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William Esper, one of the leading acting teachers of our time, explains and extends Sanford Meisner's legendary technique, offering a clear, concrete, step-by-step approach to becoming a truly creative actor.

Esper worked closely with Meisner for seventeen years and has spent decades developing his famous program for actor's training. The result is a rigorous system of exercises that builds a solid foundation of acting skills from the ground up, and that is flexible enough to be applied to any challenge an actor faces, from soap operas to Shakespeare. Co-writer Damon DiMarco, a former student of Esper's, spent over a year observing his mentor teaching first-year acting students. In this book he recreates that experience for us, allowing us to see how the progression of exercises works in practice. The Actor's Art and Craft vividly demonstrates that good training does not constrain actors' instincts—it frees them to create characters with truthful and compelling inner lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Important on Levels Far Beyond Acting.THE ACTOR'S ART AND CRAFT: A Critical Review.
Off and on for the past 15 years, I've worked as an educator: middle school, at-risk youth and, since 2009, adult literacy.

One of the things I teach is that your personal reading list can (and should) have three (3) types of books. The first, books that are used to educate.These could be academic or even technical books in a specific field of interest.The second are books that you'd read for pleasure with no intellectual expectation.And, the third are books that add value to your life as a human being.They may (or may not) have an overtly religious theme but you're affected in a way that inspires you to be a better person morally, ethically and spiritually.The great books can fall into all three categories.The writings of Dostoevsky and Tolkien fall into this category for me. However, there are books that fall into two categories: THE ACTOR'S ART AND CRAFT is just such an example.

THE ACTOR'S ART AND CRAFT is, on the surface, a book about acting based on Sanford "Sandy" Meisner's technique as taught by William Esper.The book was written in tandem with Damon DiMarco, a former student who wanted to chronicle the approach that actors like Kim Basinger, Kathy Bates, Jeff Goldblum, John Malkovich, Paul Sorvino and many, many others used under the direction of "Bill" Esper.

The book starts out with a freshman group of students who've been accepted into Esper's class, including a veteran stage actress and follows their progression as Esper lays out the building blocks of what it takes to develop this skill. But, like the students in Esper's class, the reader is also to learn something other than becoming "someone else."

Inherent in these techniques is the development of three (3) behavioral traits that are essential for success in life.1.A positive mental attitude and disposition.2. Focusing one's attention on a desired result.3.Expecting situations to work in one's favor.For me, this is the real meat and potatoes of the book.

Having had classes in theater and film as an undergraduate and, later working in the theater for several years, I was only aware of Stanislavsky's method, the most well-known and revered acting method, but Meisner's routine has some similarities, but branches off into areas of impulse and instinct.

If you're interested in acting and/or interested in overcoming fears that prevent you from putting your best foot forward, the practice described herein will give you the confidence and the encouragement to be the person you know yourself to be.

A beautiful gift for student's of Bill's and all aspiring actors
I was privileged to be a student for two years at Bill Esper's studio in the Times Square area in the 70s.He truly taught me how to work and I have never forgotten. I carried a type written paper of my notes and Bill quotes from his classes with me in my makeup kit for years. This book is like being in Bill's class and I am savoring it like a fine wine, taking my time, making my enjoyment last and last.

Engrossing, inspiring, full of humanity
This book came around at a strange time in my life...which I suppose is still happening. Although I was never part of the BFA or MFA program at Rutgers, I did take a few acting classes there as well as get involved in some college theatre. Bill Esper was an icon even back then but I completely took for granted what it is he did and more importantly, who he is. Since getting out and pounding the pavement for some real work, I've had moments of brilliance, some of which has garnered me a handful of (minor) speaking roles on notable television shows. Gradually, I began to regress in my preparation and in my respect for the craft because in my mind, I didn't see it as a necessity anymore. After all, who needs an applicable technique when you've booked work on Law & Order, Fringe, etc.? I became increasingly arrogant and felt entitled to success, all because I've had a little taste of it, probably from luck or what have you. In the past two years or so, I've been making big investments on casting director/agent workshops, all designed to get you seen, as long as you're willing to pay the price. One night, not too long ago, we had to watch our playback auditions at one of these "classes". I was certain I had nailed it because I "felt good" about what I did. I was in for a rude awakening when I saw my work. I was stiff, lacking life...natural perhaps but uninteresting. In the past, I would always respond by preparing harder the next time and I would continue to take more acting seminars. This time, for whatever reason, I was willing to admit to myself that whatever technique I had was unfocused. That I was easily assuaged by complimentary notes by casting directors and peers so that I can move on with my life. I believe it was a good friend of mine who recommended me this book. And now I realize how naive and foolish I've been these past couple of years.

