Challenge For The Actor

Challenge For The Actor PDF Author: Uta Hagen
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 0684190400
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 343

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Book Description
Theoretically, the actor ought to be more sound in mind and body than other people, since he learns to understand the psychological problems of human beings when putting his own passions, his loves, fears, and rages to work in the service of the characters he plays. He will learn to face himself, to hide nothing from himself -- and to do so takes an insatiable curiosity about the human condition. from the Prologue Uta Hagen, one of the world's most renowned stage actresses, has also taught acting for more than forty years at the HB Studio in New York. Her first book, Respect for Acting, published in 1973, is still in print and has sold more than 150,000 copies. In her new book, A Challenge for the Actor, she greatly expands her thinking about acting in a work that brings the full flowering of her artistry, both as an actor and as a teacher. She raises the issue of the actor's goals and examines the specifics of the actor's techniques. She goes on to consider the actor's relationship to the physical and psychological senses. There is a brilliantly conceived section on the animation of the body and mind, of listening and talking, and the concept of expectation. But perhaps the most useful sections in this book are the exercises that Uta Hagen has created and elaborated to help the actor learn his craft. The exercises deal with developing the actor's physical destination in a role; making changes in the self serviceable in the creation of a character; recreating physical sensations; bringing the outdoors on stage; finding occupation while waiting; talking to oneself and the audience; and employing historical imagination. The scope and range of Uta Hagen here is extraordinary. Her years of acting and teaching have made her as finely seasoned an artist as the theatre has produced.

A Challenge for the Actor

A Challenge for the Actor PDF Author: Uta Hagen
Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
ISBN:
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 396

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Book Description
"I held onto this book for dear life throughout my twenties, and still thumb through it when I need a tune up. If I lose my car keys and I’m frantically turning my house upside down trying to find them I look up at the heavens and hope she’s having a good laugh." - Amanda Peet "I was extraordinarily privileged to work with Uta Hagen in Circle in the Square’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s play, You Never Can Tell. She was committed to revealing the truth and we are the beneficiaries of her brilliant observations." - Victor Garber "CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR, written by one of the most important actors of the 20th Century, is a remarkable source of practical principles on how to be a human being in your work and to not just “act." Uta's purpose for this book is to clarify and update the articulation of her technique as stated in RESPECT FOR ACTING. In "Chapter 8" of this book particularly, she provides a self-empowering approach to acting that is an invaluable resource for achieving the art of acting for stage, film, and television at its highest level." - Ted Brunetti "Uta Hagen changed my life. She changed the lives of thousands and thousands of other people as well. To have Uta’s books and to be able to look through them at the drop of a hat keeps me going and keeps me inspired to keep going." - Austin Pendleton "Uta Hagen’s A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR is simply the bible for any acting student serious about their craft. Even as a professional I refer to it time and again for the basics. It is a touchstone." - Laila Robins “'Cynicism leads to mental illness and insanity.' Words of warning Uta Hagen spoke often to her students. Here in lies the difference between Ms. Hagen’s classic RESPECT FOR ACTING and its companion A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR. She meets head on the soul killing demon that threatens the art and craft of all actors, cynicism. The challenge is to remain curious, caring, innocent, disciplined, educated, and life-loving amid dark times. To have the courage to fight the forces of apathy and disbelief in order to serve with all one’s heart the profession that one loves.” - Victor Slezak Uta Hagen, one of the world's most renowned stage actresses, also taught acting for more than 40 years at the HB Studio in New York. Her first book, Respect for Acting, published in 1973, remains a best seller in print. In this edition of her second classic book, A Challenge for the Actor, she greatly expands her thinking about acting in a work that brings the full flowering of her artistry, both as an actor and as a teacher. She raises the issue of the actor's goals and examines the specifics of the actor's techniques. She goes on to consider the actor's relationship to the physical and psychological senses. There is a brilliantly conceived section on the animation of the body and mind, of listening and talking, and the concept of expectation. But perhaps the most useful are the exercises that Uta Hagen has created and elaborated to help the actor learn his craft. The exercises deal with developing the actor's physical destination in a role; making changes in the self serviceable in the creation of a character; recreating physical sensations; bringing the outdoors on stage; finding occupation while waiting; talking to oneself and the audience; and employing historical imagination. The scope and range of Uta Hagen here is extraordinary. Her years of acting and teaching have made her as finely seasoned an artist as the theatre has produced.

