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Arthur Bartow
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Handbook of Acting Techniques Paperback – 10 July 2008

by Arthur Bartow (Editor)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 54 ratings
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A unique survey of the twentieth century's most influential acting methods, offering invaluable practical insights for actors and drama teachers.

Each of the ten famous techniques included in this handbook is described in detail by one of today's foremost practitioners. Each chapter outlines the development of the respective technique and offers practical guidance for actors wishing to explore it for themselves.

• Lee Strasberg Technique by Anna Strasberg
• Stella Adler Technique by Tom Oppenheim
• Sanford Meisner Technique by Victoria Hart
• Michael Chekhov Technique and The Mask by Per Brahe
• Uta Hagen's Technique by Carol Rosenfeld
• Physical Acting Inspired by Grotowski by Stephen Wangh
• The Viewpoints by Mary Overlie
• Practical Aesthetics by Robert Bella
• Interdisciplinary Training by Fritz Ertl
• Neo-classical Training by Louis Scheeder

'A remarkable and significant book... The thing that makes it so special is that editor Arthur Bartow brings together chapters on all the major practitioners written by other highly respected teachers and practitioners' ― ReviewsGate.com

Previous page
  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Nick Hern Books
  4. Publication date
    10 July 2008
  5. Dimensions
    13.8 x 2.3 x 21.7 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    1854595423
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1854595423
  8. See all details
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Product description

Review

'A remarkable and significant book... The thing that makes it so special is that editor Arthur Bartow brings together chapters on all the major practitioners written by other highly respected teachers and practitioners'

― ReviewsGate.com

About the Author

Arthur Bartow has worked as a professional actor, producer and director, and was the Chair and Artistic Director of the Drama Department at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nick Hern Books (10 July 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1854595423
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1854595423
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.8 x 2.3 x 21.7 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 54 ratings

About the author

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Arthur Bartow

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Dickinson
5.0 out of 5 stars Manifique
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 April 2024
Verified Purchase
Perfectly describes the different kinds of acting techniques created by practitioners and a bit of detail of their thought process of acting.
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Huw
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent format
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 December 2023
Verified Purchase
Compilation of a series of ideas to enhance the dramatic imagination.
Present for budding actor
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M. J. Saxton
5.0 out of 5 stars All You Want To Know - And How
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 December 2008
Verified Purchase
Reading this book was often an uphill struggle, though sometimes more of a ramble in the foothills. That's because it ties together writings about some of the complex acting techniques developed in the States in the last century. You either get these, or you don't.

The section on Method Acting and Lee Strasberg reiterates what a lot of people already know, clarifying a little, but not really adding anything new.

The Stella Adler and Michael Chekhov sections are more enlightening, and probably more suited to British actor training as they seem much more psychologically achievable, as does Meisner Technique. The details on the latter are not exhaustive, but enough to be able to create a few passable workshops for actors to try out and encouraging further reading.

"Viewpoints" left me flummoxed, never being one for postmodernism and not seeing the point. The chapter on this seemed as obscure as some of the productions I've seen in this style. Probably great if you're into it.

The exposition of Uta Hagen's techniques and ideas did leave me wanting more. It is intelligently written in a way that appeals to the director or tutor, inviting you to give the technique a try.

Above all this book highlights the paucity of original thinking in actor training in this country and shows that we still have a lot to learn from those across the Atlantic who seem to continually experiment to widen the palette of techniques and actor can use to develop detailed work on stage and screen.

This book is a must for actors, directors and acting tutors because it encourages a positive move forward in performer training.
15 people found this helpful
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morag ross
4.0 out of 5 stars very good book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 December 2012
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would recommend this book to anyone doing drama etc. When I have finished with it I will pass it on. Thanku for fast efficient service
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W. A. D.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great synopsis!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 February 2012
Verified Purchase
Despite the tiny, and rather difficult to read font, this American work, republished in the UK by the enterprising Nick Hern books, makes a major contribution to literature devoted to theatrical practice. Fascinating, carefull structured and thorough summaries are given of the work of Strasberg, Adler, Meisner, Michael Chekhov, Uta Hagen, and Jerzy Grotowski, together with step by step approaches on how to engage practically with their distinctive methods for actors and directors wishing to explore them themselves. Arthur Bartow the author, is also the writer of The Director's Voice and has considerable experience overseeing the actual teaching of all the processes described in the book and his valuable, practical and no-nonsense insights, result in a classic text. I would really advise students to read this before signing up for various acting classes, particularly those designed as week-long introductions to Meisner etc which I really suspect can do significant damage to fragile young actor's psyches if not handled with great care. Meisner is a two year course in which activities are undertaken that can have a profound effect on the individual. As such they need careful supervision not one week "quick fixes" in which the more damaged ( and what actors aren't ??) sob their way into potential nervous breakdowns.So read this book first, then make a decision on how to invest your hard-earned cash is my sincerely menr suggestion.
5 people found this helpful
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