Customer Reviews (16)

This is a classic!
I bought this book to give to a friend who is just starting improv training.For my money, this is the "bible" for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of improvisational acting.Viola Spolin's book so clearly lays out her thoughts as to why improvisation works and delineates the theater games that are the basis for improv training as we know it.A "must have" for your library of books on acting technique.

Just One Book on Improv? This is probably it.
Great book. This really is foundation level work on the art of improvisational theater of all types. It's one of the three top books ever published on improv.

Incredible resource for theatre and general teachers
I am pursuing a career (my 3rd) in early childhood education. While this "text" is a classic for theater professionals and students, it is largely unknown to education majors.
Viola has written an incredible book about how to effectively engage children in learning. I highly recommend this book to anyone truly interested in effective and DAP for early childhood education.

Loads of information and exercises
You can't beat this book as a place to really learn about improv. Viola Spolin is a goddess, a giant in the improv world. The material is a bit dry, but there is much to ponder. I checked this out from the library and almost immediately knew I had to have my own copy.
for more on me: Someone Else's Tomorrow: A Tale of Transformation

Physical Theater
Very good, I am from México and can read it and apply it in my teachings. I specialize in physiscal theater and I still can grab allot of exercises from it. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide for actors and directors develops a valid method for training performers to act from their core--whether they are cold reading, auditioning, or performing for film or television.This book teaches actors how to achieve and respond to believable and honest emotions before the camera, and it maintains that the key to a successful performance lies in how the actors relate to one another and to the circumstances. Exercises, including script examples, throughout the book give readers an easy resource for practicing the principles outlined.

The Art of Film Acting applies a classic stage acting method (Stanislavsky) to the more intimate medium of performing before a camera, teaching readers to experience an emotion rather than to indicate it.



*Applies a proven method to screen acting

*Includes exercises and practice material

*Helps actors train themselves to relate and respond ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

If it floats your boat...
First of all, let me just say that while I did not like this book, I think that if it strikes a chord with you and gives you new insight, that is AWESOME.For me personally, I found this book extremely disappointing.I found it to be redundant with most first acting classes (as in, first acting class of your life).Of course, many acting books DO reiterate those things we first learned, and it CAN be inspiring, in a "that's so simple, and I forgot that" kind of way.So, didn't float my boat, and I think other books are way better.Check out Michael Caine's book on film acting, for instance.I didn't find this book to have any new insights, however.

Meat & Potatoes
Jeremiah Comey's film acting method makes an incredible book for actors & instructors.It distills Meisner's theory and refines it, much as Lee Strasberg served to adapt Stanislavski's method decades ago.I saw a video interview with Jack Nicholson who claimed that Comey had revolutionized his acting.That is high praise indeed for this magnificent teacher.Comey starts with the basic exercise of emotional copying, discusses how focus of concentration on the other actor is the key to creativity and then enlarges the concept to an acceptance of circumstance.Major emphasis is put on the skill of sight reading and getting off the page.Comey further defines the art of concentration, the art of not knowing, the art of acceptance and the art of giving and receiving.For actors stuck in their heads, Comey unlocks the key to real choices that may or may not be married to the obvious emotions of the text, which creates subtext, the medium in which film is told.Comey then gives a great detailed discussion of how his approach differs from audition technique & how the technique can enhance good auditions.Comey uses many examples from well-known films and some of the best actors and top stars.In the Acting for the Camera course I teach in North Carolina, I started with three books including Benedetti & Tony Barr, but found that while other books add helpful points, Comey's approach is the meat and potatoes, forever contradicting thespians who relegate film acting to theatre-lite.While not all of my young acting students have been able to get out of their heads, some have shown amazing progress in a 16-week semester, proof of the great effectiveness of this technique.Comey's book will augment Meisner-based approaches and is amazingly clear and to the point.Wow! Bravo!Thank you!

The corner stone of a career.
A couple of years and a few feature films later, I can truly say that Jeremiah Comey's Art of Film Acting is the corner stone of my craft as an actor.Since I first picked his book up in a book store somewhere in the center of London 5 years ago, I've been exposed to many other techniques, books and acting styles - and although each of them have been valuable in their own way, none of them has rung as true for me as what you'll find in between these pages.

Although I've been pursuing my acting career many many thousands of miles away (at the tip of Africa), Jeremiah and the Art of Film Acting have been like a personal coach to me, and when I got to meet him on a trip to L.A. I found the incredibly talented, sincere and accessible person I imagined him to be.

This book translates the essence of film acting simply, clearly and profoundly.You wont be sorry you bought it.

Great Acting Tool
It is a great book for any actor who wants to do stage and film acting. Ever since I've read the book I've booked two films in a matter of weeks. My acting has improved dramatically! I'm not kidding. I learned to come out of myself and see what's around me. It sounds simple and it is simple! Comey gives us techniques to observe what's around us, hence we're less nervous, and we perform better. His technique makes acting more fun, less mind work, though I do feel you still need to do the homework, but then when you're there you just have to let it go and respond what's in front of you. Trust me, it works. I checked this book from the public library and now I'm going to have to buy it myself. Good luck and hope the best in every actor!

Sleeping with a passion!
When something arouses passion in us, we are sometimes lucky enough to sleep with it.That is exactly what I have done with Jeremiah Comey's "The Art of Film Acting".The book rests on my nightstand, and I frequently turn to it for inspiration and knowledge.I have never found a more direct, simple and understandable explanation for this very complicated art known as acting.And if teaching art is so difficult, how does Mr. Comey make it seem so easy?I have a bachelor's degree in acting and more than 30 years in the business.It took me this long to find my "bible".This amazing book could also be titled "The Art of Teaching".Thank you, Maestro! ... Read more

Product Description
An invaluable resource for anyone wanting his or her acting to matter, this groundbreaking guide defies most modern acting methods by rejecting emotion as an acting tool. With the advice in this book, actors will see beyond the prevailing "objective-obstacle" approach and look primarily to the text the playwright provides. Actors learn how to dissect a text for key words and phrases, as well as how to score a script, find proper tempo and rhythm, modulate volume and intensity, use theatrical stillness effectively, find beat actions, listen to their acting partners, and much more. Expert tips are also provided for auditioning, cold reading, and taking direction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book will kick you into gear...
I have taken so many acting classes that in essence really didn't help me to become a better actor. This book dispels everything most acting teachers will try to tell you, and allows you to focus on what's really important- the things you can CONTROL to help you become an effective actor. While a lot of what is advocated may seem like too many details and a lot of work- well, guess what- it is. And if one truly wants to become an effective actor, you have to work at it, and hard. But the results will pay off in spades, and I can testify to that as I have noticed a huge improvement in my confidence and in getting roles.
Barry Pineo writes about acting and life in a way that is refreshing- it is all interwoven and connected- the way it should be. This book is inspiring, passionate, and forces you to look at acting in a way you probably never have.

