The Power of the Actor (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In The Power of the Actor, a Los Angeles Times bestseller, premier acting teacher and coach Ivana Chubbuck reveals her cutting-edge technique, which has launched some of the most successful acting careers in Hollywood.

The first book from the instructor who has taught Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Elisabeth Shue, Djimon Hounsou, and Halle Berry, The Power of the Actor guides you to dynamic and effective results. For many of today’s major talents, the Chubbuck Technique is the leading edge of acting for the twenty-first century. Ivana Chubbuck has developed a curriculum that takes the theories of the acting masters, such as Stanislavski, Meisner, and Hagen, to the next step by utilizing inner pain and emotions, not as an end in itself, but rather as a way to drive and win a goal.

In addition to the powerful twelve-step process, the book takes well-known scripts, both classic and contemporary, and demonstrates how to precisely apply Chubbuck’s script- analysis process. The Power of the Actor is filled with fascinating and inspiring behind-the-scenes accounts of how noted actors have mastered their craft and have accomplished success in such a difficult and competitive field.

About the Author

Ivana Chubbuck founded Ivana Chubbuck Studios more than twenty years ago, becoming one of the most sought-after acting coaches in Hollywood. She also works as a script consultant and has been widely profiled in the media.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Gotham (August 18, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592401538
• ISBN-13: 978-1592401536
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,648 in Books (See Bestsellers 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 "The Power of the Actor", September 22, 2005

By	D.C. - See all my reviews

"A degree in Theatre, professional acting work, being a company member of the Groundlings Comedy troupe...nothing has given me the insight and foundation to elevate my acting as much as "The Power of the Actor." The detailed, concise tools presented here provide the technique needed to take one's art to a new, unknown level. I recommend this book without hestitation for the novice to the established professional."

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Ivana, September 22, 2005

By	Marian Zapico - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I can't go anywhere without this book....If you're really serious about being an actor you should get familiar with the Chubbuck technique...it has changed me as an actor and a as person...it empowers you! It gives you all you need to live a role.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenally Practical, September 10, 2007

By	Russell Ruffino (West Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

As someone who has studied acting for the better part of his life, Mrs. Chubbuck's book comes as a breath of fresh air. Anyone who studies acting finds himself surrounded by teachers who preach techniques that sound great in the classroom or the lecture hall, but fail miserably onstage or in front of the camera. The actor always blames himself; if he fails, he tells himself it's because he hasn't worked hard enough...it's never that what he has learned simply doesn't work.

Thankfully, Mrs. Chubbuck's book suffers from none of these problems. Yes, it's an excellent, entertaining read, and yes, the anecdotes about major stars whom she has coached are insightful and relevant, but the true strength of this book is in it's relentless pragmatism. There is nothing in this book that does not WORK; every word has been thoroughly tested against thousands of scripts from every imaginable genre of stage and screen. Mrs. Chubbuck's technique can take you from line readings and pre-conceived ideas into real human behavior; neurotic, fascinating and wild...in other words, the way people really are.

This is, in my opinion, the most important book about the craft of acting written in the last 20 years. It doesn't discount the work of those teachers who have come before, but respectfully pulls it all into the 21st century in a way that has never been done before, and is desperately, desperately needed. Regardless of what you've studied, your work cannot help but be enriched by this technique. Five stars.