The Gonsalves Method

The Gonsalves Method is an inspiring, comprehensive and replicable theatre process that builds skills, develops trust and opens hearts in any rehearsal room. It offers a systematic approach to acting and directing that builds on the techniques developed by Sanford Meisner and updates them for the pressures and contexts of the modern world.

The Five Conditions: As Ifs, Prep, Objectives, Stakes and Entitlement, offer a clear, relatable performance language and a simple step-by-step guide to practicable and powerful ways to breathe life into the words of any playwright. Five Rehearsal Stages work alongside the Five Conditions, offering a clear path to performance that showcases both ensemble practice and the uniqueness of each performer.

Fun, accessible rehearsal exercises are detailed throughout, along with a wealth of practical tips for casting, line learning, auditions, self-tapes and direct address. For whatever stage in your career, this book offers actors, directors and theatre teachers insights and approaches to develop alive, responsive, authentic performances that meet Meisner’s instruction that actors should ‘live truthfully under a given set of circumstances’.