Truly, Acting that really matters....
First off, I want to say that this book is hands down one of two acting books that have really made an impact on me.I can't tell you how many times I have put myself through exercises, such as the infamous listening with your full attention to an imaginary mouse scratching at the wall in the corner of your room, and been left wondering how this was supposed to help me become a more effective actor.I can only toss around so many "energy balls" before I start feeling like I may have been wasting my time.Luckily, Acting that Matters dispenses with much of the crap, and gets down to what is really important onstage and in our work.

Although it is not the first book to dispense with the myth that emotion is an important and usable tool onstage, Pineo goes far in convincing his audience of alternatives which should be occupying our attention.With concrete examples from his acting workshop, he gives us insights into how to more effectively tell a story onstage, through the use of action, obstacle, internal monologue, beats, etc., all things that should sound familiar to the actors ear....hopefully.But he also discusses some effective tools I have not read about in the past.An actor's use of rhythm and intensity, the effective use of stillness.He helps us to learn to score a script to more effectively, focusing, not on yourself, but on what you are doing to the other characters onstage.It is beautiful in its simplicity, and keeps your mind trained on the things that many actors seem to forget.He also includes tips on auditioning and cold reading, which many of us can always use help with.

Not only did this book help me focus on "how" I was acting, but it also led me to think about "why" I am acting.Pineo is obviously a devoted and passionate observer of the theatre.But he also makes keen observations on the unique state of the world we live in today, and how this has an impact on who we are in the world, which is inseparable from who were are as artists.Even though I still often worry about "getting the job" or "impressing the casting directors", I find that if I think about what was said in this book, that it becomes easier for me to let go of all of that, and just go into the room and tell the story.And as a result, to share a part of myself, rather than trying to be something that I think they want me to be.

I was happy to see many copies of this book in the Dramabookshop this morning, and look forward to hearing what others have to say when they discover this valuable book.And with that..."Actors, deep down, want to know themselves. They are compelled to know themselves. To become intimate with themselves -- and by extension, become intimate with others. But it all begins with the self. Acting is work on one's self" ... Read more

Product Description
A guide for all practicing and would–be actors, both amateur and professional, who wish to develop a full working knowledge of dramatic skills. ... Read more

Product Description
Respect for Acting

"This fascinating and detailed book about acting is Miss Hagen's credo, the accumulated wisdom of her years spent in intimate communion with her art. It is at once the voicing of her exacting standards for herself and those she [taught], and an explanation of the means to the end."
--Publishers Weekly

"Hagen adds to the large corpus of titles on acting with vivid dicta drawn from experience, skill, and a sense of personal and professional worth. Her principal asset in this treatment is her truly significant imagination. Her 'object exercises' display a wealth of detail with which to stimulate the student preparing a scene for presentation."
--Library Journal

"Uta Hagen's Respect for Acting . . . is a relatively small book. But within it, Miss Hagen tells the young actor about as much as can be conveyed in print of his craft."
--Los Angeles Times

"There are almost no American actors uninfluenced by Uta Hagen."
--Fritz Weaver

"This is a textbook for aspiring actors, but working thespians can profit much by it. Anyone with just a casual interest in the theater should also enjoy its behind-the-scenes flavor."
--King Features SyndicateAmazon.com Review
In her introduction to Respect for Acting, actress and teacher Uta Hagen talks about a time when she herself had no respect for the art of acting. "I used to accept opinions such as: 'You're just born to be an actor'; 'Actors don't really know what they're doing on stage'; 'Acting is just instinct--it can't be taught.'" But this attitude of "you got it or you don't" is fundamentally one that denigrates the craft, as she points out. Great actors do not perform effortlessly, or merely through learning the appropriate tricks and cheats to manipulate an audience. Great acting is about the difficult fusion of intellect and action--about sincerely and truthfully connecting to the moment, your fellow actors, and the audience--and Hagen's thoughtful and profound book contains a series of observations and exercises to help an actor do just that. Her prose style is admirably clear and filled with examples from her own lengthy career both as a performer and in the classroom. While her exercises in sense memory and basic objects skirt close to the sort of self-absorption that followers of "the Method" are routinely accused of, they are presented clearly and with a focus on practical results. And in such places as her chapter "Practical Problems," which includes discussions of stage nerves and how to stay fresh in a long run, her straightforward advice is invaluable. --John Longenbaugh ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

amazing
Even as a veteran actor I still found this book to be insightful and extremely clarifying for techniques in building character and emotional sensory work. A must have for any actor, be they budding or working in the business.

Everything you need to know to be an engaging and truthful actor
I'm a professional actor and acting teacher. I love this book and I love Uta Hagen. It's my second copy as I have moved a lot and lost it along the way. I will always have a copy nearby, it's my acting bible. The object exercises alone will give you the best education in being truthful.

HAGEN -- not Frankel!
The author should be listed in the Kindle catalogue as Uta Hagen. A search for "Hagen" did not turn it up.

So Great
Written by one of the most renowned acting teachers, this is an important read for amateurs and seasoned actors alike. Definitely for those serious about acting; I think this is important to understand, so it's a read for anyone considering acting. The writing has passion and respect for the craft and it comes through in the writing and will inspire you.

vital
Recommended reading for a graduate level Directing Fiction course that is very beneficial for directors. ... Read more

Product Description
Acting in Prime Time is an enormously practical guide that will direct people over fifty as well as the newcomer to specific areas of a glamorous profession. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A very helpful book when thinking of a 2nd career in theatre
ACTING IN PRIME TIME is a terrific book that gives lots of great advice for entering the theatrical business late in life.The author has clearly done her research and her enthusiasm for her subject is evident in her writing.This is a very helpful book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the topic ... Read more

Product Description
Twenty performers -- including Willem Dafoe, William H. Macy, and Eve Ensler -- consider the question of how an actor creates a character on stage.

A seemingly simple question -- "How do actors prepare for their roles?" -- reveals a surprising diversity of opinions about dramatic training. Should it be more institutionalized or more individualized? Has the film industry helped or hindered actors in their quest to portray characters convincingly? Can a person learn to act well, or is acting a talent one can only be born with? From Luba Kadison, who was on stage during World War I, to Aysan Celik, who was born in the mid-1970s, the actors interviewed by Mary Luckhurst and Chloe Veltman discuss the origins and uses of a wide range of physical and psychological approaches to acting. Some actors pour their energies into researching the era and circumstances of a character's life, some expand their versatility through work with ensemble groups or experimental companies, still others prefer to depend on traditional rigorous academic instruction. And sometimes inspiration comes from beyond the proscenium -- The Who, Martha Graham, opera singer Jessye Norman, and Pablo Picasso are just a few of the artists who have had a profound influence on the actors interviewed here.

