Acting is Believing [Hardcover]

Charles McGaw (Author), Kenneth L. Stilson (Author), Larry D. Clark (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0495050334 | ISBN-13: 978-0495050339 | Publication Date: February 6, 2006 | Edition: 9

Emphasizing that "an actor must believe to make his audience believe," ACTING IS BELIEVING remains one of the classic texts in the field of acting. Charles McGaw's and Larry D. Clark's earlier editions influenced generations of actors, and the book has been completely updated by Kenneth Stilson with the hope of inspiring today's future professionals. The Ninth Edition has an expanded theoretical grounding, while providing numerous new and revised exercises to help today's acting student apply the key concepts of a Stanislavski-based training program as interpreted through the eyes of twenty-first century artists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I think that the overall organization of the book is excellent. It guides the student through specific skill-building tasks in terms of the development of the actorÂ's instrument."

"I believe it is the best basic text for exposing student to the Stanislavski System."

"I have used versions of this text for 20 years because I believe it is the best available." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Larry Clark is currently Professor and Dean Emeritus at University of Missouri. He joined the faculty in 1966 as an Assistant Professor of Speech and Dramatic Art. In 1988, after a distinguished career as a teacher of acting and directing, during which he directed dozens of plays, both with his students and for the University of Missouri professional Summer Repertory Theatre, Clark was selected as Dean of College of Arts and Science. During Clark's career as a Professor of Theatre, he was extremely active on the national scene and was elected President of all three professional organizations devoted to the educational aspects of theatre. He was an exceptionally well known figure in the American College Theatre Festival, serving as festival critic for literally hundreds of plays during its first 20 years. The plays he mounted covered a broad range of dramatic literature from the classics to Sam Shepard. His production of Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" was particularly praised. It starred one of Clark's young students, Tom Moore, who went on to establish a distinguished motion picture career as the popular actor, Tom Berenger. Berenger leads a long list of Professor Clark's former acting students who are now earning their living in motion pictures, the theatre or both.

Kenneth L. Stilson is currently the Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Southeast Missouri State University. He has previously held positions as Director of Performance at the University of South Alabama, and as the Founding Artistic Director of Alabama Lyric Theatre. As a professional actor, director, writer, and administrator, he has also worked in such theatres as the Lincoln Center (New York, NY), American Academy of Dramatic Art (Hollywood, CA), Shakespeare in the Park (Ft. Worth, TX), Southern Repertory Theatre (New Orleans, LA), Cultural Arts Center of Central Florida, La Petit Theatre de Vieux Carre (New Orleans, LA), Missouri Summer Repertory Theatre, Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, and Mississippi Shakespeare Festival. He holds both a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Theatre from the University of Missouri. Stilson published "Ezra Stone: A Theatrical Biography" and wrote the award-winning play, "Where the Lilies Grow." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 9 edition (February 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495050334
• ISBN-13: 978-0495050339
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #843,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars the best I've found, December 31, 2005

By 

Randall Christison (San Diego) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acting is Believing (with InfoTrac) (Wadsworth Series in Theatre) (Hardcover)

This was our assigned text in beginning acting. I was first skeptical about how much one could learn about from a book. The answer is, "quite a bit." The book, in spite of its slim appearance, holds a good amount of information and is packed with acting exercises. All in all, a good supplement to anyone's shelf.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Acting is Believing (Hardcover) by Charles McGaw, December 14, 2011

By 

Angelica - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acting is Believing (Hardcover)

Needed this book for my theater class. I was able to get it right on time and in great condition. I would definitely buy from this seller again.

5.0 out of 5 stars Text Book for Theatre Class, August 30, 2011

By 

Deb - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acting is Believing (Hardcover)

The purchase went smoothly and my daughter started using the book just a few days ago for college. The book was in excellent condition and was exactly what the seller described! Thank you so much for such an easy process! I look forward to doing more business soon!