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Best Books on Acting

Recommendations from 27 articles, Warren Buffett, Paul Graham, Dave Ramsey and 24 others.
Best Books on Acting
43 books on the list
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Sanford Meisner on Acting book cover
Sanford Meisner on Acting
Sanford Meisner - 1987-07-12
Goodreads Rating
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.
Respect for Acting book cover
Respect for Acting
Uta Hagen - 1973-09-01
Goodreads Rating
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.
Recommended by
John Leguizamo
An Actor Prepares book cover
An Actor Prepares
Constantin Stanislavski - 1989-04-28 (first published in 1936)
Goodreads Rating
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.
Recommended by
John Leguizamo
Audition book cover
Audition
Everything an Actor Needs to Know to Get the Part
Michael Shurtleff - 1980-01-02 (first published in 1978)
Goodreads Rating
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!
The Intent to Live book cover
The Intent to Live
Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor
Larry Moss - 2005-12-27 (first published in 2004)
Goodreads Rating
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.
The Art of Acting book cover
The Art of Acting
Stella Adler - 2000-11-01
Goodreads Rating
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.
Recommended by
John Leguizamo
Acting in Film book cover
Acting in Film
An Actor's Take on Movie Making (The Applause Acting Series) Revised Expanded Edition
Michael Caine - 2000-02-01 (first published in 1989)
Goodreads Rating
"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.
Freeing the Natural Voice book cover
Freeing the Natural Voice
Imagery and Art in the Practice of Voice and Language
Kristin Linklater - 1976-06-01
Goodreads Rating
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.
Actions book cover
Actions
The Actors' Thesaurus
Marina Caldarone - 2004-08-30 (first published in 2003)
Goodreads Rating
"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!"
The Actor's Art and Craft book cover
The Actor's Art and Craft
William Esper Teaches the Meisner Technique
William Esper - 2008-04-08
Goodreads Rating
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.
On the Technique of Acting by Michael Chekhov
Acting as a Business by Brian O'Neil
The Actor's Life by Jenna Fischer
A Challenge For The Actor by Uta Hagen
The Actor and the Target by Declan Donnellan
To the Actor by Michael Chekhov
Self-Management for Actors by Bonnie Gillespie
Secrets of Screen Acting by Patrick Tucker
No Acting Please by Eric Morris
A Practical Handbook for the Actor by Melissa Bruder
How to Stop Acting by Harold Guskin
A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston
Improvisation for the Theater by Viola Spolin
Building A Character by Constantin Stanislavski
Acting by Richard Boleslavsky
Truth in Comedy by Charna Halpern
Speak with Distinction by Edith Skinner
Strasberg's Method As Taught by Lorrie Hull by S. Loraine Hull
True and False by David Mamet
Loving to Audition by Larry Silverberg
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
Backwards and Forwards by David Ball
The Viewpoints Book by Anne Bogart
Games for Actors and Non-Actors by Augusto Boal
Acting for the Camera by Tony Barr
Accents and Dialects for Stage and Screen by Paul Meier
In-Depth Acting by Dee Cannon
The Eight Characters of Comedy by Scott Sedita
The Golden Rules of Acting by Andy Nyman
The Stanislavski System by Sonia Moore
How to Be a Working Actor, 5th Edition by Mari Lyn Henry