With its dynamic approach and engaging style, On Acting is an invaluable collection of insights into the theory and practice of acting for the stage or the screen.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Heard a lot of this before
It is interesting to know how actors prepare.But each and every actor must discover that process on their own.I think a person not very familiar with the process would find this book enlightening and intriguing.However, people in the field are familiar with homework techniques, different methods, and various training schools. So, if you're in the field - this is probably something you've already heard before.

Have your ever wondered what it takes to act?
Have your ever wondered what it takes to act? What kind of training must an actor pursue?
How does the actor go about creating the illusions of different characters?
Many of us never stop to ponder about the craft of acting. We attend a stage performance or view a movie without giving any thought to the art behind the performance.
In fact, some of us may even believe that you are born to be an actor. No matter how diligently you train, unless you have this innate acting ability, you will never succeed.

These and many more queries are addressed in a compact book entitled "On Acting: Interviews With Actors", edited by Mary Luckhurst and Chloe Veltman.
The principal objective of the book is to unravel some of the mystique about the art of acting.
In order to attain some intelligent understanding of acting, the reader is introduced to a survey of twenty British and American actors who respond to a series of questions. Unlike many of the celebrity interviews we are accustomed to, the conversations presented in the book avoid intruding on an actor's private life or the commercial aspects of their latest project.
It is to be further noted and as indicated in the introduction, "the book focuses on actors whose roots lie in the theatre, though many also have a profile in film."

Although many of the actors interviewed may not be household names, nevertheless, reading these interviews definitely provides us with an excellent overview of various perspectives of the acting profession.

For example, when the question of how does an actor develop a relationship with the audience, we notice a variety of responses.

Aysan Celik asserted: "the audience is the final element; the performers are the bridge between the story and the audience." He goes on to explain that whether the actors are performing something completely recognizable to them or something very abstract, "as long as we, the actors, are engaged, I think the audience will be too. Whatever we do, we must not alienate them."

Another topic that was frequently broached was the amount of preparation and research undertaken before a performance.

According to Anna Deavere Smith"acting is creating a fiction to illuminate a truth-and I think it is- then my preparation calls for my being aware of all aspects of the creation of that fiction."
Smith goes to explain that she must be "intimately involved in all aspects of gathering information, putting it into a show, knowing what the stage world of the show is (mise en scène) and ultimately delivering the show, each night, to an audience-some of whom may know the people I am portraying.

Overall, "On Acting: Interviews With Actors" is an illuminating read and will definitely provide much food for thought for actors as well as non-actors.

This review first appeared on reviewer's own site

Right From The Heart
A fond melancholy runs throughout On Acting as twenty actors from both stage and screen re-visit their grass root beginnings in the world of performing arts. Sharing their diversified techniques on getting the character right, interviewees answer such questions as: How does an actor prepare for a role? How does an actor relate to their directors? and, Is there such a thing as a natural genius? On Acting is truly a "must have" actors book whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out. The cover to cover interviews will leave you begging for a second compilation. ... Read more

Product Description
You-re no idiot, of course.You-ve got tons of talent, but when it comes to bringing it centerstage you feel like you-re just winging it. You love the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd, but you-re not sure how to follow your dream.Don-t overreact! The Complete Idiot-s Guide- to Acting will help you hone your thespian skills and step into the limelight! In this Complete Idiot-s Guide-, you get:--Auditioning etiquette and tips on making a strong impression.--Rehearsal rigor-from read-throughs and blocking to taking stage directions and dealing with backstage gossip.--Tips on balancing theatrics and other obligations like school, work, and your family.--Tons more reasons why acting is important-from how it affects your everyday life to how it could help you get a scholarship or a promotion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great Acting 101 Book
Terrific book! Excellent service/ packaging. Book was is good condition, yet some what used, just as described. A very honest and accurate seller. Thank you!

Excellent, FOR WHAT IT MEANS TO BE
Based on other reviews I purchased a used copy, and feel it is an excellent introduction for parents, students, and more serious-minded "civillians" like me. It's important to rate a book by what it intends to do; this does not intend to speak to an experienced acting student looking for a tome of advanced rehearsal drills,or a wanna-be Semi-Pro who already knows many basic ins-and-outs of getting started, or perhaps has a little bit of performing under their belt and is indusry savvy. This is a book for folks staring 100% "cold." You work during the day, or you're in high school and have never done a single act of public speaking or performing, but you've got "it," meaning the desire to perform and embrace the arts in some way that fits into your obligations as a Spouse, Parent, Boss, Co-Worker, or Student.
This not the book for passionate theater lovers who already know exactly how to put together a press kit or have nice headshots. It's for those who've never heard of a head-shot and assume it's the bullet that killed Kennedy.
The reason I bought the book is two-fold. I made a decent chunk of income as a Tavern Singer for 10 years, till 9/11 and the economy killed my day job leaving me with a wife, new baby and no health benefits. I had to lay down the Arts as a money maker. Now, my child's a little older, things are more stable and I want to start getting back into performing but wanted the perspective of a true working actor who made a living at it and was excellent on stage. You see. that's the second reason I bought this book: I saw Paul Baldwin whhen I was @ 13. He was AMAZING. I never had a conversation with the man, never met him or shook hands, but when it comes to acting heroes, he's mine. In the book he mentions his many times playing Cervantes/Quixote in Man of La Mancha, specifically one time which was such a runaway hit, the Thearter by the Sea in Matunick, R.I. cancelled the remainder of the 1979 season to do a second run of the show. He was riveting. I can't say I'm a musical fan per se, but I don't dislike it either. This show blew the audience away. I saw Kiley as well in 1983 in Boston, and while Kiley and Bladwin were equally powerful, on the whole, the overall production/cast was stronger in R.I.!
Sadly, Ive been informed recently that Paul Baldwin passed away just a few years ago, shortly after this book was published. I hope the information is incorrect. If its true, then America lost a great un-sung working actor who obviously carried himself humbly, like the great Kiley before him.
If you're a total newbie, but serious about getting some great introductory info, I'd say the book's well worth it. If you're already in pursuit of that goal, buy a used copy for an enjoyable read by a great actor and, as he recommends, pursue voice and acting lessons one on one with teachers to develop your talent. The only addition I'd recommend for future printings would indeed be a small chapter which includes some typical lessons in body movement, voice excercises (vocalizes), some soliliquies, 2 person scenes, etc. It would seem to me that it would improve the books potential audience.
Should Mr. Malone, or someone who knew Paul Baldwin well happen to read this minor tome in criticism, I would love to hear from you and ask a question or two

What no mention of the great Olivier?
Laurance Olivier was considered the finest actor of the 20th century and he doesn't appear to make it in here (he's certainly minus from the index). About what its says about overrated method acting giant Marlon Brando having the ability to speak clearly when his son was on trial and Marlon the witness stand the latter mumbled his speech as he did in most films. Maybe it took many outtakes to get MB to speak clearly for Julius Caesar as this book claimed he spoke clearly for that film. The book was way too weak, brief and easy on method acting techniques as they often call for actors to get reallybeaten on just for "authenticity". Shakespearean acting (as most English actors do) is preferable to method acting.

