Acting The Essence

Acting the Essence examines the theory, practice, and history of the art of the performer from the perspective of its inner nature as work on oneself, within, around, and beyond the pedagogy of the actor. Ref lecting primarily on the legacy of Jerzy Grotowski, this book is composed of a series of ref lections on the Stanislavskian lineage of practitioners and related authors, in an attempt to revive awareness of the original path traced by the Russian master and to refine certain ambiguities in contemporary training. In a new media age of image and sound, accompanied by a proliferation of new technologies and means to communicate, emphasised by the COVID-19 crisis, a classic question comes to be asked of us again: What is the essence and the principal objective of the work of the performer? Is performing art still necessary? While proposing a theoretical advancement of the discipline and an historical overview of the relevant practices, this book provides tools for a better understanding of the traditional function of the performer’s practice as work on the self, for its ecological renaissance through a conscient use of trance, attention, and altered states of consciousness. This book offers insight for students in drama, theatre, and performance courses studying acting and performance at university.

Embark on an immersive exploration into the heart of the performing arts with "The Essence of Acting: Techniques, Triumphs, and Trials." This comprehensive tome delves deep into the multifaceted world of acting, offering readers an unparalleled journey from its historical origins to the cutting-edge practices of today's most accomplished actors. At its core, acting is an art form that has captivated audiences for centuries, evolving from the ancient amphitheaters to the glittering lights of modern cinema. This book begins by tracing the rich lineage of acting, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of its transformative power. As we venture further, "The Essence of Acting" reveals the actor's most vital tools: body and voice. These chapters are dedicated to refining and maintaining these instruments, essential for any actor seeking to convey emotion and story with authenticity and precision. The heart of the book delves into the diverse tapestry of acting techniques that have shaped the craft. From the revolutionary Stanislavski system to the spontaneous Meisner technique, readers will gain insights into the philosophies and practices that enable actors to deliver captivating performances. Character development and script analysis are unraveled, providing actors with the tools to create intricate, believable characters. The book guides you through the nuances of script dissection, enabling you to unlock the emotional and narrative depth within each line. "The Essence of Acting" doesn't shy away from the practical aspects of the craft. It offers a candid look into the rehearsal process, audition techniques, and the subtleties of acting for the camera. These chapters provide practical strategies and insights that are invaluable for both the aspiring actor and the seasoned professional. The emotional life of an actor is examined with compassion and understanding, acknowledging the psychological challenges and triumphs intrinsic to the craft. This book emphasizes the importance of self-care, advocating for mental and physical wellness amidst the pressures of the industry. Acting is not merely a profession; it's a journey of continual growth and reinvention. "The Essence of Acting: Techniques, Triumphs, and Trials" is a testament to this journey. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those seeking to understand the depths of acting and a source of inspiration for those committed to the ongoing pursuit of excellence in their performances. Whether you're taking your first steps onto the stage or have years of experience under the spotlight, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and rewards that define the essence of acting.

In this book, educator-actor-playwright-director Elizabeth Hess offers systematic and original explorations in performance technique. This hybrid approach is a fusion of physical theater modalities culled from Western practices (Psycho-physical actions, Viewpoints) Eastern practices (Butoh, Kundalini yoga) and related performance disciplines (Mask, Puppetry). Behavioral, physiological and psychological ‘states of being’ are engaged to unlock impulses, access experience and enlarge the imagination. Through individual, partnered and collective explorations, actors uncover a character’s essence and level of consciousness, their energy center and body language, and their archetype and relationship to universal themes. Magic (to pretend, as if), Metaphor (to compare, as like) and Myth (to pattern after, as in) provide the foundation for generating transformative, empathetic and expansive artistic expression. Explorations can be adapted to character work, scene study and production, including original/devised work and established text, to illuminate singular and surprising work through collaborative creativity that is inventive, inclusive and alive.

Annotation Yevgeny Vakhtangov pioneered Fantastic Realism through his innovative theatrical concepts. This book compiles new translations of his work on the art of theatre creating a primary source of original material on this theatrical master.

"This book vividly captures vital and imaginative lessons from one of the most influential and joyous traditions of contemporary actor training. Any actor or teacher, who is devoted to the transformational power of the theatre, will want to return to these pages again and again, finding in them not only the work to be done, but also the inspiration to do it." James Bundy - Dean, Yale School of Drama; Artistic Director, Yale Repertory Theatre Movement training techniques allow actors to acquire the physical body language and non-verbal skills to clearly express the ideas and emotions of their characters. The techniques contained in this book help actors to develop awareness of their own natural posture, walk and rhythm, release the physical imagination and transform into the characters they are portraying, on stage, in film or on television. Movement Training for Actors provides a practical workbook approach to the core fundamentals of movement, fusing together the work of the key practitioners: Sigurd Leeder, Kurt Jooss, Rudolf Laban, Trish Arnold, Litz Pisk, F. M. Alexander, Moshé Feldenkrais, Jerzy Growtowski, Jacques Lecoq and Belinda Quirey. Chapters include Games, Pure Movement, Historical Dance, Acrobatics and Animal Study. The book is illustrated with photographs throughout and contains a DVD featuring over an hour of movement exercises further demonstrating the techniques. Movement Training for Actors is a masterclass on movement written by experienced coach, Jackie Snow and a culmination of her many years of teaching and coaching professionals. The highly practical approach will suit actors of all abilities as well as serving as an inspirational teaching guide.

A valuable new touchstone for phenomenology and performance as research. In this book, Daniel Johnston examines how phenomenology can describe, analyze, and inspire theater-making. Each chapter introduces themes to guide the creative process through objects, bodies, spaces, time, history, freedom, and authenticity. Key examples in the work are drawn from Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, Sophocles' Antigone, and Shakespeare's Hamlet. Practical tasks throughout explore how the theatrical event can offer unique insights into being and existence, as Johnston's philosophical perspective shines light on broader existential issues of being. In this way, the book makes a bold contribution to the study of acting as an embodied form of philosophy and reveals how phenomenology can be a rich source of creativity for actors, directors, designers, and collaborators in the performance process. Brimming with insight into the practice and theory of acting, this original new work stimulates new approaches to rehearsal and sees theater-making as capable of speaking back to philosophical discourse.

Includes section "Book Reviews."