Stanislavski's "An Actor Prepares" - Actors Forum is the Community to Talk, Learn and Study Acting.

Rising · 07-29-2005, 07:21 PM

I've been reading this book for awhile now, and it's been very helpful. Constantin Stanislavski, who is world famous for his work in theatre, wrote this book in a fictitious setting based on a theatre class he taught. It's jam-packed with ideas and theories on how to improve your acting (this is mainly aimed towards stage, not film acting, although some of it applies to both areas). Has anyone else read it?

cooljeba · 08-16-2005, 08:04 PM

hmm.. heard of that book... heard its good as well..

..:: Peace ::..

Rising · 09-01-2005, 07:13 AM

It is very good - but really heavy. It's taken me awhile to read it, because things he says that seem so simple at first suddenly seem *very* important when I read it again. It's taken me most of the summer to get through it.

Blarian · 09-01-2005, 11:54 AM

I attempted to read his books and it's very difficult, even for someone that understands theoretical acting material. The fact is just that these books come from a culture far different than ours and it is sometimes hard to comprehend.

Rising · 09-01-2005, 12:36 PM

It wasn't that it was hard to comprehend - yes, he uses quite complex sentence structures at times, but that's not it. For me, at least, if I wasn't focusing completely on what he was trying to say and not what he was actually saying, I missed the point. It's just a book that takes time to understand. I'll no doubt end up reading it a few more times and notice points I didn't before.

adrian1lj23 · 08-20-2006, 12:50 PM

ive heard of it and it is one of the books my teacher has recommended and also acting the hanbook to the stanislavsky method which is what im reading now like what you here mostly say its also taking me awhile to go thru the whole book im actualy just starting to read it and really taking time to understand it cause i dont want to miss anything important i think it also tackles a lot of things like how directors should cooperate with the actor in creating stuff like that and how acting makes an impact to the audience so far thats what ive read well like what most acting books teachers say its our concentration and ability to focus thats one of the most important tool of the actor. as for an actor prepares cant wait to read it after i read acting a handbook.. chekovs to the actor is good i heard and eric morris no acting please.