Acting: The First Six Lessons (Theatre Arts Book)

In each of the six lessons -- on the surface, six acts of a drama -- Boleslavsky presents the skills and tools of the classically trained actor: Concentration, Memory of Emotion, Dramatic Action, Characterization, Observation, and that elusive tool called Rhythm. In each chapter, he manages to show how these tools are applied through the three basic aspects of the actors craft: Emotion, Intellect, and Body. Unlike the American Method of Lee Strassberg, he stresses the balance among these three aspects throughout all of his 'lessons' to the creature.

Among the many delightful moments in these lessons, in the chapter on characterization, shows how an actor must approach the performance of a Shakespearean role: "All you have to do is grasp the characterization of Shakespeare's mind and follow it" (82-83). Of course, Boleslavsky knows that this is no simple task, but he is able to put it in simple terms for us to begin the process of "grasping" it.

Finally, one could make a case for non-acting artists to read this book also. It is a treatise on creativity in general, as well as acting specifically, when, for example, it says, "The theatre exists to show things which do not exist actually. When you love on stage, do you really love? Be logical. You substitute creation for the real thing. The creation must be real, but that is the only reality that should be there" (41).The universality of Boleslavsky's art is inescapable.

No better tract for the actor exists; no actor should live without this at his or her side.


The best volume to begin your work as an actor   March 6, 2001
J. Remington (Adams, Oregon USA)
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

Richard Boleslavsi, a key member of the Moscow Art Theatre and practioner of the Stanislvaskian "system" wrote this, a key volume that serves as the greatest starting point for any serious actor.

Writing his text in the form of a play script, Boleslavski lays out a series of easily definable and highly applicable excersises that aid tremendously towards developing the acting instrument.

Although it is impossible to learn acting from simply reading a book, if used as a complimentary text in a hands on acting class, Boleslavski's book will help one build a solid foundation upon which one can begin legitimate work in the Theatre.

However, on a strongly personally biased note, skip the second chapter, entitled "Memory of Emotion". If done improperly, this second chapter can lead to incredibly self conscious acting posing as psuedo-therepy.

The chapters of Rythym, Concentration, Dramatic Action, Characterization and Observation however prove helpful, practical and definable. Please begin with this tome.


Great Book for the Acting Student   August 12, 2004
Donna Grayson (Los Angeles, CA United States)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I recently took a scene study class, and the teacher used this book as our reading material for the course. This is a great book to get if you want to find out what it takes to be a serious actor. The book teaches the basic foundations of acting, for example Concentration and Characterization and more.

It is told in a story type format with the Teacher meeting "The Creature" and her aunt and other people in her life. The characters in the book talk about the fundementals of what it takes to act. Because it is told in this format, the ideas in the book are very easy to follow.

I did find that the Teacher refering to his student as "The Creature" was somewhat demeaning. But then you have to consider how long ago this book was written and the time period it was written in. This was probably typical of the period. Even though the actual book was written so long ago, it is a classic for the acting student. And the techniques and methods the Teacher speaks about are things even modern day actors must learn.

If you are interested in the Craft of Acting, this is definately a book you should read.




A Must Read   October 16, 1999
18 out of 21 found this review helpful

Anyone who wants to go into the world of acting must read thus book. It connects you in a whole new way to the passion of the arts and acting.


A Classic. Deceptively Simple; Unutterably Profound   July 5, 1997
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Copyrighted in 1933, "Acting" has proved to be a mainstain for actors and directors alike. However, Boleslavsky's book is not only for performers, but for writers, artists, and all individuals who want to enhance their creativity. It teaches one to think, see, feel, evaluate, and take action.

Only 134 pages long, Boleslavsky's book contains a lifetime of knowledge. In addition, written in a dialogue between "I" and "The Creature," it's an easy read.