Acting Stanislavski: A Practical Guide to Stanislavski’s Approach and Legacy

Stanislavski was the first to outline a systematic approach for using our experience, imagination and observation to create truthful acting. 150 years after his birth, his approach is more widely embraced and taught throughout the world - but is still often rejected, misunderstood and misapplied.

In Acting Stanislavski, John Gillett offers a clear, accessible and comprehensive account of the Stanislavski approach, from the actor's training to final performance, exploring:

- ease and focus
- the nature of action, interaction and objectives
- the imaginary reality, senses and feeling
- active analysis of text
- physical and vocal expression of character
- the actor in the context of training and the industry.

Drawing on Stanislavski's major books, in both English translations, and on records of his directing process and final studio classes, Acting Stanislavski demystifies terms and concepts. It is for actors from an actor's point of view, and offers many practical exercises and examples as an integrated part of each subject.

Acting Stanislavski also creates an up-to-date overview of the Stanislavski approach, connecting his legacy with the work of his successors, from Michael Chekhov to Meisner, Adler and Strasberg.

A new, extended and fully updated edition of Acting on Impulse: Reclaiming the Stanislavski Approach (Methuen Drama, 2007), Acting Stanislavski now includes new exercises and biographies, a further chapter on The Character, and an expanded glossary along with many other additions to the previous chapters. It is an essential practical and educational resource for any acting student, professional or teacher.

John Gillett trained as an actor in the Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov techniques between 1969 and 1971 and has worked widely as an actor in repertory, touring, small-scale and London theatre, radio, film and television. He has directed and taught acting in drama schools, was Head of the Post Graduate Acting Course at East 15 Acting School, UK, helped to run two theatre companies and teaches acting training for professional actors. He is a member of Equity, and his website is www.gillettweb.co.uk.