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Acting
A Backstage Guide
Brief Description
From one of the most celebrated actors of the stage and screen comes this book on the craft of acting. Lucian Msamati draws on his rich experience, particularly in the context of productions at the National Theatre, including: Amadeus, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Master Harold and...
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Acting
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Description
From one of the most celebrated actors of the stage and screen comes this book on the craft of acting.
Lucian Msamati draws on his rich experience, particularly in the context of productions at the National Theatre, including: Amadeus, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Master Harold and The Boys, Death and The King's Horseman, The Comedy of Errors, and The Overwhelming – to delve into sets of challenges and possibilities that actors might face.
He offers up his tips on getting started in the industry, navigating the various professional relationships and roles inside a rehearsal room, and offers insights into running your own company and generating your own work.
Peppered with quoted interviews with other industry professionals and personal anecdotes, which are sure to resonate with any reader, this will be a cherished book on any actor's bookshelf.
Series: National Theatre Backstage Guides
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Auditioning
Auditions can often be the most feared aspect of being an actor and yet, as the author points out, casting directors are on the side of everyone who auditions for them. They want you to do well, feel confident about the audition and in turn give the director the confidence they need to choose you. The insights and reassurances throughout...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Playwriting
This book is ideal for anyone keen to understand how contemporary plays and playwrights work, particularly those wanting to write for the stage themselves. Drawing heavily on contemporary practice, it considers moments from a range of plays, with a focus on those from the National Theatre's repertoire. The book embraces a range of different dramaturgical structures and styles popular today;...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Acting
From one of the most celebrated actors of the stage and screen comes this book on the craft of acting. Lucian Msamati draws on his rich experience, particularly in the context of productions at the National Theatre, including: Amadeus, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Master Harold and The Boys, Death and The King's Horseman, The Comedy of Errors, and The Overwhelming...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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Puppetry
Puppetry by Toby Olié offers a fascinating National Theatre Backstage Guide to the craft, created by the mind behind some of the world's most iconic puppetry shows. The book focuses on the processes within each stage of creation and the key roles involved. It provides insights into: The benefits of using puppetry in your performance. How to research and design...Paperback$2299Unit price /UnavailableOut 1 Oct 2026Pre-order -
Wigs, Hair and Make-Up
Wigs, Hair and Make-Up is written by the former Deputy Head of Make-Up and Wigs at the National Theatre. This book provides a rare glimpse into a process that very few people experience. It offers perspectives on the preparation before a production and the responsibilities during, as well as insights into training, career opportunities, and success. Drawing upon some of...PaperbackSold Out
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781350379497
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 29 May 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Methuen Drama
Audience: Primary and secondary education, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 18.0mm
Width: 120.0mm
Height: 164.0mm
Weight: 80g
Pages: 112
About the Author
Lucian Msamati is an actor, writer and director. Born in the UK and raised in Zimbabwe by his Tanzanian parents, Msamati founded Zimbabwe's Over the Edge Theatre Company. As an actor in TV and film, he has appeared in Ultimate Force, Spooks, Ashes to Ashes, Doctor Who, Death in Paradise, Luther, The Hollow Crown (Richard II), The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, The International, Game of Thrones, Gangs of London, Black Earth Rising, His Dark Materials and Taboo. On stage, he has appeared in a large number of productions at venues including the National Theatre, West End, RSC, Almeida, Kiln, Royal Court, Shakespeare's Globe and American Repertory Theater, and notably was the first Black actor to play Iago in Othello. In 2010 he was appointed Artistic Director of the acclaimed British-African theatre company Tiata Fahodzi. Msamati is also a writer and director.
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