The 7 Simple Truths of Acting for The Teen Actor (Young Actors Series)

I think this book is a good start for a teen actor. One thing to pint out is that it has a very strong bias towards Meisner. I am personally a big fan of Meisner, yet other techniques also work. LeCoq, for example, goes towards the same truths in acting in a physical way first. I think it is important to note that different people learn acting in different ways. Much of this book is incredibly good, however.

Got the books in time for my class.

Larry gives a clear message to an aspiring actor. He is a master teacher with profound understanding of the Meisner approach.

One is always stupidly hopeful that there will be a book about acting that is usable. This is not one of them. Look at the Elizabeth Swados book, At Play: Teaching Teenagers Theater, if you want some great ideas for working with young people.

I have personally worked with Larry Silverberg, and before that used his books both to learn and teach the Meisner Technique. I have an MFA in Acting, work professionally as an actress, and teach acting as well, and I have tried many approaches to acting, only to keep coming back to Larry's workbooks. These books are clear, succinct, and incredibly easy to work with, and they include many examples for clarification. Larry is the most nurturing acting teacher, and I cannot recommend him highly enough.

This book confuses young actors and encourages disrespect and distrust of drama teachers. There are some good ideas, but the way they are presented is very condescending.

I really like this book. It really breaks down the idea that acting is simple and easy and can be done without work or self reflection. I like that the book tells young actors that you must give of yourself and know yourself in order to truly act believably on stage. It is a great book to start with and get the kids thinking and looking inward before you get them to work outward. I have also taught with Silverberg's books on Meisner and the exercises are also very good and work well in a high school setting.

I have read parts of this book, and I like the way it speaks to not only the young actor, but the experienced actor as well. It makes acting concepts simple and meaningful.