Customer Reviews

Beyond Stanislavsky: The Psycho-Physical Approach to Actor Training

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all, it should be pointed out that this excellent manual adhers to the principles of the Royal Ballet School in London. Many different aspects are being dealt with, for instance "The importance of stance", "Comments on the teaching of boys", "Physical factors". One very useful chapter is called "The development of children with youthful skeletal age". This book is aimed at teachers of beginners and intermediate students and they ought to study it carefully. It is very amply illustrated, the photographs are posed for by children of the appropriate age. One of the final chapters "The build-up of a class" in which each step is painstakingly explained, should be read, re-read and then read again by the teacher in order to convey the idea of perfect execution to the pupil.

I enjoyed this book, but I also thought that this was review for the experienced actor. Though it does have some new ideas, anyone who has had experince in movement or advanced acting will understand and recognize these techniques. I think it's hard to write an acting text without sounding a bit superior. She kept referring to her schooling as "drama school". I think it's good for people to read as a refresher course

First of all, it should be pointed out that this excellent manual adhers to the principles of the Royal Ballet School in London. Many different aspects are being dealt with, for instance "The importance of stance", "Comments on the teaching of boys", "Physical factors". One very useful chapter is called "The development of children with youthful skeletal age". This book is aimed at teachers of beginners and intermediate students and they ought to study it carefully. It is very amply illustrated, the photographs are posed for by children of the appropriate age. One of the final chapters "The build-up of a class" in which each step is painstakingly explained, should be read, re-read and then read again by the teacher in order to convey the idea of perfect execution to the pupil.