Significant Endorsement
'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acting' is a well-written, practical manual. As Russell Crowe wrote in the Preface, 'I figured that if it worked for Jim Carrey, it'd work twice as good for me, even though I'm not a complete idiot because no-one's perfect.'

Find a school
Interesting very, very, very basic approach to acting. Will give you the basic tools, then go and find a school.

(...) ... Read more

Product Description
Appropriate for any course in which students learn the basic principles of stage performance and acting, the seventh edition of this classic text builds on the strengths of the previous editions.Drawing on a wide range of dramatic materials, the author uses the Stanislavski method of acting as unifying concept in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Useful for anyone, even a non actor
Life is a stage and everyone is a performer and actor. If you want to understand yourself and possibly change behavior, this book is great. I have the first edition which I paid $$$ for. I am not an actor, but we all act a part when in front of people. If we want to portray some person with certain traits or characteristics which would benefit us, you can learn from this book. It is not being someone who you are not, but bringing out some behavior which is part of you anyway, which would positively benefit you.

A Very Powerful Resource
If you need a good, step-by-step resource that outlines all of the basics you need to know to perform well, go ahead and buy this book. It is a little expensive, but it is worth it because no other book I have run across gives you such powerful basic methods to charge-up your acing skills when you are feeling a little confused about what you should/could be doing. Someone who follows the instructions in this book can literally transform from a clumsy actor to a basically skilled actor in about a week.

A Basic but Most Complete Method
This is a fabulous book for novice actors! An absolute must for the beginner. Summurised in these pages you can find the teachings of the great masters of drama (such as the well known Stanislavski. It is very clear andeasy to read and understand even for the complete beginners. On top of allthe good advice and techinques you get a lot of exercises to practice whatyou've learnt till then. It really has helped me with my acting! ... Read more

Product Description
Robert Blumenfeld on recording books:"Knowledge of literature, and a passion for telling stories, are essential.""Recording books is a skill, a craft and an art. You are playing characters, but you can’t project too much. You have to bring it all the way down. It’s a very intimate art form. The microphone picks up every rustle and nuance, not unlike a camera doing a close-up.""You don’t even have to look the part. You will have the pleasure of playing roles for which you may be the wrong physical type, and in which as a consequence you would never be cast in a film or stage adaptation."

Acting with the Voice offers hard practical advice on getting started in and pursuing the craft of recording books, and excellent literary samples to nourish the reader’s practice. The "Notes, Comments and Hints" sections in each chapter are filled with historical tidbits that are informative, in context, and aptly illustrate the meaning and perspective behind the excerpts chosen.

Acting with the Voice includes this and more:Getting Started in the Book Recording Business (Getting an Agent, The Casting Process, The Recording Session: What a Director Expects, Publishers of Recorded Books in the US, Book Recording in the UK and Canada )The Voice (Finding Your Voice, Paralinguistics: How to Do Different Voices, Vocal Exercises)Diction and Pronunciation (Phonetics, Positions of Vocal Apparatus, Practice Exercises for Good Diction)Microphone and General Recording TechniqueActing Methods and TechniquesReading Techniques (Preparing the Text for Recording, Charles Dickens: His Public Readings, Helen Potter’s Impersonations)Recording Prose Fiction (Understanding Style and Period, Reading Different Kinds of Scenes, The Character’s Voice: Creating a Character Vocally, Using Accents)Recording Plays Recording PoetryRecording Nonfiction: Making the Text Come Alive (Essays and Philosophy, Autobiography and Memoirs, Illustrative Texts: Biography)

And excerpted works by these writers and others: Susan B. Anthony, Jane Austen, Honoré de Balzac, Lewis Carroll, Samuel Clemens, Anton Chekhov, Robert Browning, Thomas Hardy, James Weldon Johnson, Michel de Montaigne, Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Wollstonecraft. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Useless, Insulting, and Unreadable
I have read many books on the topic of Voice-Over acting. I can't think of any even close to as awful as this one. The only thing I can compare it to is perhaps if your were interested in singing and bought a book that turned out to be 100% devoted to telling you how great Opera is, and how beneath contempt all other forms of singing are. Note, I said telling you, not even teaching you, as there is no attempt to teach anything in this book. In between the totally condescending and insulting text are pages and pages of scripts to practice that are simply useless at best. The words "pulp fiction" appear countless times, and every time in a more derogatory and insulting manner. To this author, the Robert Ludlum's, Dale Brown's, and Tom Clancy's of the world are on the same level as ax-murderers and child molester, and if you don't agree you are an idiot.

After the first few pages it is practically unreadable. Since you will learn nothing if you do,don't force yourself as I did. I have always found some small redeeming value in every book I have read. This is the exception that proves the rule.
... Read more

Product Description
With almost three hundred performance-tested acting games this is the largest collection published to date. They were compiled from numerous workshops and study sessions. Includes a wide variety of proven activities for learning acting and theatre industry skills. The book is divided into thirty-three sections including: Audition, Concentration and Focus, Voice, Ensemble, Action and Reaction, Improvisation, Knowing Your Objective, Performance, Thinking outside the Box, Spatial Awareness, Nonverbal Communication, Making Choices, Releasing Inhibitions, The Physical Actor and many more. This is an adaptable workbook designed to connect the learning of acting skills with professional auditions and the theatre industry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Drama collections must have this
275 Acting Games: Connected provides a fine workbook of theatre games for developing acting skills. While it's intended for the young adult actor, any actor entering theatre will find this an outstanding workbook which outlines connections between exercises, purpose, and industry objectives. Drama collections must have this!
... Read more

Product Description
In this must-have guide for aspiring performers, a veteran film actor shares her secrets for success when performing for film and television. Readers will discover exercises for relaxing the face to achieve maximum expressiveness; maintaining proper eye focus in front of the camera and conveying the "beats" of a scene, even in the shortest takes. They’ll also discover tested techniques for adapting to the styles of different directors; modulating voice and breath for maximum effect; preparing for the first day on the set; enduring multiple takes and on-the-set waiting; and much, much more. For any performer who intends to make a living in front of the camera, Acting for Film is the most authoritative resource! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Hopelessly abstract
I'm not an actor: I merely bought this 200-page book because I was quite curious about how this part of the movie-making industry works. Sixty pages in, I closed the book forever because I still had no idea. I honestly worry for aspiring actors who assume the author is a guru.

