Acting Without Agony: An Alternative to the Method (2nd Edition) [Paperback]

Don Richardson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 7, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0205151655 | ISBN-13: 978-0205151653 | Edition: 2

This practical, step-by-step guide is organized into 18 lessons for achieving outstanding performance in acting and directing. This text offers an alternative to the Stanislavsky "method" and teaches another way of arriving at emotions, which is described in detail throughout the text. MARKETS: Undergraduate and graduate courses in acting and directing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 2 edition (November 7, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205151655
• ISBN-13: 978-0205151653
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #275,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the top two books that I have ever read on Acting., August 10, 1997

By 

Lloyd G. Kay (Asheville, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Acting Without Agony: An Alternative to the Method (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

I had the good fortune to study with Don Richardson when I was living in California. What a treat to find this book recently while I was searching for theatre books on Amazon.com. Don's book is probably one of the top two books that I have ever read on Acting. It is clear, concise, and incredibly helpful for either the beginner or professional actor. I'm an actor, director, and am currently teaching a course on acting and I use Don's book at the top of my list of reference books. Thank you Don, for putting your ideas down on paper for us all

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's required reading in my class at Ball State university, February 9, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Muncie, Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acting Without Agony: An Alternative to the Method (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

The best book I ever read about the art of acting. It's simple and direct. I require it in my classes. Wonderful for directors as well

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting premise. Not 100% though., April 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Acting Without Agony: An Alternative to the Method (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

Ultimately, yes, this is an interesing book. What makes it interesting is that it points out a lot of the flaws and pitfalls in 'Method' acting. That was something that I wrestled with for years. All the agony. I'd lost the joy in the process. That part makes this book interesting. However, these techniques, although they sound promising are a bit shallow and overly simplistic at times. I still think this is a worthwhile book. There are bits of it that are very good. I would just say to watch out for when it gets too gimmicky. Now, this is just my own experience, I want to be fair here, maybe others were able to make this work, but I tried his system for supposedly creating emotions and to me that is just a gimmicky way to work. I can't imagine how that could work for anyone. It sounds interesting but after trying it, the techniques given for emotions just fall flat (for me anyway).
The overall problem with this book is that it tries to create too many little 'tricks' at times. I don't think it quite works that way. My personal feeling is that you need to be thorough in your character choices, know the right questions to ask, and eventually trust your talent. BE. Be in the moment, with all the work you've done you then jump in and surrender to your talent. I don't think any little system can do that. I think it's a god given-surrendered kind of thing, not something you try to manipulate. That was at times the problem I had with this book.
Nevertheless, it does have some gems in it. Aside from the system for creating emotions, the rest of the book is very good. It points out the importance of a well chosen objective, he gives you good character questions and explains how to work on different styles. Also, he does find a nice way to simplify things. I did feel I learned some good things from this book.