A Practical Handbook for the Actor

by Bruder, Melissa; Cohn, Lee Michael; Olnek, Madeleine; Pollack, Nathaniel; Previto, Robert; Zigler, Scott; Mamet, David

• ISBN13: 9780394744124
• ISBN10: 0394744128
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780307499134
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1986-04-12
• Publisher: Vintage
• More Book Details

About This Book

A Practical Handbook for the Actor

ISBN: 9780394744124

About This Book

"A Practical Handbook for the Actor" is a comprehensive guide written for any actor who has ever experienced the frustrations of acting classes that lacked clarity and objectivity. This book is designed to provide a dependable set of tools for actors to find a way to live truthfully under the imaginary circumstances of the play.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by actors, acting students, and instructors in various acting classes. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their acting skills, whether they are beginners or seasoned professionals.

History and Editions

The first edition of "A Practical Handbook for the Actor" was published on April 12, 1986, by Vintage Books. Since then, the book has been updated and re-released in 2012 and 2022, offering new insights and refinements to the original technique.

Author and Other Works

The book is written by a group of young actors who have developed and refined their technique through their work. The authors include Melissa Bruder, Lee Michael Cohn, Madeleine Olnek, Nathaniel Pollack, Robert Previto, and Scott Zigler. The introduction to the book is written by renowned playwright and director David Mamet.

Key Features

• Clarity and Objectivity: The book provides a clear and objective approach to acting techniques, addressing common frustrations in acting classes.
• Practical Tools: It offers practical tools and methods for actors to improve their craft.
• Introduction by David Mamet: The introduction by David Mamet adds an authoritative perspective on the importance of truthful acting.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780394744124
• Audiobook: Available with a read-by Rose Byrne, Chris Bauer, Alison Wright, David Mamet, and Max Meyers (ISBN not specified)
• E-book: Not explicitly mentioned but available through various digital platforms

Publication Details

• Publisher: Vintage Books (published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group)
• Publication Date: April 12, 1986 (first edition)
• Publication Date (Updated Editions):
• April 25, 2012 (second edition)
• February 8, 2022 (third edition)
• Number of Pages: 112 pages (paperback edition)

Other Editions and Formats

• Paperback (First Edition): ISBN-10: 0394744128
• Paperback (Second Edition): ISBN-10: 030749913X
• Paperback (Third Edition): ISBN-10: 059355359X

Related ISBNs:

• Used Copies: Various used copies available through AbeBooks, BooksRun, and Half Price Books Inc., with conditions ranging from Good to Very Good.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "A Practical Handbook for the Actor," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Melissa Bruder, Lee Michael Cohn, Madeleine Olnek, Nathaniel Pollack, Robert Previto, and Scott Zigler are actors who worked with David Mamet and W. H. Macy at New York University and at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Members of the Practical Aesthetics Workshop, they helped found the Atlantic Theatre Company with Mamet and Macy in 1985.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION	ix	(4)
DAVID MAMET
AUTHORS' NOTE	xiii
The Job of the Actor	3	(5)
Technique Outline	8	(3)
Part One: The Technique	11	(56)
1. Physical Action	13	(6)
2. Analyzing a Scene	19	(21)
3. The Truth of the Moment	40	(8)
4. Externals	48	(7)
5. Preparing for a Scene	55	(4)
6. Troubleshooting	59	(6)
7. The Tools of the Craft	65	(2)
Part Two: Pitfalls (Working in the Real World)	67	(20)
8. Introduction	69	(2)
9. The Emotional Trap	71	(3)
10. The Myth of Character	74	(2)
11. Keeping the Theatre Clean	76	(8)
12. Conclusion	84	(3)
Glossary	87	(2)
Appendix A	89	(1)
Appendix B	90	(1)
Appendix C	91	(1)
Appendix D	92