Building A Character

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.

• Chapter 1 Toward a Physical Characterization; Chapter 2 Dressing a Character; Chapter 3 Characters and Types; Chapter 4 Making the Body Expressive; Chapter 5 Plasticity of Motion; Chapter 6 Restraint and Control; Chapter 7 Diction and Singing; Chapter 8 Intonations and Pauses; Chapter 9 Accentuation: The Expressive Word; Chapter 10 Perspective in Character Building; Chapter 11 Tempo-Rhythm in Movement; Chapter 12 Speech Tempo-Rhythm; Chapter 13 Stage Charm; Chapter 14 Toward an Ethics for the Theatre; Chapter 15 Patterns of Accomplishment; Chapter 16 Some Conclusions on Acting;

"Indispensable for the actor, stimulating for the layman." -- The Nation"Anyone who attempts to train actors or to direct plays will find here a great mine of practical wisdom, all informed by Stanislavski's grasp of the art itself." -- Francis Fergusson, Educational Theatre Journal"In (this book) Stanislavski, assuming the reader's familiarity with the 'inner technique', proceeds to study costume and the wearing of costume, bodily movement, voice, speech and the use of language, and tempo and rhythm-- the more external but essential techniques whereby the actor learns to use his physical instrument . . . and he expounds them as only a master can; i.e., with the insight and authority of talent plus expeirence. Anyone who attempts to train actors or to direct plays will find here a great mine of practical wisdom." -- Francis Fergusson, Education Theatre Journal"The chapter on Diction and Singing offers an analysis of basic problems of singing that is unrivaled." -- MusicalAmerica