The Actor's Art and Craft taught me that while commercial success should be commended, it's not worth sacrificing your very being for it. After a while, from audition to audition, you start to make choices that you THINK people want to see, regardless of how inorganic. But like all forms of art, one must be dedicated in his/her pursuits and strive for the perfection of the craft. I've read a handful of other acting books, but none as engrossing as this one. It covers the first year of Meisner and that includes repetition work, activities, criminal action problems, having an objective. The format is such that you feel that you are in the classroom with Bill and the company he teaches. There are characters you can easily identify with because you probably know them in real life. Some of the students are new to the craft, others have been pursuing the arts for a while. For me, though, the highlights of this book are the beautifully simple yet poetic words from William Esper himself, his notes to the class, his views on how important it is to LIVE. Really LIVE. It surprised me that at times I was brought to tears by some of the quotations because they were really moving and cathartic. One in particular had to do with how disconnected our modern society can be, what with all the iPods, gadgets, social networking sites etc. Nobody lives in the moment anymore.

Esper and DiMarco have put together a wonderful book that attacks the myths of what the Meisner technique can do for someone. It's not about emoting, it's about doing as well as being. You can't control how you feel, however you can allow yourself to be AFFECTED by what is going on around you. He talks about the importance of the precipitating circumstance: the one event that causes the two (or more) people on stage to come together in this time, in this place. Of course, before all of that, he teaches the importance of being yourself, to unlearn what society has taught you, to empty the garbage so to speak. Only then can you truly be free to follow your instincts. There is so much more I'd like to talk about in detail as far as specific exercises but I suggest you read it yourself if you're serious about learning the craft, or even reinvigorating your passion for it. When you're out in the real world, you'll hear people throw around the word "Meisner" and "objective" as if they really understand what it all entails. Many of them probably do and that is commendable. But there is a large majority who don't REALLY get it. I was one of them. I hope to continue my studies now that I've been humbled, and I hope to acquire practical skills and technique that's based on higher principles.

If you're as jaded as I was, you may be rolling your eyes at this gushfest. But I know what I want from all this: when I'm on stage or in front of a camera, I want to feel truly alive. When I'm NOT on stage or in front of the camera, I want to realize how remarkable it is to BE alive. This book is my first step towards my own salvation and my admission of cynicism and laziness. I hope to study with him one day.

Good insight into the "Meisner" approach
I'm deeply interested in HONEST acting (with affectation, pushing and demonstrating) and this book gets you off and running.I think these are great techniques to use with actors, and can quickly separate the wheat from the chaff, and get to the heart of open, honest acting, BUT they are deceptively simple exercies, and you need to know what you are looking for when things go awry, and how to address them.This books goes much further in revealing the goals behind the exercises than does Sandy's book.I think it is truly enlightening.

That being said, my frustrations are this: 1.), Bill and Damon stop after the first year of (arguably) foundation work. In short, they stop before getting into the "next level stuff."I honestly hope they put together year 2 of this training technique and not keep all the "in depth" goodies to themselves.2.) My fear is that this approach discourages shaping a character that is an honest revelation of what is in the text.Not all instincts are ARTFUL instincts (another beef I have with Bill about encouraging actors to "let go" in real life - human nature is, by instinct, SELFISH), and not every actor inclination is going to be true to the text.Hopefully, an actor who is worth their salt will marry this approach with serving the text and a playwright worth their salt will have crafted a script that reveals vibrant characters, but as an ART form, I don't want to trust a performance to the whims of an actor who may, in any given moment, be struck with something funny their partner has done and runs with it.It may be engaging, but it won't necessarily be true to the play.That is my fear and question to Bill - how do you keep actors from running afoul of a simpler instinct?Perhaps your book on year 2 is the answer I await.

