An Actor Prepares, Volume 1This work is the first volume of Stanislavski's trilogy on the art of acting; it explains the art of acting in semi-fiction form. Fusing psychological realism and expressionism, his exploratory exercises teach actors to evoke past emotions that draw out their vulnerability. Stanislavski here introduces such concepts as the "magic if," "emotion memory," the "unbroken line" and many more now famous rehearsal aids. This classic manual is written from the viewpoint of fictional actors taking lessons from a director (based on Stanislavski). Through the student's mistakes, questions, revelations, and struggles, Stanislavski teaches the actor about the stage, truth, and life itself. |
From inside the book
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Page 16
... nature brings forth . " I have pointed out to you today , in general outlines , what we consider essential . Our experience has led to a firm belief that only our kind of art , soaked as it is in the living experiences of human beings ...
... nature brings forth . " I have pointed out to you today , in general outlines , what we consider essential . Our experience has led to a firm belief that only our kind of art , soaked as it is in the living experiences of human beings ...
Page 160
... natures are neither known to us nor subject to our conscious direction . Only nature has access to them . Unless we enlist her aid we must be content with only a partial rule over our com- plicated creative apparatus . " Although our ...
... natures are neither known to us nor subject to our conscious direction . Only nature has access to them . Unless we enlist her aid we must be content with only a partial rule over our com- plicated creative apparatus . " Although our ...
Page 209
... natural ? " said Tortsov . " You are mistaken . Anything normal can be done easily . It is much more difficult to do something which is con- trary to nature . Study its laws and do not try for anything that is not natural . " All the ...
... natural ? " said Tortsov . " You are mistaken . Anything normal can be done easily . It is much more difficult to do something which is con- trary to nature . Study its laws and do not try for anything that is not natural . " All the ...
Common terms and phrases
actor adaptations adjustments answer aroused artist asked the Director asked Tortsov attention audience began believe circle conscious create Dasha direct elements emotion memory everything excitement exercise exhibitionism experience expression external eyes feelings felt footlights fourth wall gestures give given circumstances Grisha hand happened human Iago imaginary imagination important inner creative inspiration JOHN GIELGUD Kostya light line of action living look Maria means mechanical acting method mind Molière moments mood muscles nature necessary Othello ourselves Paul person physical actions play pose Prana rehearsal remember role rubber stamps scene sensations sense of truth sitting soliloquy Sonya soul spectators spiritual stage Stanislavski stimulus subconscious suddenly suggested super-objective Suppose Tartuffe technique tell tenseness theatre theatrical theme things thought tion tried turn Vanya whole wish words