Cathy Haase seems to suffer from an inveterate inability to elaborate. Her manner of explaining the performance process consists of tossing out sweepingly abstract, largely un-implementable lumps of over-compressed advice. It's apparent that *she* knows what she means, but she doesn't seem to want *you* to know. Here are some examples:

"Observe the people around you, and write your observations in your journal" [p. 23]
But observe what? Gestures, mannerisms, demeanour, perceived emotional state? And what if the emotional state has been mis-perceived? As often happens, Ms. Haase offers no way of verifying whether or not you're doing it right, because she has not told you *what* to do.

A few sentences later, we are told to "try to see the genius in each person". [p. 23] Genius is something near-unique: it cannot exist in "each person", unless Ms. Haase is using the word in her own unique sense. If so, she never clarifies that sense.

What are we to make of such clangers as "breathe into the moment"? [p. 37] Or "Pick up your Journal [sic] and write. Write whatever you like"? [p. 39] Or "the breath must move through each moment to investigate it fully"? [p. 43] Or "Concentrate on the ears and the inner canal of the ear"? [p. 50] Ms. Haase cautions us against "getting stuck in your head" but never adequately explains the phenomenon. Later, when trying an exercise, we are meant to ask ourselves "Was I able to be aware of getting stuck in my head?" [p. 42] Leaving aside the clanking syntax of this question, wouldn't you have to "stuck in your head" in the first place to become "aware" of something?

Some passages are so silly they can be quoted without commentary. On the sense of taste:
"Ahhh! The mouth, tongue, and lips. What a trio! If you take some time out and consider all the functions of this triumvirate while moving your tongue over your lips and within the inside of your mouth, many interesting things may start to happen. Spend some time with this and explore."
[p. 27]

On the author's exploitation of her reaction to 9/11:
"I separated what had meaning from what was essentially meaningless; the world was filled with a sense of immediacy. Every moment became precious, and within the catastrophe around me, I realized how precious life is. Life is a series of moments, perceptions, and choices, but above all, it is painfully short. Life should be lived to the fullest. The present moment is everything."
[p. 47]

My favourite piece of advice in the book is the repeated injunction to "keep checking your breathing". For what? It's not as though it's going to stop, after all. (At least, not with this prose style.)

In fairness, there were warning signs. None of the three press quotes on the back of the book come from people in the acting profession. The quote from Norman Mailer has the air of called-in favour; the other two are from a screenwriting instructor and the Chair of a Film/Animation School. No performers or acting teachers. A bad omen.

Looking back, I also notice that in the empty spaces of this book I kept scribbling remarks like "What's the objective of this?" and "... To what end?" The slackness of clarity which permeates the book is epitomised by the moment when Ms. Haase confuses the name of the French national anthem with the name of a port in the south of France. [p. 56] It's a whole succession of little things like this that led to this unfinished book finding a new home in my local second-hand bookshop. (At least the next guy who flicks through it will be forewarned by the baffled comments in the margins.)

Not only for actors
Though I am not an actor, I always admired the craft and wanted to know more about what an actor goes through. I also wanted to learn some of the skills actors use to create and project a persona so that I could use them in my business and personal life. Following some of the advice and techniques in this book awakened the thespian in me. I found application of the advice extrodinarily helpful when giving presentations, for example, and even in regular conversation. I especially enjoyed the practice of studying my environment, notepad in hand, and jotting notes on what I see, hear, smell, touch and taste.I am much more aware of my surroundings as a result.

Auditioning is not only for actors. We all face a audition of some sort now and then. This book helped me have a greater chance of "getting the part".

What a horrible waste of time and money.
If you want some concrete tips on how to act for the camera, DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. It is 100% schlock, pure form -- and bad form, at that -- over content. The pompous Ms. Haase is so (obviously) mesmerized by her own turns of phrase that she forgets to give ANY meaningful instruction re: acting before the camera. Frankly, I doubt that she has any, if the Cathy Haase filmography is any indicator. If you want/need some actual/meaningful tips on what it's like to act with a camera pointed at you, and how to communicate through that camera to an audience, GET MICHAEL CAINE'S BOOK. It's a great read and full of information. Sorry, Ms. Haase.

Informative, thorough guide to Acting
This is one of the most comprehensive and thorough guides to Acting out there.It covers all the bases from inner voice, to auditions, to the making of a film and the performers role.By following the essentials in this guidebook, any aspiring craftsman in the performing arts will excel in their field. They will thoroughly understand how their body is the instrument of the performance and develop the skills to step into each characters skin.Highly recommended.

Practical Guide to Acting in Front of the Camera
"Acting for Film" is a very good book for actors who want to know how to act in front of the camera. It covers alot of practical knowledge such as the audition process, reading a script and creating your character. Also covered is what is expected during the film shoot both for big-budget and low-budget films. This book will teach you what acting in front of a camera is all about. A "must have" book for all aspiring film actors. ... Read more

Product Description
Of all the arts, drama - with its exploration of human characters and relationships - is closest to everyday life. This textbook emphasises this connection presenting the fundamentals of drama and acting techniques in the context of ordinary experiences and interactions. The material is arranged sequentially especially with the drama teacher in mind. Subjects progress from basic stage and acting terminology, to more advanced lessons on acting theories. Each chapter includes exercises, activities and discussion questions carefully selected to reinforce the text. Excellent for use with both advanced as well as beginning acting students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent book on Acting for Drama Instructors
I found the book, "ACTING FOR LIFE", an excellent resource to create a curriculum for various theatre workshops. Just about every topic there is to know about acting is covered in this book in great detail. Some of the material is a little advanced for younger children, but by sifting through the book, you can gear the information for just about any group, age 8 and older. I highly recommend this book for theatre instructors and actors. ... Read more

