Paul Elsam's Acting Characters is an introductory handbook for the aspiring actor, compiled of twenty steps grouped into six sections to help create, present and sustain a believable character in most circumstances. Fundamentally practical, the book avoids the heavy discussion of theory that often accompanies books on the subject, looking instead at the essentials of how to use different voices and body language to convey character.
Arvustused
Technical and refreshingly non-academic . . . Clear and helpful pathways to guide the student actor. -- Sir Alan Ayckbourn This book offers graspable steps ... to equip the actor with the technical tools necessary to be seen and heard in our crowded arena. -- Sir Ben Kingsley A very valuable preparation for the rigours of drama school training * British Theatre Guide * Non academic, highly practical and very effective . . . A real delight * UK Theatre Web *
Muu info
Acting Characters is an introductory book for students and aspiring actors to help demystify the process of acting, by breaking the process down into twenty manageable steps.
Foreword to the second edition |
|
vii | |
|
Foreword to the first edition |
|
ix | |
|
Introduction |
|
xi | |
|
Section one skills for the job |
|
|
1 | (11) |
|
Section two planning to act |
|
|
12 | (34) |
|
Tool No. 1 The Character Profile Sheet |
|
|
13 | (6) |
|
Tool No. 2 Setting the Status |
|
|
19 | (20) |
|
|
39 | (7) |
|
|
46 | (37) |
|
Tool No. 4 Adjusting Tension |
|
|
48 | (5) |
|
Tool No. 5 Adjusting Height |
|
|
53 | (5) |
|
Tool No. 6 Adjusting Openness |
|
|
58 | (7) |
|
Tool No. 7 Working on Eye Contact |
|
|
65 | (8) |
|
Tool No. 8 Adjusting Space |
|
|
73 | (10) |
|
|
83 | (22) |
|
Tool No. 9 Adjusting Loudness |
|
|
84 | (5) |
|
Tool No. 10 Adjusting Inflection |
|
|
89 | (6) |
|
Tool No. 11 Adjusting Note |
|
|
95 | (6) |
|
Tool No. 12 Adjusting Tone |
|
|
101 | (4) |
|
|
105 | (18) |
|
Tool No. 13 Varying the Pace |
|
|
106 | (6) |
|
Tool No. 14 Changing Accent |
|
|
112 | (4) |
|
Tool No. 15 Focus on Diction |
|
|
116 | (3) |
|
Tool No. 16 Employing Specials |
|
|
119 | (4) |
|
|
123 | (40) |
|
Tool No. 17 The Magic What If? |
|
|
125 | (7) |
|
Tool No. 18 Energising Your Character |
|
|
132 | (19) |
|
Tool No. 19 Imagining Sensations |
|
|
151 | (5) |
|
Tool No. 20 Generating Emotion |
|
|
156 | (7) |
|
Section seven acting in space |
|
|
163 | (15) |
Final Thoughts |
|
178 | (2) |
Appendix |
|
180 | (9) |
Glossary |
|
189 | (15) |
Index |
|
204 | |
Paul Elsam trained as an actor at Manchester Polytechnic, and has worked widely in theatre, radio, film, television, and theatre-in-education. He currently teaches on the BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance degree at the University of Hull, and is completing PhD research into the work and legacy of theatre innovator Stephen Joseph. He is a Visiting Professor in Media and Performance at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia, USA.