- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: Writers and Readers Ltd (Aug 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0863162681
- ISBN-13: 978-0863162688
- Product Dimensions: 22.4 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
134,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2 in Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Performing Arts > Stagecraft > Acting Techniques
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Product Description
Synopsis
Serves both as a guide to the 'Stanislavski System' and a chronicle of the great master's life and work.
From the Author
Opening the door to Stanislavski...
I remember how the idea came to me to do this book. I teach drama at a university in England, and I often used to think 'I wish they would bring out a "Stanislavski for Beginners".' Then one day I suddenly realized, 'I could write that!' Stanislavski remains the most important influence on actor training today. And yet, many of his ideas are little known or even misunderstood. I find that students sometimes arrive at university with certain misconceptions about Stanislavski in their heads. The major misconception - the most enduring myth about Stanislavski - is that he was a 'naturalistic' director. And yet, he declared that he was OPPPOSED to naturalism in the theatre! I also find that students tend to feel 'switched off' by Stanislavski. He seems difficult, obscure - and not exciting or sexy. So I wrote this book with the bold ambition, to 'switch' a generation of students and actors 'on' to Stanislavski's work. I have chosen a 'cartoon' format, in the popular 'Beginners' series, to make the ideas accessible, and to reach a wide readership. I outline not only the different stages of Stanislavski's life and work, but also explain the basic principles of his 'system' of acting - and show how these ideas were applied in practice. Topics include 'Objectives' / 'Relaxation' / 'Concentration' / 'Units' / 'The Method of Physical Actions' etc. I also examine Stanislavski's influence on acting, especially in America; and the controversial way his ideas were adopted and developed by practitioners such as Lee Strasberg. The book ends with a quote from Stanislavski: ' My system should serve as a door to creativity - but you must be able to open the door for yourself ...' We hope that this book will help actors and students to open the door to Stanislavski. P.S. If you enjoy this book, look out for its companion, 'Chekhov for Beginners', also by David Allen and Jeff Fallow, which will be published next year. (I'm also working on a book called 'Performing Chekhov' which will be published by Routledge in November 1999.)
I remember how the idea came to me to do this book. I teach drama at a university in England, and I often used to think 'I wish they would bring out a "Stanislavski for Beginners".' Then one day I suddenly realized, 'I could write that!' Stanislavski remains the most important influence on actor training today. And yet, many of his ideas are little known or even misunderstood. I find that students sometimes arrive at university with certain misconceptions about Stanislavski in their heads. The major misconception - the most enduring myth about Stanislavski - is that he was a 'naturalistic' director. And yet, he declared that he was OPPPOSED to naturalism in the theatre! I also find that students tend to feel 'switched off' by Stanislavski. He seems difficult, obscure - and not exciting or sexy. So I wrote this book with the bold ambition, to 'switch' a generation of students and actors 'on' to Stanislavski's work. I have chosen a 'cartoon' format, in the popular 'Beginners' series, to make the ideas accessible, and to reach a wide readership. I outline not only the different stages of Stanislavski's life and work, but also explain the basic principles of his 'system' of acting - and show how these ideas were applied in practice. Topics include 'Objectives' / 'Relaxation' / 'Concentration' / 'Units' / 'The Method of Physical Actions' etc. I also examine Stanislavski's influence on acting, especially in America; and the controversial way his ideas were adopted and developed by practitioners such as Lee Strasberg. The book ends with a quote from Stanislavski: ' My system should serve as a door to creativity - but you must be able to open the door for yourself ...' We hope that this book will help actors and students to open the door to Stanislavski. P.S. If you enjoy this book, look out for its companion, 'Chekhov for Beginners', also by David Allen and Jeff Fallow, which will be published next year. (I'm also working on a book called 'Performing Chekhov' which will be published by Routledge in November 1999.)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A no nonsense book designed to get straight to the point!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Stanislavski for Beginners (Documentary Comic Book) (Paperback)
Have you ever wanted to know what Stanislavski was all about, but could'nt be bothered to plough through those endless, theoretical books? Well, this is the book for you! Illustrated throughout, it brings the theories and ideas of Stanislavski to life in a way that is easy to understand. It details his life and the development of the 'system' and then breaks it down and takes you through it step by step, in easy to follow sections. A must for anyone studying A'level Theatre Studies or for those who just want to know more. Don't be put off by the cover! This really is for those who are serious about Drama and the theatre. An excellent book to use as a starting point or as a revision aid. *Look out for 'Brecht for beginners'!
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews) 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book that fills in the gaps left by the METHOD,
By Kim Flintoff "drama-education.com" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Stanislavski for Beginners (Documentary Comic Book) (Paperback)
One of the worst things that happened to acting was the development in America of the infamous and incomplete "METHOD" propagated by a well known acting school that was popular amongst many actors including James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Steve McQueen - I wonder what the link is between their training and their deaths - is the METHOD psychologically sound and safe?The Method is based on one of two books written by Constantin Stanislavski - a long break between publishing the two volumes (somewhere in the order of 10 years) saw the USA get a glimpse at part of what Stanislavski meant ... this little book helps fill in the gaps.. As a drama teacher I have found this an invaluable resource in teaching students about "method acting", realism, emotional recall, etc - it clearly articulates the concepts at a level that just about anyone can deal with... the pictures and the brevity of text make it an enticing read for students and teacher alike... do yourself a favour - get this little gem and check out others in the series. 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good for technique,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Stanislavski for Beginners (Documentary Comic Book) (Paperback)
This book is well written but it will not help you to jump start your acting career. If your looking to have a career as an actor, study read this book,take classes and then get a workbook, like Twelve Step Plan To Becoming An Actor by Dawn Lerman and Dori Keller. It will give you tangible ADVICE ON HOW TO GET YOUR CAREER MOVING . Jim Stevens |
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