Challenge For The Actor

Challenge For The Actor PDF Author: Uta Hagen
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 0684190400
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 343

Get Book Here

Book Description
Theoretically, the actor ought to be more sound in mind and body than other people, since he learns to understand the psychological problems of human beings when putting his own passions, his loves, fears, and rages to work in the service of the characters he plays. He will learn to face himself, to hide nothing from himself -- and to do so takes an insatiable curiosity about the human condition. from the Prologue Uta Hagen, one of the world's most renowned stage actresses, has also taught acting for more than forty years at the HB Studio in New York. Her first book, Respect for Acting, published in 1973, is still in print and has sold more than 150,000 copies. In her new book, A Challenge for the Actor, she greatly expands her thinking about acting in a work that brings the full flowering of her artistry, both as an actor and as a teacher. She raises the issue of the actor's goals and examines the specifics of the actor's techniques. She goes on to consider the actor's relationship to the physical and psychological senses. There is a brilliantly conceived section on the animation of the body and mind, of listening and talking, and the concept of expectation. But perhaps the most useful sections in this book are the exercises that Uta Hagen has created and elaborated to help the actor learn his craft. The exercises deal with developing the actor's physical destination in a role; making changes in the self serviceable in the creation of a character; recreating physical sensations; bringing the outdoors on stage; finding occupation while waiting; talking to oneself and the audience; and employing historical imagination. The scope and range of Uta Hagen here is extraordinary. Her years of acting and teaching have made her as finely seasoned an artist as the theatre has produced.

The Challenge of the Actor

The Challenge of the Actor PDF Author: Eric Stone
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
ISBN: 9781470065140
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
Acting is a tool for freedom of expression and choice, a mirror of possibility for humankind. Acting is a powerful medium for reflecting authenticity in the human experience. Hollywood Actors Studio is dedicated to providing excellent and distinct training and to promoting the actor as artist in the community. The Studio is a safe, fun and supportive environment for artistic discoveries and personal growth. We train people in revealing their true talents and realizing their potential. Our purpose is to offer top-notch acting, self-expression and public speaking training programs to enhance communication and liberate the individual's creativity and expression. We deliver clear distinctions via tools and techniques, which bring lasting advancements in artistic expression, growth and development, personal effectiveness and passionate communication. In this book, you will find distinctions in the craft of acting which aim at giving acting a context as an art form that can be learned and practiced, not a vague talent that some people are born with and others not. This manual is designed to facilitate your understanding, study and pursuit of acting as a craft. You will also find in it definitions and insights about the basic language and terminology of the craft as well as clarifications on fundamental concepts and ideas. By developing a clear understanding of the craft, and by creating a healthy context for the study of acting, it is much easier to develop and become skilled and competent. It also helps develop respect for acting as a craft and an art form—something that can touch, affect and communicate with people. The worst enemies of actors are not the job market, Hollywood, corrupt and incompetent agents or producers. Competition is not the fundamental problem either. Breaking into the various fields of acting is extremely difficult but I don't believe anyone truly thinks that acting is easy. Lack of skill and competence and the willingness to become competent and effective as an actor is what stops the majority of would-be actors. Lack of tenacity and endurance are also major factors. Other traps and limitations that can affect the pursuit of acting negatively are: • Self-defeating thoughts • Tension, struggle and lack of flexibility • Self-consciousness or chronic timidity • Lack of stage manners or body control • Improper use of imagination • Low level of skills: too few tools and techniques to draw from • Inadequate communication skills • Lack of professionalism, concentration and/or focus • No passion, desire or will power • Unresolved personal issues • Destructive habits and un-released negativity

The Actor's Menu

The Actor's Menu PDF Author: Bill Howey
Publisher: Compass Publishing
ISBN: 0975310224
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 206

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Book Description
Whether new to the business or a seasoned professional, this handbook provides actors with a personal, active approach to discovering and developing their talent. Beginning with appetizers and ending with desserts, actors learn how to prepare a character in the same way that a master chef chooses the most complementary dishes for a feast. From typecasting to reinventing a character's story, actors discover the key ingredients that will enable them to use their own unique qualities and emotions to develop strong, believable characters that people are interested in watching. How to identify and resolve problems such as hidden agendas that can disable an actor's work; distinguish between perception, feeling, and emotions; and find lasting sources of inspiration are among the issues explored. The importance of imagination, words, and story as well as the difference between intellectual and visceral choices (and the impact of each) are also discussed.

Uta Hagen's Challenge

Uta Hagen's Challenge PDF Author: Brian Mulligan
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781303985263
Category : Acting
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Abstract: This thesis argues that Uta Hagen's A Challenge for the Actor is more effective than Hagen's more widely used Respect for Acting as a primary text for contemporary actor training. Chapter 1 tracks Ms. Hagen's evolution as an actress, teacher and author. Chapter 2 summarizes Hagen's core artistic values and signature acting techniques. Chapters 3 through 5 focus on three of these values and techniques. Chapter 3 examines self-observation and transference; Chapter 4, playing action through animation of body and mind; and Chapter 5, realism and its relationship to styles of theatre. Throughout, I compare the presentation of these values and techniques in each of her two books and evaluate their relative worth. Using examples from both texts, my experience as a student in her classroom, and my own practice teaching her techniques, I assert that while both are practicable handbooks for actors, acting teachers will get better results from A Challenge for the Actor.

