An Actor Prepares [Paperback]

Constantin Stanislavski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 1989

Stanislavski's simple exercises fire the imagination, and help readers not only discover their own conception of reality but how to reproduce it as well.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

So much mystery and veneration surrounds the writings of the great Russian teacher and director Stanislavski that perhaps the greatest surprise awaiting a first-time reader of An Actor Prepares is how conversational, commonsensical, and even at times funny this legendary book is. After many productions with the Moscow Arts Company, Stanislavski sought a way to introduce his new style of acting to the world outside of his rehearsal hall. The resulting book is a "mock diary" of an actor describing a series of exercises and rehearsals in which he participates. He details his own emotional and intellectual reactions to each effort, and how his superficial tricks and mannerisms begin to disappear as he increasingly gives over his conscious ego to a faith in the creative power of his subconscious. Rarely has any writer on the theater achieved the sort of lucid and inspired analysis of the acting process as Stanislavski does here, and his introduction of such now-standard concepts as "the unbroken line," "the magic if," and the idea of emotional memory has laid the groundwork for much of the great acting of the 20th century. While much excess and nonsense was to follow in the steps of Stanislavski's writings, his original texts remain invaluable, and surprisingly accessible, to any actor or student of drama. --John Longenbaugh

Review

[O]ne of the most inspired and inspiring manifestos of our art that I know.
–Richard Monette, Stratford artistic director

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; Reprint edition (April 30, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878309837
• ISBN-13: 978-0878309832
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.7 x 5.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,321 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater > Stagecraft
  • #10 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater > Acting & Auditioning

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the fog lifted from my eyes August 24, 2002

By C.S. Solano

Format:Paperback

The first in a series of three, an Actor Prepares deals with the inner process/preparation an actor must explore in order to prepare for a role, how to control and stimulate your mind in order to convey the truth of your character. The story is told through the eyes of Kostya, the ex-stenographer who know shorthand, thus enabling him to take notes of the class. The instructor, Tortsov, is Stanislavski in disguise.
The book takes you on a journey of the art - acting. From learning about the magic "IF" to learning how to find your super-objective there is something for all in this book. Everything interrelates forming a web of knowledge and tools that you can take with you forever.
When you read it, however, keep in mind what the author said about his books:
"It is not a hand-me-down suit that you can put on and walk off in; or a cook book where all you need to find is the page and there is your recipe. No, it is a whole way of life."

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars As a working actor, this book serves as my bible. August 13, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

An Actor's Prepares is a teaching book that is written as a story. The theory is within the story. The "story" touches on things like relaxation, movement and concentration. You are one of the students, you learn the same method as the other students in the story. You will progress with them and in the end, you will have the sense on being "private in public". If you are an actor, or thinking of pursuing a career as an actor, this is a MUST READ! I still use this bokk as a guide to get me back on track when I feel that I am slipping in my craft. I love this book because of the way Stanislavski is preserved here. His teaching style shines through. This is the first book in a trilogy of the Stanislavski "Method" My advise for reading this book. Read it slow and digest every individual thought as if it were your last meal. You will learn not only about improving your ability to act, but also come away with a better feeling of who you are as a person, not just as an actor!

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars POOR TRANSLATION OF A GREAT MAN December 30, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

It cannot be doubted that Stanislavki's Trilogy is a must for any aspiring actor. Stanislavki was the pioneer in creating a coherent system of practices and concepts to aid in strengthening the art of acting. I would, however, advise anyone who has not yet read the book to be cautious. It is important to understand that Hapgood's translation is sketchy in places, and tends to run around in cirlcles. As a supplement to this book, I would recommend reading Sonia Moore's The Stanislavski System. She worked directly with Stanislavski and understands his system much better than E. Hapgood. Not that the books vagueness is all her fault. It seems that Stanislavki goes to great lengths to explain things that are, nowadays, common sense. He certainly wasn't the first to ever think of these concepts; he was merely the first to organize them and give them names. Much of what is contained in this book is merely a modernized translation of Hamlet's "Speak the speech I pray you". The Magic If is simply a codefied means of make believe. That is fundamentally what it all boils down to. I relished the situation of the student and teacher realationship, and did find myself growing and evolving with him. It really makes you think of acting in a whole new perspective. But, as with any method, you must be cautious to use only what works for you. There is a common desire to make An Actor Prepares the bible of all actors. I won't argue that Stanislavski's system is the basis of almost all other methods that have risen in the last century, but there are other effective texts available. Respect of Acting and To the Actor, to name a couple. Don't just read Stanislavski; read several to help put it all in perspective. Acting books are so pompous, byenlarge, and you have to wade through a lot of self-hype and nonsense. That is one thing I really appreciated about his trilogy; they are without ego. Also, for anyone interested in a truly off the wall acting text, read The Inner Game of Tennis. It's literally found in the Sports section, but it's teachings are every bit as relevant to the art of acting as they are to sport psychology. Take my word for it. And the best thing about it is that you don't have to listen to any snooty actors talking about how great they are.