, to take risks, and to remember that, in most cases, less is more. For beginning, mid-career, or longtime professional actors-or devoted fans who are curious about "How do they do it?"-Schiffman provides lively and provocative prose, but most of all practical ways for actors to hone their craft, solve unexpected acting problems, and make themselves marketable.