About the Book:

This is the classic lexicon of Stanislavski's most important concepts, all in the master's own words. Upon its publication in 1963, An Actor's Handbook quickly established itself as an essential guide for actors and directors. Culling key passages from Stanislavski's vast output, this book covers more than one hundred and fifty key concepts, among them Improvisation, External Technique, Magic If, Imaginary Objects, Discipline, What Is My System? and Stage Fright.

This reissued, attractively packaged edition will be an essential book for any performer.

What people say:

"An Actor's Handbook is part of the equipment of every man [and woman] of the theatre, because it deals with all the problems of creative acting ... Stanislavski does not invite you to subservient awe, but to deep understanding, initiative, revision and progress." — Michel Saint-Denis, actor, theater director, and drama theorist

"Here is brought together alphabetically by subject a 'lexicon' of Stanislavski's ideas on acting and the theatre. The result is a concise, pithy summary of the original 'method' concepts.." — Publisher's Weekly

"There is hardly a topic about which an actor, may desire information which has been left out....It refreshes the mind....It is a handbook to guide the actor to creative acting." — Dramatics

"An excellent study aid for novice actors." — Theatre Arts Magazine

"The perfect introduction to the art of acting for the student as well as the practicing professional." — New York Daily Telegraph

"The runaway best seller of theatre craft, not surprisingly.... This classic should be a basic part of any theatre library." — Los Angeles Times

About the Author:

Constantin Stanislavski (1863-1938), arguably the most influential director in the history of the theater, was the founder of the renowned Moscow Art Theater. A pioneer of psychological realism and improvisation on the stage, he devoted his life to developing the performance techniques now emulated throughout the world.