Best Books on Acting

Learn the craft of acting from one of the greatest teachers of our time in this captivating book. Follow an acting class of eight men and eight women as they go from basic exercises to polished performances of contemporary American plays. Meisner's empathic and encouraging teaching style provokes emotion, laughter, and technical mastery from his students. With an introduction by Sydney Pollack, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in acting or appreciating the craft.

This detailed book on acting serves as a credo for one of the industry's experienced professionals. Respect for Acting offers invaluable advice for both aspiring and seasoned actors, containing vivid dicta drawn from experience, skill, and a sense of personal and professional worth. With her significant imagination, Uta Hagen's object exercises can stimulate anyone preparing a scene for presentation. No wonder almost no American actors are uninfluenced by Hagen's teachings.

Discover the famous acting training book that has inspired generations of actors and trainers. This edition was the first to introduce Stanislavski's 'system' to English speakers and continues to be a classic in acting classes. Learn about inward preparation, the 'magic if' concept, emotion memory, and rehearsal aids. An essential read for actors, directors, and anyone interested in the art of drama.

Find your dream role with Audition by Michael Shurtleff! Learn the secrets of successful casting from the director of Chicago, Pippin, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Discover how to create mystery, use humor, and develop a distinct style that will land you the part you want. Audition isn't just for actors though - it's a necessary guide for dealing with all the "auditions" we face in life. Don't miss out on the bible of auditioning!

Learn from legendary acting coach Larry Moss's thirty years of experience with his book, The Intent to Live. Moss shares his techniques to help actors set their emotions, imagination, and behavior on fire, giving performances that are authentic and spontaneous. From script analysis to physicalization and sensory work, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to master the craft of acting. With insights, case studies, exercises, and examples from a wealth of plays and films, The Intent to Live is not just a handbook, but a personal credo of a master teacher.

Explore the teachings of one of the most influential acting teachers in American history through this book of 22 lessons. Stella Adler, known for instructing iconic actors like Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro, imparted her vast knowledge of the craft over a long and illustrious career. Howard Kissel has captured her decades of experience and expertise in this essential volume on The Art of Acting.

"Acting in Film" by Michael Caine is a comprehensive guide to making movies from the perspective of one of Hollywood's most iconic actors. This revised and expanded edition covers topics such as preparation, directing, and being a star, with great pictures throughout. Discover the secrets of creating memorable performances with a fascinating and knowledgeable guide.

Discover a guide to unlock your natural voice with exercises specifically designed to strengthen and develop your vocal abilities as an actor or human. Learn about the mechanics of the voice and overcome common obstacles to achieve a more effective and authentic vocal expression.

"Enhance Your Acting Skills with Action-Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone. This guidebook focuses on the importance of actions in acting, offering a detailed list of active verbs to help actors bring their characters to life. Discover the power of verbs and improve your acting skills today!"

This book explores the art and craft of acting, offering a step-by-step approach to becoming a truly creative actor. Developed by William Esper, one of the leading acting teachers of our time, this rigorous system of exercises builds a solid foundation of acting skills from the ground up, while still remaining flexible enough to be applied to any acting challenge. Co-writer Damon DiMarco offers readers an inside look at Esper's teaching methods, demonstrating how good training frees actors to create truthful and compelling characters.