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Stanislavski for Beginners

Series: For Beginners
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( 88 ratings, 11 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Stanislavski for Beginners unravels the pioneering acting system developed by Konstantin Stanislavski, a foundational figure in actor training. The book explores his lifelong quest to answer essential questions about great acting, the teachability of acting techniques, and the process for creating a character. It offers a clear explanation of key concepts such as relaxation, concentration, emotion memory, units and objectives, the superobjective, and the Method of Physical Actions—Stanislavski's culminating work.

This guide not only elucidates the system but also chronicles Stanislavski's life and dispels common myths, making his ideas accessible and vivid for readers.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for drama students, actors, directors, and anyone interested in the craft and theory of acting, as well as those curious about the history and development of modern theatre techniques.

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Originally published by Writers and Readers, Inc.: 1999.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Stanislavski (1863 - 1938) was the first person to develop a cogent and practical system of acting. Throughout his life he sought the answers to some fundamental questions:

  • What is great acting?
  • Is there a grammar of acting? Can it be taught?
  • What are the steps you should go through to create a character?
  • How can you find inspiration at every performance?

Stanislavski remains the most important influence on actor training today. And yet many of his ideas are little known or even misunderstood. Stanislavski for Beginners charts the development of the Stanislavski system. It shows how it grew from his own practice as an actor and director. It includes a clear exposition of the key elements of the system, such as relaxation, concentration, emotion, memory, units and objectives, and the superobjective.

Finally, the book explores the Method of Physical Actions, which he worked on in the years before his death and which he called "the result of my whole life's work". Stanislavski for Beginners is both an invaluable guide to the Stanislavski system and a fascinating chronicle of his life. It shatters some common myths and misconceptions and blows away the cobwebs, bringing his ideas vividly to life.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781939994356

Publisher: For Beginners

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 May 2015

Country: United States

Imprint: For Beginners

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Jeff Fallow

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 192

About the Author

David Allen is a retired lecturer in drama at the University of Wolverhampton. He has written numerous articles on Chekhov.
Jeff Fallow is a graphic designer and illustrator. He lives and works in Fife with his wife and son. His hobbies include taxidermy and creating steampunk sculpture. He has had a number of historical comic books published, and a children's book called Scotland the Grave.

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