Is there a good book to learn how to become a great actor?

Question

Ok, I am 15 years old and played in small plays, but I love movies and don't care to be famous, I want to act but I stage fright and can't talk alot of people, I need to know how to talk to people any when I get older for college and I think acting will help. I love movies and like to learn how to act, do any have any advice what I should do and if there is a program or book at there to help me please share with me. Thanks alot.

Answer 1

Michael Shurtleff's "Audition" is pretty much the standard nowadays. It breaks down acting into 12 Guideposts. Now, having these won't necessarily mean you're a good actor, but it will give the foundation you need to act, not to mention you'll be able to dissect others' characters, as well as speak on acting some level of authority. Break a leg. You can pick up "Audition" at just about any large bookstore.

I took up acting to get over stage fright and now...

Answer 2

The Macy book is called "A Practical Handbook for the Actor," and it's great.

But, I have to agree with the poster who said acting can't be learned from a book. You have to do it. You have to make mistakes and have the stage fright and prove to yourself that you can overcome the fear. Lots of people are scared and uncertain at first while acting, but one definition of courage is being scared and doing it anyway.

Good luck!

Answer 3

There is a book that William H Macy helped developed on acting that I read as a kid. Its all about the importants of breaking down the scene. I don't remember the title though. Be advised the only way to learn to act (or anything for that matter) is experience. Don't attribute too much mystery to the process. Robert Mitchum said "teaching someone to act is like teaching someone to be tall."

Answer 4

All books are great to learn how to become a great actor!

If you want to learn from the best, read some books or scripts that your favourite actors have been in. See how they've interpreted the book from what they have read.

A good start is to read "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", as acted by Johnny Depp. Read the book then watch the movie.

Answer 5

reading a book to become an actor is like dancing to become an architect (paraphrasing a great quote from the great Laurie Anderson).

To be a great actor, you must act. Period.
To overcome "stage fright," you must get in front of people. Period.

RE #1 - audition.
Re #2 - join Toastmasters,. This wil make you comfortable in front of people (I did this when I was in law school, b/c I was scared to death to speak in an actual trial setting. It worked).

Answer 6

There are continually approaches of operating. I am definite that your regional faculties have a theater and I realize your institution has a theater. There are approaches that you'll placed on a exhibit. I imply from begin to conclude. If you cant uncover something on your subject then create one. Do theater within the park, borrow your colleges theater or larger but get a affordable video digital camera and do regional child webpods. There is continually whatever that may be performed. Don't fear all of us are unhealthy in the beginning however with trial and mistake and enjoy you get larger

Answer 7

I am in the same boat. I am 22 years old and although I would really like to be in a movie or tv. I am shy. The best book that help me understand the business and stuff is,

Acting for Dummies i think its called that. It cost around 11.00 off ebay. Really good book.

Answer 8

I read a book called "How To Become A Great Actor" which sounds ideal for your purposes. Of course it was written by Julia Roberts, so probably best to avoid it.

Answer 9

How about the classic: An Actor Prepares, by Stanislavski

Answer 10

First, just learn how to be an actor. The great will come later.