what are good books to read if you want to learn how to become an actor?

Question

what are some good books to read to learn about acting and really develope your acting abilities for a novice actor?

Answer 1

OK, aside from Audition by Michael Shurtleff...

Try books by Uta Hagen, (Respect For Acting & Challenge For The Actor) I've heard contempt For Acting was good too but never read it myself.

Also, Constantin Stanislavsky - An Actor Prepares, Building A Character

Sanford Meisner - Sanford Meisner on Acting

There are also books about these people and their techniques. All three are different in their technique, so I would read at least one book from each and decide which suits you better or if you'd do better to pull from a combination of the techniques.

I also think you learn best by doing. Get into some theatre, student films, anything to actually have the opportunity to get into a character.

There's also a ton of books about getting into the business if that's more what you meant. Just do a search on Amazon.com.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Marianne D gave you the exact list I was going to give you.

However, reading about acting won't make you an actor.

Answer 3

"The Theatre and its Double" by Antonin Artaud.