Better than Sandy's book
For practitioners of the Meisner approach this is the best book out there.If you had the first year of training with a qualified teacher and didn't take very good notes, buy this book.Even if you took good notes - buy this book! ... Read more

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Learn everything there is to know about making your own greeting cards, thank-you notes, gift bags, scrapbooks, and memory albums! This 100-page volume is filled with ideas, tips, and instructions to help you make the most of your paper craft projects. ... Read more

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Teach yourself to quilt, step-by-step instructions. ... Read more

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This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org ... Read more

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Here's a great guide made just for kids, ages 9 to 14. From creating a cool-looking knit cap and scarf to wraps and pillows, kids will have fun making gifts for their friends, their family - even their pets! Complete with 12 easy lessons and projects. ... Read more

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A must-have for serious quilters, Teach Yourself Blocks From The Past teaches todays newest quilting techniques. Quilt expert Marie Henry shares her favorite methods for accurate piecing and beautiful applique with traditional images from the late 1800's. Includes complete instructions, patterns, and diagrams for 72 six-inch quilt blocks. Quilters can reproduce Maries stunning full-size quilt or mix and match blocks to make their own unique quilted projects. ... Read more

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Collage and altered art pull together elements from a wide variety of crafts to create one-of-a-kind pieces that truly reflect your individual style. This photo-intensive guide walks you through all the latest techniques, from aging paper and photos to working with image transfers, rubber stamps, fabrics, and more. Plus, you'll learn how to source inexpensive materials—as well as found objects around your home—to make everything from handmade journals and artist trading cards to decorative boxes, jewelry, and wall art.

Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review

• Each skill ortechnique is defined and described

• Detailed color photos demonstrate each step

• Step-by-step instructions accompany each photo

• Helpful tips provide additional guidance

Customer Reviews (10)

Wonderful Books
I love the Teach yourself visually line of books I have a couple of different ones.Being able to see the techniques and to see them in content is so great.I would recommend them to everyone who want to try any kind of crafts.

Lots of Techniques, Clear Instruction
I never read cover to cover for any book.I couldn't find myself putting this down!The visual approach is great; lots of clear detailed, COLOR photos, and detailed instructions with each photo.There were lots of techniques in this book, and great for a beginner collage artist like myself.The supplies are listed upfront, and there are mutiple tips and best practices throughout each project that I found very useful when I attempted the projects.I highly recommend this book, more so than other collage "for dummies" type books where they were heavy with text and only a few picture examples in black and white.

just couldn't put it down!
I ordered this book some time ago and one night recently - finally got around to looking thru it. I crawled into bed, started at the front and didn't put it down until 3 AM! The next morning I was definitely 'Aged and Distressed' (chapter 3)!

The information in this book is certainly impressive.I was looking for something with a variety of projects and found it!Chapters 1 thru 6 were just what I was looking for - chapters 7 and 8 concentrated on jewelry and fibers which I shared with a jewelryfriend - chapters 9 and 10 (assemblage and altered books) were right down my alley and I have gone back again and again with a magnifying glass to see each tiny detail of the 44 artworks in the inspiration gallery.

'Teach Yourself Visually' rates a 5 star!