Product Description
What is good acting? How does one create believable characters? In "The Science of Acting", Sam Kogan applies his theories and teaching to answering these questions. It represents a comprehensive and complete technique applying neuroscience and psychology to the role of acting. At its heart lies a unique and groundbreaking understanding of the subconscious, as well as an unparalleled insight into, and expansion of, Stanislavskis original Russian teaching.The book includes chapters on Awareness, Purposes, Events, Actions, Imagination, Free Body, Tempo-Rhythm, and Laws of Thinking, culminating in the Ten Steps to Creating a Character. In addition to providing practical exercises to develop skill and definitions to clarify difficult terminology, it is a simple and original step-by-step guide to creating a character and to developing an actors ability. In examining life and its recreation on stage, "The Science of Acting" is a study of human behavior and its application to acting which no actor or student of acting should be without. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

To all aspiring actors/actresses and writers: Great Resource and very Insightful





The Science of Acting
By Sam Kogan

I never really want to become an actress nor do I want to get up on stage and perform. However, I am a radio show talk host and a writer and many of the lessons, ideas and strategies in The Science of Acting by author Sam Kogan can help anyone enhance not only their acting skills but writing too. I am going to review this book based on what areas I found helpful, insightful and useful to make me a better writer, author and to create the kind of characters and plot that would be great if someone decided to make my books into a movie.

The Science of Acting is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn the craft and become an actor/actress in the theater, television or movies. The author Sam Kogan puts much of himself into this book by taking the student or reader on his own journey through acting schools, tryouts for parts and teaching experiences that helped his students and him learn the craft in an interesting and meaningful manner.The fourteen chapters focus on many aspects that not only can be applied to acting but to becoming a better writer, playwright or screenwriter. This book will help anyone in real life who needs to build confidence when going for an interview, speaking in front of large audiences and as I do, host a regular radio show.

The book is divided into three sections. The first is foundations which helps the reader and the learner understand the building blocks and how they work in order to become a better actor/actress or in my case writer. This section or part includes vital information on what are complexes, awareness and events. These are just some of the areas that the author touches on in this part. However, awareness seems to be the one that intertwines the other two and each one builds on the precious until you get to the meat of the book or the Qualities of a Good Actor, or part 2. The final section is devoted to Working on the Script which provides a truly hands on experience for the writer, actor or reviewer to apply all of the skills and building blocks into creating a better script, book or screenplay.

I did mention awareness, which the author states, is the ability to see one's own thinking. I think this term says it all. If you can understand what your thoughts are and see both your visible and invisible thoughts and how they are unique and special to the character. As I read this chapter I began to formulate in my mind how I might improve the characters in my children's books and start thinking about what their visible and invisible thoughts would be and if they were portrayed on a television show what their thoughts would be that should belong to them and not the writer. Continuing in that same chapter is the model of awareness that helps the writer create the character. Chronologically, what follows is the chapter titled Events which would help the character enact his/her thoughts and better understand exactly what an event really is. Events are anything that intensifies our thinking. An event does is not something in the physical world it is intensified by the happening which is a change in the physical world. There are many ways to understand events, awareness and character development that are discussed in this book along with numerous short stories and examples to better illustrate how these elements work. The chapter that I am going to use as resource is the one entitled Mindprint which really helps the actor or writer learn how to help develop a better character and make that character come alive for on paper and in the theater.

Part Two of the book discusses the Qualities of an Actor and the Third takes the actor and the writer through the crucial steps to actually creating, writing and performing a script. All of the qualities discussed that the author feels make up a good and talented actor intertwine into one in order to come out with the right formula. Imagination is one of the main tools for creating a believable and good character. Imagine being able to create a character's past, present and future and placing yourself imagining yourself within and one and the same with this character. The author discusses many elements of a talented actor that can not only be incorporated in a play, or show but when a person needs to build confidence when going for a new job, you play the role, sit and think about the questions you might be asked to answer and hopefully predict or be ready for the unknown ones that might come. Finally, the last part of the book as I stated pulls it all together and helps the writer, author, screenwriter or journalist create a better and better script. To understand how the Science of Acting works and how you can use it in your writing and everyday life you need to read this book and use it as a resource, to create your perfect script. I would say that you should read each chapter starting with complexes and until you reach the final section and create your own examples of each and see how they measure up to those in the book. Do not read the entire book once. Give yourself a chance to incorporate and understand each of the chapters and how they will help you in your writing. Finally, use the glossary of terms in the back as a reference to help you remember the different meanings of the word actions, the ten steps that are summarized on pages 245-246 and the glossary of definitions that defines the important elements in each chapter.

Using this book I hope to create better characters for my next two children's books and for the non-fiction book I plan to write based on a true story. Well written, great examples, interesting stories that provide true to life experiences for the reader to understand, Sam Kogan's voice if truly heard in every story he relates about his own experiences, his examples and more.





I recommend that anyone who is thinking about a career in acting, writing or even public speaking read this book and learn the true Science of Acting from a great actor and writer.



Fran Lewis: reviewer

The Science Of Acting And Successful Living
I need to admit that I am not an actor or a student of theatre arts.I did encourage and support my daughter when she participated in high school and junior college plays and musicals.I started reading this book with the perception that I would learn acting techniques but I soon discovered that this book is also about how we think and act in everyday life.

This book examines how our mind works and how we can use helpful thoughts to our advantage and eliminate thoughts that are holding us back.It explains how we get in a ditch of rigid negative thinking.This thinking occurs on the subconscious level so we don't understand why we are reacting the way we do.

Mr. Kogan uses theories on the relationship between neuroscience, psychology and acting to develop a technique for good acting and successful living.The book is amazingly direct and easy to understand.It is illustrated with simple drawings that help explain key concepts.I also like the way key words are emphasized and defined.There is an excellent glossary at the end of the book that provides a useful summary of all the key concepts in the book.

I highly recommend this book to all students and teachers of drama and theatre arts.I also recommend this book to anyone who desires a better understanding of the thought process.This is a life-changing piece of work!

Rid yourself of toxic thinking and replace the thoughts with success thinking
Very often our thinking creates our problems. So, the question is, why do we think the way we do and how can we change it? That's what this book by Sam Kogan teaches us.

In a well-written, intriguing style, we learn how to be the person we want to be through the skills of an actor. Kogan helps the reader look at the thoughts that have been with them for years --- thoughts that are no longer useful and may be creating problems.

People very often think themselves poor or sick or uninteresting. The key is to find out what those toxic thoughts are and change them, thus bringing about a totally different manifestation, one that's wanted and desirable. Through some of the methods of the professional actor, one can learn to do this. And that's the basis of this book.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson

Lights! Camera! Action!
"The Science" is perhaps the most influential book I have ever read. I read it twice, from cover to cover, before coming up for air.

That "The Science" is a must-read for any actor is plain to see from as early as the book's Introduction. But I am not an actor. Nor am I a scientist. I am someone who has read the book through sheer curiosity and I can tell you now that it has taught me more about myself than living in my own sceptical skin for 30 years has done.

