The Actor's Art And Craft: William Esper Teaches The Meisner Technique Book Pdf
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Review: The Actor's Art and Craft by William Esper and Damon DiMarco
If you are an aspiring actor who wants to learn the Meisner technique, one of the most influential and widely practiced methods of acting, you might want to read The Actor's Art and Craft: William Esper Teaches the Meisner Technique by William Esper and Damon DiMarco. This book is a rare and valuable insight into the teachings of Sanford Meisner, one of the founding members of the Group Theatre and a legendary acting teacher. Meisner's technique is based on the principle of living truthfully under imaginary circumstances, and it involves a series of exercises that develop the actor's ability to listen, respond, improvise, and create believable characters.
William Esper is one of Meisner's most prominent disciples, who worked closely with him for 17 years and has been teaching his technique for decades at his own studio in New York. Damon DiMarco is a former student of Esper's, who observed his mentor teaching a first-year acting class for over a year and transcribed the lessons into this book. The book follows the progress of a group of students as they go through the exercises, from the basic repetition to the final scene work. Along the way, Esper explains the purpose and philosophy behind each exercise, gives feedback and guidance to the students, and shares anecdotes and insights from his own experience as an actor and a teacher.
The book is written in a clear, engaging, and conversational style, making it easy to follow and understand. The reader feels like they are part of the class, witnessing the struggles and breakthroughs of the students, and learning from Esper's wisdom and expertise. The book is not only informative, but also inspiring and entertaining. It shows how the Meisner technique can help actors develop their craft and artistry, as well as their confidence and authenticity.
The Actor's Art and Craft is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the Meisner technique or acting in general. It is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best teachers in the field, who has trained many successful actors such as Kim Basinger, Jeff Goldblum, Sam Rockwell, Patricia Heaton, Christine Lahti, among others. Whether you are a beginner or a professional actor, you will find something valuable and useful in this book.
One of the strengths of this book is that it shows how the Meisner technique can be applied to different genres and styles of acting, from comedy to drama, from contemporary to classical. Esper demonstrates how the technique can help actors find the emotional truth and the given circumstances of any scene, regardless of the period or the language. He also shows how the technique can help actors overcome their personal blocks and habits, such as self-consciousness, tension, or lack of imagination.
Another strength of this book is that it reveals the personal and professional journey of William Esper as an actor and a teacher. Esper shares his own struggles and successes as a student of Meisner, as well as his challenges and achievements as a teacher of his own students. He also shares his insights and opinions on various aspects of the acting industry, such as auditioning, casting, directing, and working with different types of actors. He also pays tribute to his mentors and colleagues, such as Meisner, Harold Clurman, Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, among others.
In conclusion, The Actor's Art and Craft is a valuable and enjoyable book for anyone who wants to learn more about the Meisner technique or acting in general. It is a rare chance to learn from one of the best teachers in the field, who has dedicated his life to teaching and practicing the art and craft of acting. It is also a fascinating and inspiring glimpse into the world of acting, where creativity, discipline, passion, and truth are essential. 061ffe29dd