"Acting is a reflex, a mechanism for development and survival. . . . It isn't 'second nature, ' it is 'first nature.'"--Declan Donnellan This immensely popular and ever-practical book on acting takes a scalpel to the heart of actors' persistent fears, helping them to release their talent on stage. It is straightforward and unpretentious, with a spirit of artistic and personal freedom.

Author Biography

British theatre director Declan Donnellan is the first Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company Academy and is best known for his work with Cheek by Jowl (including their acclaimed all-male As You Like It) and on Tony Kushner's Homebody/Kabul. As Associate Director of the National Theatre his productions included Fuenteovejuna, Sweeney Todd and Angels in America.