The Independent Actor

The Independent Actor PDF Author: Sally Ann Gritton
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1350272639
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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Book Description
The Independent Actor presents a 21st-century training route achievable by self-curated learning for actors of all skill levels. This book rejects a purist approach to actor training, challenges traditional acting styles and disregards the embedded elitist notions of Western-training methods at the top of the hierarchy. Instead, it takes a contemporary, self-focused approach to learning and applying acting skills. Through doing so, the book is the first to validate a self-curated approach to actor training. Designed as a companion to practical experience and useful as a reference sourcebook, it takes the position that each individual actor must find their own process. Skills for theatre, screen and voice-recorded media are all embraced through practical tasks with signposts to essential reading and specific resources. Designed equally for the untrained actor as a companion and an aide-mémoire for the professionally trained actor, this book sheds light on the practical skills required and how to access, practise and accomplish them.

The Haunted Actor

The Haunted Actor PDF Author: Alex Matsuo
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1491849800
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 203

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Book Description
With the paranormal becoming so mainstream in the last decade between television, books, and movies, is the craze actually brand new? Before there was the entertainment industry that we know of today, plays and musicals were one of the primary forms of expression and reflections of societys beliefs of their time. This book will cover an analysis of the belief in the supernatural throughout the course of humanitys existence and showing that in a way, the paranormal has always been normal. Using elements of theatre as the research vehicle, as well as establishing the relationship between acting and the unknown, this book examines the rich relationship between theatre and the paranormal. Finally, this book will challenge the reader to consider the possibility of using theatre as a method for researching and investigating the paranormal. Readers will be asked to consider what would happen if investigators and ghost hunters took on the role of an actor and the haunted location becomes a performance space, thus welcoming communication and activity from the other side.

The Actor Speaks

The Actor Speaks PDF Author: Patsy Rodenburg
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1350289698
Category : Drama
Languages : en
Pages : 377

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Book Description
From the bestselling author of The Right to Speak and The Need for Words comes this Bloomsbury Revelations edition of the essential guide to voice work: The Actor Speaks. Beginning with what every first-year acting student faces in class and ending with what leading professional actors must achieve every night on stage, Patsy Rodenburg's celebrated work as one of the world's foremost voice and acting coaches is fully revealed in this thoughtful and inspirational book about acting. Written for the training and working actor, Rodenburg's book brings to life a wide range of exercises and methods to release the actor's voice, covering everything from posture, breath and the body, performing in specific spaces, previews and first performances, managing different length runs, using microphones and dealing with an ageing or sick voice. This book allows the reader to perform every night, reaching the pitch, passion and vocal intensity that the best roles require.

Acting and Living in Discovery

Acting and Living in Discovery PDF Author: Carol Rosenfeld
Publisher: Hackett Publishing
ISBN: 1585107689
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 362

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Book Description
Acting and Living in Discovery, A Workbook for the Actor lays out essential fundamentals of the actor’s process. Based on the author’s experiences at the legendary HB Studio in New York City, Acting and Living in Discovery provides practical guidance for developing, honing, or revitalizing the actor’s craft for the actor. A teacher can use the workbook to support a studio class, a special workshop, part of a university acting course, or private coaching. The chapters delve into basic facets of the acting process that lead the actor into discovering the corporal world of a script. Exercises at the end of each chapter invite the actor to discover the treasure trove of his unique self, and spell out the work an actor can do to wear the shoes of any character. The actor is at once the instrument and the player. The workbook can be read straight through or used as a reference for addressing a particular problem or topic.

Training of the American Actor (Large Print 16pt)

Training of the American Actor (Large Print 16pt) PDF Author: Arthur Bartow
Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com
ISBN: 1458781267
Category : Drama
Languages : en
Pages : 530

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Book Description
The first comprehensive survey and study of the major techniques developed by and for the American actor over the past 60 years. Presented side-by-side, each of the 10 disciplines included is described in detail by one of today's foremost practitioners. An invaluable resource both for the young actor embarking on a career and for the theatre professional polishing his or her craft. ''successful acting must reflect a society's current beliefs. The men and women who developed each new technique were convinced that previous methods were not equal to the full challenges of their time and place, and the techniques in this book have been adapted to current needs in order to continue to be successful methods for training actors. The actor's journey is an individual one, and the actor seeks a form, or a variety of forms, of training that will assist in unlocking his own creative gifts of expression.''