Book on Acting: Improvisation Technique for the Professional Actor in Film, Theater, and Television Paperback – October 1, 2002

I've been studying at the Stephen Book Acting Workshop for a little over two years under Larry Drake. We use Stephen's book as a text book for the class (although, the class covers a few other topics not included in the book). This technique is a breath of fresh air in a city (Los Angeles) where everyone talks about their "craft" and how "Method" acting is the only way to go.In a nutshell, Improvisation Technique is about trusting your instincts and applying full-body physicalization and improvisation to scripted text. There is also a bit of scene study, called "Point of Scene", where the text is broken down according to the author's intent for the whole of the script; rather than concentrating on "my" piece of the puzzle, this technique focuses on the puzzle as a whole and the role "my character" plays as a part of that whole.One thing I love about this book is that it is written as a text book that anyone could employ as a teaching tool. I'm fortunate enough to study with Larry, who has taken the class with Stephen three times. Stephen developed this technique from working with Viola Spolin.Included in the pages are several testimonials from working, famous actors (David Boreanz, Maura Tierney, the late George Carlin), endorsing Stephen and his technique - but putting that aside, the technique itself is so simple and makes SO MUCH SENSE. It's a method of approaching acting in an authentic, organic way. Stephen described some of the "pros" best in the seminar I took with him before signing up for the class: As an actor, your instrument is your body. A dancer's instrument is also their body. A dancer would never pay for a class where they go and sit and watch other dancers dance for 90% of the time... so why do actors think this is normal? Stephen equated his classes as "going to the gym" for actors. In our classes, we "play" every class - several times over the course of four hours.I went to a performing arts high school, where I majored in theatre and I have a BFA in Acting, but "Improv" always terrified me. Give me words to say, and I'm fine - but have me be funny at the drop of a hat? I freeze. Improvisation Technique should not be confused with Comedic "Improv", but some of the same rules apply - never say "no"; trust your instincts; this emotion chose you, so choose it back, etc.I have grown so much as an actor in the past two and a half years, thanks to Stephen Book's Improvisation Technique. If you're looking for a way to amp up your acting style - or simply some fun theater games to play, I highly recommend this book.

This book is so instrumental in understanding and practicing improvisation technique. Mastering this technique will help you create memorable characters and ensure you always give authentic, spontaneous performances every night / every take, no matter if you work in theater or TV / film. With the use of exercises, Stephen Book walks you through the steps on how to get there and gives real-life examples on how a particular exercise has helped an actor with their performances.I always consult this book before an audition to help me break down my scene and come up with strong emotion choices. This book can be used as a teaching tool for acting teachers, but a lot of it can be done by yourself, with a scene partner or with a group of actors. If you want to learn and practice improvisation technique and take your acting to the next level, this book is for you!P.S. This book is also extremely helpful for writers!!

For actors skilled at objectives/obstacles/beats, book is stunning, insightful. I use it repeatedly to prepare stage & screen scenes. Guides physicalization to create character. Specifies how to focus on technical and character thoughts simultaneously. Explains why ‘truthful, in the moment’ isn’t enough, showing emotion without indicating.

This is an amazing book to guide you to truth and authenticity in acting; physicality, emotions, character development, connection with your fellow actors and thorough script analysis. If you're not fortunate enough to take Mr. Books class, this book enables you to take yourself step by step through his technique, as well as you can practice and do it from start to finish with a group of actors in your own self-study workshop. The result of this book is having an actual working technique and your confidence and self-preparation ability will be greatly transformed. I highly recommend!!

So far it looks great and quite in depth - and usable.

This is one of my favorite Acting books, and I've read almost all of them. This is a monster of a text, filled with information, style and exercises. In a nutshell, Book's technique is a way of acting that uses a core of specialized improvisational technique to steer the student toward truthful acting. I love how the technique focuses on the experiential part of the actor and his instrument. Definitely will be looking to sign up for Book's classes one of these days. Highly recommend

I have found Stephen Book’s approach to acting extremely useful and refreshing. It’s a physical and improvisational method which keeps it always active and alive. The book is a step by step guide filled with practical exercises and examples. It’s been an invaluable resource that I use for every audition and job.

This book has drastically improved my approach to acting! It provides step-by-step instructions to a full-bodied acting experience. After learning Stephen's techniques, acting has become more fun for me, and I feel more confident about my ability. Even if you have already learned other acting methods, this book only enhances your skills. I highly recommend this book to actors at all experience levels.