An Actor Prepares / Edition 1

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More About This Textbook

Overview

Stanislavski's simple exercises fire the imagination, and help readers not only discover their own conception of reality but how to reproduce it as well.

The first volume of Stanislavski's enduring trilogy on the art of acting defines the "System, " a means of mastering the craft of acting and of stimulating the actor's individual creativeness and imagination.

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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780878309832
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • Publication date: 4/28/1989
  • Edition description: Reprint
  • Edition number: 1
  • Pages: 344
  • Sales rank: 90,821
  • Product dimensions: 8.50 (w) x 5.50 (h) x 0.72 (d)

Meet the Author

Constantin Stanislavski (1863-1938), arguably the most influential director in the history of the theater, was the founder of the renowned Moscow Art Theater. A pioneer of psychological realism and improvisation on the stage, he devoted his life to developing the performance techniques now emulated throughout the world.

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Table of Contents

Note by the Translator vii
1. The First Test 1
2. When Acting Is an Art 13
3. Action 35
4. Imagination 59
5. Concentration of Attention 79
6. Relaxation of Muscles 103
7. Units and Objectives 121
8. Faith and a Sense of Truth 139
9. Emotion Memory 177
10. Communion 209
11. Adaptation 241
12. Inner Motive Forces 263
13. The Unbroken Line 271
14. The Inner Creative State 281
15. The Super-Objective 293
16. On the Threshold of the Subconscious 303
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Customer Reviews

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Sort by: Showing all of 5 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 26, 2001

    Debatable....

    This book has some undeniably imperitive points for the serious actor. However, if you are one who is not big on method acting, I would not recommend it. When I was in college, there were two groups of actors - the ones who were all about 'Stan the Man,' and ones who thought that this book was complete nonsense. I have not yet made up my mind fully. All I can say is - if you're an actor, buy the book. Make up your own mind.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted May 26, 2012

    Steve Comisar is a true Method Actor

    The only real method actors around today are Meryl Streep, Steve Comisar, Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino. All of these talented actors studied personally with the legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg. The Method was devised by Strasberg from the "System" created by Constantin Stanislavsky in the early 1900's.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted August 24, 2002

    o, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!

    The first in a series of three, an Actor Prepares deals with the inner process/preparation an actor must explore in order to prepare for a role, how to control and stimulate your mind in order to convey the truth of your character. The story is told through the eyes of Kostya, the ex-stenographer who know shorthand, thus enabling him to take notes of the class. The instructor, Tortsov, is Stanislavski in disguise. The book takes you on a journey of the art ¿ acting. From learning about the magic ¿IF¿ to learning how to find your super-objective there is something for all in this book. Everything interrelates forming a web of knowledge and tools that you can take with you forever. When you read it, however, keep in mind what the author said about his books: ¿It is not a hand-me-down suit that you can put on and walk off in; or a cook book where all you need to find is the page and there is your recipe. No, it is a whole way of life.¿

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted August 25, 2000

    'An ACTRESS Prepares For College'

    'An Actor Prepares' was a great book to read. I had to read it for college and it was quite enjoyable. It covers all the points from backstage work to stage fright to being on the stage living as the role. It helped me to learn a lot more about acting and what I need to do for future roles. I definately think anyone who wishes to persue acting should read this book.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 18, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

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