"From the co-author of The World Only Spins Forward comes the first cultural history of Method acting-an ebullient account of creative discovery and the birth of classic Hollywood. On stage and screen, we know a great performance when we see it. But how do actors draw from their bodies and minds to turn their selves into art? What is the craft of being an authentic fake? More than a century ago, amid tsarist Russia's crushing repression, one of the...

A history of the uniquely American art form of improv, from its beginnings during the McCarthy Era through the rise of such institutions as Second City, the Groundlings, and the Upright Citizens Brigade and such performers as Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Bill Murray.

Breaking Into Acting For Dummies demystifies the behind-the-curtain side of showbiz to help you understand how it really works, who the decision-makers are, what they're looking for when they're picking talent, and how to get them on your side. Written by two friendly insiders, this guide will help you map out your plan of attack, showing you how to open doors--and keep them open--and use your time wisely. You'll understand how to flesh out your professional...

Includes step-by-step instructions on how to write a script, use stage directions, play acting games and more.

"The story of a girl who apprentices at a summer theater festival hoping she's finally found a place to belong only to learn that neither talent nor love is as straightforward as she thinks"--

""[A] beautifully multifaceted story... Highly recommended." -The New York Times Andrea Hairston's historical fantasy Will Do Magic for Small Change presents a tale of alien science and earthbound magic and the secrets families keep from each other. Cinnamon Jones dreams of stepping on stage and acting her heart out like her famous grandparents, Redwood and Wildfire. But she's always been theatrically challenged. That won't necessarily stop her! But...

An actor's script is both a gold mine, and the map to discovering it: if properly read, a script will reveal its riches to you. Unfortunately, most actors never learn to efficiently read the map, or master how to convert what they find in a script into playable gold. Why? Because this aspect of the acting process is seldom taught in a simple and tangible way in the classroom or studio. Acting can - and should - be more than guesswork and instinct....

To The Actor is Michael Chekhov's acting methodology written in clear and practical steps. His technique has been a cornerstone of dramatic teaching for the past 80 years. Chekhov's students included notable actors such as Marilyn Monroe, Anthony Quinn, Clint Eastwood, and Dorothy Dandridge. Actors such as Johnny Depp, Jack Nicholson, and Anthony Hopkins, have stated his work to be a notable contribution to the success of their acting careers. Michael...

"When Lisa takes Corduroy to the theater for the very first time, it's so magnificent and exciting that he just can't help heading out on his own to explore. From the orchestra pit to the prop table to the dressing rooms, Corduroy sees it all. Could there be a place for Corduroy on stage, too?"--Provided by publisher.