A ‘fast-forward’ acting course covering all the essential techniques an actor needs to know and use – with a suite of exercises to put each technique into practice. John Abbott's The Acting Book offers various ways to analyse a text and to create character, using not only the established processes of Stanislavsky and Meisner, but also new ones developed by the author over many years of teaching drama students. It also sets out a wide range of rehearsal techniques and improvisations, and it brims over with inventive practical exercises designed to stimulate the actor’s imagination and build confidence. The book will be invaluable to student actors as an accompaniment to their training, to established actors who wish to refresh their technique, and to drama teachers at every level. ‘Abbott knows what he’s talking about and has a gift for expressing himself in straightforward, clutter-free language’ The Stage on Improvisation in Rehearsal 'Anyone involved in actor training is likely to find this book a welcome breath of fresh air because its approach is so gloriously unpretentious. And yet it contains a wealth of Abbot’s enormous experience as actor, director and teacher' — The Stage 'A fantastic accompaniment for teachers of drama, actors at any level and directors seeking insight into the ways actors think' — Book News 'A fine source of ideas and information for drama teachers - a potted acting course, with plenty of practical exercises.' — Teaching Drama