The book has opened up my consciousness and has inspired me to ask questions of myself: Why do I do what I do and think what I think? Am I in control of my own thoughts and actions? Can I change my thoughts to make me a happier, more fulfilled individual? Can I apply positive thoughts and energy to all I do?

The answers? Well they are limitless. "The Science" has made me realise that I can achieve anything I want to achieve and be anything I want to be by spending a little quality time with my thoughts. I could even become an actor!

Lights, camera, action! Five Stars.
... Read more

Product Description
Are you just starting in Voiceover? Do you have some experience, but aren't getting booked? Are you a working pro who wants to expand to new areas of VO work?

The Art of Voice Acting is a must read if you are serious about a profession in voice over and looking to maximize your efforts for success in the business.
Packed with basic acting techniques in The Art of Voice Acting, you will discover
* All new scripts
* 20 more pages of new and updated information
* A completely new chapter of studio stories and 'tricks-of-the-trade' from professional voiceover talent around the world
* Updated information for voiceover demos and marketing
* A comprehensive index that makes it easy to find what you're looking for
* More voice and acting techniques
* Contributions from some of the top voice talent in the world
* An all new audio CD with the actual audio for every script in the book,
* PLUS: exercises, demos and more!
Written in an accessible and engaging style Alburger shares his experience as a performer, producer, director and performance coach to give you a clear no nonsense introduction to the business and art of voice acting.

*Learn insider tips on marketing, finding work, making audition tapes and establishing yourself as a professional voice over actor
*New chapter 'Tricks of the Trade', explains how to maximize your efforts and avoid pot holes in the industry
*Perfect your performing skills using easy-to-follow voice exercises and demos on CD Rom
... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Comprehensive? Oh, yes.
I've been known to entertain the notion of doing voice work. I've often been told I have a great face for radio, and people frequently are entertained by the voices I do when I'm at work (a personal favorite being the "Five Pack a Day Cafeteria Lady"). So I've considered before trying to get into the business, especially when I lived in Los Angeles.

But real life intruded, as it often does on one's dreams. I moved to Phoenix, a place not known as a great Mecca for acting of any sort, and life went on. But always the dream remained. So when I got the chance to get this book from Amazon Vine, I jumped at it! And boy, talk about a dream killer! But in a nice way. :)

This book is chock-full of more information than anyone would've thought possible for voice work. You'll read about everything from the basics of how to train your voice up to rules of behavior at a studio and everything in between. You'll learn about what's expected of you, what you can expect of others, how to do a demo and when you need to. There's more information here than you ever thought you'd need, but from what I can tell, you need it all.

I do dock the book a bit because it's a little overwhelming and not terribly well-organized. Also, frankly, much of it reads like an advertisement for the author's classes (including an actual advertisement in the book). This isn't something that's bad, but it should be noted.

I mentioned the book is a dream killer, but in a nice way. Here's why: It exposes a reality to voice work that I didn't know anything about and really kicks my dreams to the curb. It makes me look at the industry as something more than I'd expected it to be. And that's a good thing, because it means that if I want to go into voice work, I now know what I need to do, so I'll be better prepared. And that's very nice indeed.

A Must Have for the Voice Acting Talent
James Alburger has published his fourth edition of The Art of Voice Acting.The book cover has the same artwork as the previous edition, just different colors, but don't be fooled by that.I know that James Alburger is serious about this business and the investment in this fourth edition was worth it for me because he expands on the craft and the business, so that performers can stay abreast of the changes in trends and style.

James Alburger has taken his passion and years of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to assist others who are interested in the art of voice acting.I have gained a wealth of information from the previous edition that has been very valuable as I develop my voice acting career, so there was no question that I would also get the fourth edition.

This book covers fundamentals, tips, techniques, the business side, auditions, demos, characters, promotions, agents, and getting paid. I enjoyed this book and will read it over and over again on my acting journey.This comprehensive book and audio CD are a must for anyone interested in voice acting.

Become The Voice
One great advantage of reviewing books for Amazon is that you get the option to review classes of books you've never read before. This is another one to help people in movies, and it's just as clear and useful as the others.

This is the fourth edition of Alburger's book, and it's a great guide. He makes the point right away that you are not simply an anonymous voiceover, but rather a voice Actor. What seems like an easy job - going into a studio and reading scripts into a microphone - turns out to be a complicated process with many nuances.

As he points out, you may have a sentence or even less to make a convincing character, and when audiences can't see you it can be very hard. Since starting this book I've been listening more closely to the voiceovers in TV advertising, and it's remarkable how well these actors give you an idea of a certain type of person. What's hardest is to sound genuine as the person who's satisfied with the product or service, without coming across as a shill for the company.

Alburger spends a lot of time on what it takes to earn a living from the business - from making a demo disk to approaching potential employers, and also how to to keep working. He's frank about such things as whether you should join a union, and how to use training. Considering how Alburger offers such services, I think that his treatment of this area is very well done, and unlike some writers, you don't find that the whole book is an advertisement for the author's business.

This book can serve the complete novice, yet its guidance goes through many stages, and established professionals will find it worth checking.

I have a couple of problems with the book, but neither will stop you getting plenty of useful info. When it comes to the latest technology, Alburger seems a little unsure of himself. It's not that he makes any mistakes, it's just that doesn't exude quite as much confidence as in other parts of the book.

The other problem is from my days as a desktop publisher. The book is set in Times Roman. What was designed as a font to get the maximum number of words on a newspaper page in the 1930s is not such a good choice as a font from the 1950s or even one designed in the last twenty years for use on computers, like Minion. I may sound persnickety, but you have to put slightly more effort to keep reading. It appears to have been set in Microsoft Word, because of the lack of hyphenation which sometimes leads to huge spaces between the words. Microsoft Word will end a line with a hyphen if the hyphen was already there (as in words like "Left-handed") but words like "Coagulate" won't be split.

But neither of these detract from the great value this book represents. If you have the slightest interest in the subject, you need The Art of Voice Acting.

Helpful Insights Into Voiceover Work
Doing voiceover work is part talent, part luck and part experience. It's work that sounds all too easy when you listen to it and far too difficult when you try it. Even though I've done commercial voiceover work in my acting career, it still amazes me how smooth and easy voiceover professionals make their work sound.

"The Art of Voice Acting, Fourth Edition: The Craft and Business of Performing Voiceover" has proven to be helpful in closing the gap between what I hear and what I can perform. If you google James Alburger, the book's author, you will find that he has worked on both sides of the microphone. He's worked at a voiceover professional, as a recording engineer, as a producer and as a director--all of which give him the expertise to write a knowledgeable and informative book on voiceover work. As a helpful bonus, the book includes a CD with examples of voiceover work covering every script in the book.

