Read more
The Independent Actor presents a 21st-century training route achievable by self-curated learning for actors of all skill levels. This book rejects a purist approach to actor training, challenges traditional acting styles and disregards the embedded elitist notions of Western-training methods at the top of the hierarchy. Instead, it takes a contemporary, self-focused approach to learning and applying acting skills.Through doing so, the book is the first to validate a self-curated approach to actor training. Designed as a companion to practical experience and useful as a reference sourcebook, it takes the position that each individual actor must find their own process.Skills for theatre, screen and voice-recorded media are all embraced through practical tasks with signposts to essential reading and specific resources. Designed equally for the untrained actor as a companion and an aide-memoire for the professionally trained actor, this book sheds light on the practical skills required and how to access, practise and accomplish them.>
List of contents
AUTHOR
PREFACE
FOREWORD
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1. TRAINING
o Drama School
o A Self-Led Approach
o Learning
o Embracing Technology
2. WELLBEING
o Holistic Approach
o Change
o Fear
o Calm
3. CREATIVITY
o Dreaming
o Multi-Hyphenated Artists
4. PROCESS
o Preparation
o Rehearsal
o Performance
5. IMAGINATION
o Play
o Spontaneity
o Storytelling
6. CONNECTION
o Listening
o Energy
o Endowment
7. CONTEXT
o World of the play
o Research
8. TEXT
o Structure and Style
o Breaking it down
o Using text
o Subtext
9. CHARACTER
o Traits
o Timelines
o Transformation
10. VOICE
o Freedom
o Flexibility
o Repetition
o Vocal Health
11. MOVEMENT
o Physical training
o Presence
o Applied skills
12. SPACE
o Mis en Scene
o Proxemics
o Audience
13. PRACTICE AND BEYOND
14. EXERCISES FOR A SELF-LED ACTOR
15. RESOURCES
INDEX
About the author
Sally Ann Gritton (MA, PGCLTHE, FHEA, FRSA) is the Principal of Mountview, UK. With over 20 years’ experience training actors for stage, screen, musical theatre and recorded media, she previously worked as an actor, theatre director and was Artistic Director of Sorted Productions.
