To the Actor by Chekhov, Michael; Powers, Mala;

Short description:

A perfect handbook for professional and amateur actors and directors. Chekhov's simple and practical exercises are an absolute must for any theatre practitioner.

Long description:

How does an actor learn to:
* Call up emotion?
* Develop a character?
* Strengthen awareness?
These are essential techniques for every actor, and Michael Chekhov's classic work To the Actor explains, clearly and concisely, how to develop them. Chekhov's simple and practical method - successfully used by professional actors all over the world - trains the actor's imagination and body to fulfil its potential.
This handbook for actors (and directors) has been revised and expanded by Mala Powers. It includes: a previously unpublished chapter on 'Psychological Gesture', translated into English by the celebrated director Andrei Malaev - Babel; a new biographical overview by Mala Powers; and a foreword by Simon Callow.

'Its greatest virtue is not so much that you can't put it down but that you have to put it down - in order to try it out.' - Research in Drama Education

'To the Actor is by far the best book that I have read on the subject of acting. Actors, directors, writers and critics will be grateful for it.' - Gregory Peck

'This new publication of To the Actor should be welcomed by all of us with one of the most universal of Psychological Gestures - open arms.' - James Lipton, Producer and host of 'Inside the Actor's Studio'. Seen on the Bravo network.

'Just practicing, even superficially, the first nine exercises in To the Actor, you can find a satisfaction - a living beauty in you ... Chekhov reminds us what a great feast life can be.' - Anthony Quinn

'You have to teach yourself to act but Michael Chekhov will give you the necessary tools - and for me, Psychological Gesture and Centers are extremely valuable They work like a charm. I've used them all along and still do.' - Clint Eastwood

'While my mother and sister were hiding in the dark and kind of watching me, ya know, hoping I was going to be in the movie business, I turned around and imagined I saw my director making fun of my newly acquired Psychological Gesture from Michael Chekhov.' - Jack Nicholson at the 1998 Golden Globe awards (speaking about his first job)

'There's this need to continue growth; to expand. For me, Chekhov's system is the most complete.' - Robert Davi, interviewed on the set of his TV series, 'The Profiler'

'With Michael Chekhov acting became more than a profession to me. It became a sort of religion.' - Marilyn Monroe, from her book, My Story.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1 The Actor's Body and Psychology; Chapter 2 Imagination and Incorporation of Images; Chapter 3 Improvisation and Ensemble; Chapter 4 The Atmosphere and Individual Feelings; Chapter 5 The Psychological Gesture; Chapter 6 Character and Characterization; Chapter 7 Creative Individuality; Chapter 8 Composition of the Performance; Chapter 9 Different Types Of Performances; Chapter 10 How to Approach the Part; Chapter 11 Concluding Notes; Chapter 12 Examples for Improvisation;