I found myself better equipped for my voiceover work thanks to the insights and help contained within the pages of Alburger's book.

Great book with tons of info between two covers
Comprehensive coverage of the voice over industry, including pointers and suggestions on how to find a job.I was surprised at the amount of information in this one handy source because I've had to check multiple sources in the past for the info that I found here.Great resource. ... Read more

Product Description
This collection of seventy-five acting exercises is designed to prepare actors and acting students for a professional career. The exercises were created during workshop sessions conducted by the authors with participants of the Paul G. Gleason Theatre in Hollywood. Over three hundred hours of recorded sessions were edited to pick the best exercises for developing acting skills. The book is divided into fifteen sections: Acting Is Not a Business, but It Can Be Business-Like; The Audience; Technology and Information for the Actor Fix Yourself, Then Use Yourself; Sound and Vocal Levels; The Storyteller; A Magnetic Personality; Auditioning; Imagination; The Physical Actor; A State of Being; Eureka; Creating a World; Mirror Neurons; and Intimacy and Confrontation. Also includes insights from many professionals in the acting industry. This book is for dedicated actors looking to be in major productions, on major television shows, or in major movies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Aspiring actors need this!
Acting for Love & Money: Connecting the Craft to the Industry is for dedicated actors seeking to be in major productions. It offers keys to auditioning more effectively, comes packed with exercises and tips, and teaches more awareness of the craft of acting and how it's connected to industry and business concerns. Aspiring actors need this!

... Read more

Product Description
The journeys in Acting and Singing with Archetypes are based on the Voices of the Archetypes and Myths workshops that Frankie Armstrong has conducted throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States. Primarily geared toward theatre teachers, directors, and theatre workshop leaders, this groundbreaking, interactive book - with an accompanying CD - shows actors and singers how to expand their creative choices by taking journeys to find the archetypes within themselves. Archetypes are universal essences that we all recognize: the Mother, the Lover, the Trickster, the Spiritual and Temporal Leader. Each one is not a fully developed character but rather its essence - images, forms, voices, bodies and psychological elements - around which a performer can organize a portrayal and begin full character development. The first part of the book contains sixteen archetype journeys. Each archetype journey is accompanied by preparatory explorations for the voice, body, and imagination. The CD, sung by Ms. Armstrong, provides songs and examples of vocal ornamentation to prepare and assist the journeyer. The second part of the book contains suggestions on how to apply the discoveries to real acting situations, explaining how to use the archetypes in the creation of multifaceted characters and in classroom explorations such as mask making, improvisation, monologue, scene and song work, and devising theatre. ... Read more

Product Description
The art of acting in Restoration Conedy, the buoyant, often bowdy romps which celebrated the reopening of the English theatres after Cromwell's dour reign, is the subject of Simon Callow's bold new investigation. There is cause again to celebrate as Callow, one of Britain's foremost actors, aims to restore the form to all its original voluptuous vigor. Callow shows the way to attain clarity and hilarity in some of the most delightful roles ever conceived for the theatre. ... Read more

Product Description

Acting: The Basics is a practical and theoretical guide to the world of the professional actor, skilfully combining ideas from a range of practitioners and linking the academy to the industry. It covers key areas such as:

• the development of modern drama and acting processes over the years
• the approach and legacy of acting pioneers and practitioners from around the world
• acting techniques and practicalities, including training, auditioning, rehearsing and performing – both for stage and camera

Complete with a glossary of terms and useful website suggestions, this is the ideal introduction for anyone wanting to learn more about the practice of acting and the people who have advanced its evolution.

Product Description
From basic acting techniques and exercises for keeping the voice in top condition, to marketing and promotion of the actor, this book covers it all. The Art of Voice Acting is an excellent introduction to the business and art of voice acting. This new edition also features coverage of specialist areas of voice over: animation/video gaming and film/ movie trailer.Updated to reflect the latest changes in performance techniques and products in the industry, it is essential reading for all voice over actors. Packed with expert advice on job opportunities and career management tips, it is the ideal resource for anyone involved in the industry.The voice over demos and exercises on the expanded CD ROM complete this perfect modern manual to getting established in the voice acting industry.

*Learn insider tips on finding work, making audition tapes and establishing yourself as a professional voice over actor
*Gain expert advice on how to keep your voice in top condition
*Perfect your performing skills using easy-to-follow voice exercises and demos on CD Rom ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

The most comprehensive book on Voice Acting
I've read a few books on this topic as I'm a self-trained voice actor, and I can honestly say that this is the one that has, by FAR, the most useful information and tips on how to make it in this business - everything from breathing exercises to practice scripts to how to create an invoice.Good stuff!

Very Good Quality Book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very in-depth, and offered first hand experience. It took me step by step how the process works. It covered all it's bases, and the author was very experienced and professional. I am an armature voice actor, and I can honestly say I walked away from this book 110% more informed. I highly recommend purchasing this book!

The Best Bible of Voice-Acting Out There
James Alburger wrote this book some years ago.In fact, he's on his 3rd edition!And this book is still so in style.Having worked in voice-over for a number of years here in Los Angeles I can honestly say that Mr. Alburger hits the nail on the head with his advice. He covers the basics like proper breath control, how to create believable characters and subtext, breaking down copy, recording a demo and how to succeed at your first session.You can follow the samples that he has included in the book and on the CD to practice your craft and get it down.How great is that!

Recently I heard that Mr. Alburger and his colleague Penny are putting on a major voice-over event here in L.A. sometime in the spring 2008.I don't think aspiring voice-over artists will want to miss that, but should read his book first.

By the way, Mr. Alburger is correct that on-going training and "classes" are essential to voiceover success....unless you are lucky enough to be working every day in the industry....which is very rare.

A must-read for anyone interested in entering this potentially lucrative industry.Break a leg!

Sloppy, inattentive to detial, repetative, some good info, though
Has some good information in it. It's written in simple, accessible prose. But, honestly, there were so many typos within the first few pages, that I started getting distracted and looking for them. It's also quite repetitive, reiterating, rather than adding to a point or topic. (i.e. "take as many VO and acting classes as you can!")

This is the BIBLE for aspiring voice-over talent.
Only thing I have a problem with in this excellent book is the rather constant "suggestions" that you stay in classes forever.As in stage and film acting, a lot of good, natural actors have been ruined by "teachers" who insist on "shaping" them to their own personal style.Works for some workshop junkies I suppose. ... Read more