Lots of techniques, photos & clear instructions
Roni Johnson doesn't have any product to sell which means she can concentrate on writing a great book which focuses purely on ideas and techniques. You will take away from this book literally hundreds of ideas/skills which you can transfer across many arts and crafts from collage to scrapbooking, card making, altered art and beyond!
One of my favourite things about this book is that it brings so many techniques together in one place, things that I have come across on the internet and in books andhave, no doubt, bookmarked and intended to come back to but never did.
Roni has included concise supplies lists and instructions which make replicating the techniques very easy. The techniques range from easy to more complicated and some may be completed with just some basic supplies- so you don't read the book and feel like you need to go buy out your local art supply store! There are also well written descriptions of some supplies and their various uses- very handy to have.
I got this book from my local library and was only pages in before I knew I had to own it. I ordered it within days so I didn't have to be without it! I feel that this book is limitless- the art within it and the techniques are timeless. While other books of a similar type will eventually go out of fashion- this is a book you will never want to part with and will return to again and again.
After I read the book I emailed Roni to let her know how much I enjoyed the book and she said she had about 3 times as much stuff as her publisher let her put in the book- I can't wait!

Great Book!!
Just received and couldn't wait to look through it.I want to sit and relish each page.Roni has a superb blog so it is no doubt that her book would be equally appealing.Recommend. ... Read more

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A comprehensive collection of the best art and craftactivities for young children.

Teacher created, classroom-tested art activities to actively engagechildren's imaginations! The result of a nationwide competition, theseart and craft activities are the best of the best. Just the thing toadd pizazz to your day!

The GIANT Encyclopedia of Art and Craft Activities joins ourbest-selling GIANT Encyclopedia series which includes The GIANTEncyclopedia of Circle Time and Group Activities, The GIANTEncyclopedia of Theme Activities, and The GIANT Encyclopedia ofScience Activities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

great craft book
I found myself having to unexpectably homeschool my kindergartener.This book has been great to come up with craft ideas to help feel like they are not missing out on school.It is categorized, but not necessarily grouped in ways I would think of, still helpful though.Items can easily be obtained from a store, or saved up as you use other household things, ie toilet paper rolls, egg carton.

A lot of ideas, good price
I bought this to get some ideas for doing crafts with my son at home. Got a lot of ideas in good price.

Good for Kids
This product is fairly orgainzed and clear about the materials and step by step procedures for the activities. The only thing is that I wish there was more organization with the age groups in each cateogory. Besides that, it is a great purchase!

Nice resourse
I bought this book for my daughter, who has two small boys. They love arts and crafts and this book has plenty of great ideas. Well organized and plenty of variety. Directions are simple and illustrations are heplpful. She loves it.

Comments
A very interesting book. Full of simple ideas which are not only fun for the children but also helps to be more creative and discover more about the world around them. ... Read more

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Even beginners can learn the speediest and most accurate ways to cut and piece quilts in this collection of quick quilting projects. Step-by-step directions and color diagrams for fast and easy patchwork pillows, wall hangings, and full-size quilts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Just what I have been looking for.
I want to get started quilting more than 4 patches, & I could not pick a pattern because stars, etc, looked too hard.This book has a block each of several different patterns so now I can find out how to make a star,grandmothers fan, etc, before I tackle a whole quilt of only one kind ofblock. Easy lessons. Thanks, Ms, Smith. ... Read more

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A student demands to know what authority you have to judge his writing. Another student sits in your office reading her essay aloud and crying. What you hoped would be a stimulating classroom discussion falls flat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Outlandish
Outstanding.The book's chapters cover whole language/writing process classrooms, brainstorming, classroom communities, teachable moments, making connections, the power of personal pedagogy, the trauma of parents, the boundaries of caring, annoying students, white trash upbringing, challenging authority, obnoxious students, reading resistant writers within a discourse of resistance, socialized unteachables, and big tall half-men, without once referring to anything about Literature or English.Write on!

An invaluable firsthand account of teaching
This slim volume edited by two teachers at the University of New Hampshire is at once humorous and insightful. It is a collection of essays by instructors of UNH's freshman composition class that offers advice on grading, dealing with "difficult" students and approaching the tasks of a new teacher. Most of the essays are short, quickly develop and illustrate a point, and keep the reader interested. Only a few selections dedicated to abnormal experiences seem to unnecessarily drone on.

