On Acting: A Handbook for Today's Unique American Actor

(Paperback)

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Description

To support a new generation of actors/acting teachers by coupling fresh ideas and new approaches with the best proven methods and practices. On Acting is written primarily for the contemporary American actor. It strives to address the acting process with an eye toward the performance culture and requirements that exist today. It is a book for the new twenty-first century artist-the serious practical artist who seeks to pursue a career that is both fulfilling and viable. The text features a balance of philosophy, practical advice, anecdotal evidence/experiences and a wide variety of acting exercises/activities. Also included is the short Steven Breese play "Run. Run. Run Away" and an example of a scene score from that play.

Reviews

"It's about time this rational, actor-centric, and systematic approach to acting theory was made widely available to the many young (and old) artists who haven't had the benefit of learning from Steven Breese directly." - Danny Devlin, Professional Actor/Former Student "I believe I have already mentioned many of the strong points. Yes, I would definitely like to use this book in Acting II and maybe in Acting I. It is a book that is similar enough to satisfy those professors who like a very traditional approach to training, yet different enough to add excitement to the training process with professional examples and great exercises." - James R. Hartman, Schoolcraft College "Strongest element is the exercises. Easy to follow and to visualize. I would recommend this text as supplemental reading." - Bette Pettigrew, Johnson County Community College "As an educator and director for the past 40+ years, I highly recommend On Acting. Steven's writing style is totally engaging, informative, and thought provoking. He speaks from experience and experiences, exemplified by personal anecdotes, classroom examples, asides, quotes, delightful humor and just the right amount of humility. It all works. No matter what your level of theatrical expertise, this book is for you." - Catherine Davis, Professional Director & Educator "I can already say that On Acting should be required reading for any actor or anyone who teaches acting. It is beautifully and interestingly written. It gives due reverence to the art and craft of acting without being pompous or pretentious. And a quick scan of the sections on process and technique tells me that following your "method" will turn out actors who really are 'actors'." - Ron Reid, Professional Actor

Author Bio

Steven Breese has enjoyed a national and international acting, directing, and playwriting career that has spanned more than 30 years. He holds his MFA from California Institute of the Arts and spent most of his professional theatrical life in Chicago. A member of Actors Equity Association, Breese has acted and/or directed at many of the nation's finest theaters including the Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, Cleveland Playhouse, Chanhassen Theaters, American Heartland Theatre, Forum Theatre (Chicago), The Royal George Theatre (Chicago), Watertower Theatre (Dallas), Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, Ft. Worth Shakespeare in the Park, The Operettenhaus (Hamburg, Germany), Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Shakespeare Festival, as well as many other regional theaters and touring companies. As a playwright, Steven has completed over 40 plays including, The Trial of Hamlet (classical courtroom drama), Brotherly Love (contemporary love story), Doubletake (thriller), Wit's End (mystery) and Actus Fidei (historical fiction). His newest play, Posing Nude is due to be completed spring in of 2013. Steven began teaching his undergraduate acting and voice studios in 1992 in Dallas/Ft. Worth at TCU. His students have been accepted at some of the finest graduate schools and consistently work for theaters and film production companies across the country. Currently serving as Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at Christopher Newport University, Steven Breese has served as chairman of the Department of Theater & Dance, Director of TheaterCNU, director of two acting programs and Artistic Director of Tidewater Regional Repertory Theatre and Berea Summer Theater.