While an actor doesn’t necessarily have to get a degree, they do need to read often. Reading is essential because it helps improve your skills and gives you insight into various acting methods, styles, tips, and tricks.
Reading is the only way to broaden your knowledge of acting and get hold of all the useful tips. You won’t find all of these in one book so you will need to read as many as you can. Below, we have gathered a shortlist of what we think are essential books every actor should read.
An Actor Prepares, Constantin Stanislavski
There probably isn’t an actor who hasn’t heard of this book at least once, hence it’s first on our list. An Actor Prepares talks about actors’ experiences and various techniques thus combining very useful knowledge in one book. We definitely recommend starting with this book.
Respect for Acting, Uta Hagen
In this book, the legendary Uta Hagen presents a series of invaluable acting advice that comes in handy to everyone in the industry. Among other things, in this book, Uta helps actors overcome stage fright. All in all, it certainly deserves its place on the reading list of every actor.
Audition, Michael Shurtleff
Audition is one of the best books for beginners at acting because it serves as a guide on how to get a part that you want. If you want to get better at preparing for auditions, you should definitely read this book.
Sanford Meisner on Acting, Sanford Meisner
Another inevitable book on every actor’s reading list is Sanford Meisner’s book. This famous acting teacher combined his extensive knowledge into this genius book and provides useful exercises aimed at helping actors develop their skills. Therefore, it should certainly join the others on your reading list. Contact us for more information.