One of the book's strenghts is that it presents itself with great background, and offers a table of contents with blips of the essays so you can choose which ones are most applicable. The weakness: nearly all of the essays come from the same setting, and out of experiences at the same school. Nonetheless, the personal and stimulating writing style of the essays is excellent. I highly reccommend this book if you are teaching in any subject at a college or university. If you are applying to a grad school program similiar to the English program at UNH, this book is essential.

An invaluable firsthand account of teaching
This slim volume edited by two teachers at the University of New Hampshire is at once humorous and insightful. It is a collection of essays by instructors of UNH's freshman composition class that offers advice on grading, dealing with "difficult" students and approaching the tasks of a new teacher. Most of the essays are short, quickly develop and illustrate a point, and keep the reader interested. Only a few selections dedicated to abnormal experiences seem to unnecessarily drone on.

One of the book's strenghts is that it presents itself with great background, and offers a table of contents with blips of the essays so you can choose which ones are most applicable. The weakness: nearly all of the essays come from the same setting, and out of experiences at the same school. Nonetheless, the personal and stimulating writing style of the essays is excellent. I highly reccommend this book if you are teaching in any subject at a college or university. If you are applying to a grad school program similiar to the English program at UNH, this book is essential. ... Read more

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Begin a pastime that will last a lifetime! This simple how-to book offers extra-easy instructions, how-to photos, and 15 fun designs for helping youngsters learn to cross stitch using 11 count Aida. ... Read more

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The phenomenal bestselling classic that brought the ancient art of Japanese paperfolding to the U.S. explains the history and the universal symbol system used in origami texts and presents basic folds and models, with precise illustrated instructions for 44 models, from hats and caps to birds and people. Line drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A rose by any other name...
Years ago I had a wonderful beginner's origami book by Robert Harbin called "Paper Magic".I lent it to a friend and never saw it again.I spent years... nae decades... searching for a replacement.

Imagine my joy when I received "Teach Yourself Origami" and found it to be the same book with a different title!The same logical progression, good illustrations with clear directions, and simple but charming models... it was like seeing an old friend.

Even the more advanced folder will find these models rewarding and for introducing a friend, even (or especially) a child, I have found none better.

Teach Yourself Origami
Great illustrations and good instructions. Easy to comprehend. This book is nice because it teaches you the universal signs of different paper folds. This helps when you come across a fold you don't immediately recognize in another book.

A fun place to start.
I've had a copy of this since it came out in 1969, and it has some of my favorite models.Years ago I made a mobile with the fish model and was pleased enough with the results to repeat it several times for friends.Although I've since progressed to other books which I like even better, I still treasure this one because of it's clear diagrams, gradual build up of skills, and delightful imagination.

Patience is a virtue
This book is "Step 1". I originally began with "the Great Origami book & kit", but ... that book is too advanced for beginners. It does offer, I believe, the best "Step 2" option to follow on your journey to master this ancient art form, but begin with THIS book.
It is more detailed that most origami books and leaves out no steps to the intricate folds you must master to proceed to the next (series of fold). The folds are very difficult for beginners and this book proceeds very slowly going over each and every tiny movement your hands must make. With origami..there can't be ANY mistakes. It is about perfection. If you are a fraction of a millimeter off on a fold, your product will not turn out professionally. I also recommend taking what I joke as "stress breaks" while proceeding. Many times I have become too frustrated, only to walk away from my project and return to see the mistake I made. My second tip is to BREATHE..the paper will not harm you, although at times you feel it's torture. Use this book and follow it up with a great kit like the one I previously mentioned...you will have two steps (a beginner and more advanced kit) for making a litter of cute creations.

Familiar Things From A Sheet Of Paper
Step by step - fold by fold, you will see a rabbit take form in your hands.Or it might be a squirrel.A Christmas Tree.Or the ever familiar 'flapping bird'. Dozens of shapes are taugh in this book.So get paper, scissors and your folding finger ready to create some intricate figures. ... Read more