Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Avery; Reprint edition (August 18, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592401538
ISBN-13: 978-1592401536
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (103 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #33,001 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #24 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater > Acting & Auditioning #62 in Books > Textbooks > Reference > Encyclopedias #128 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Performing Arts
As someone who has studied acting for the better part of his life, Mrs. Chubbuck's book comes as a breath of fresh air. Anyone who studies acting finds himself surrounded by teachers who preach techniques that sound great in the classroom or the lecture hall, but fail miserably onstage or in front of the camera. The actor always blames himself; if he fails, he tells himself it's because he hasn't worked hard enough...it's never that what he has learned simply doesn't work.Thankfully, Mrs. Chubbuck's book suffers from none of these problems. Yes, it's an excellent, entertaining read, and yes, the anecdotes about major stars whom she has coached are insightful and relevant, but the true strength of this book is in it's relentless pragmatism. There is nothing in this book that does not WORK; every word has been thoroughly tested against thousands of scripts from every imagnable genre of stage and screen. Mrs. Chubbuck's technique can take you from line readings and pre-conceived ideas into real human behavior; neurotic, fascinating and wild...in other words, the way people really are.This is, in my opinion, the most important book about the craft of acting written in the last 20 years. It doesn't discount the work of those teachers who have come before, but respectfully pulls it all into the 21st century in a way that has never been done before, and is desperately, desperately needed. Regardless of what you've studied, your work cannot help but be enriched by this technique. Five stars.
I can't go anywhere without this book....If you're really serious about being an actor you should get familiar with the Chubbuck technique...it has changed me as an actor and a as person...it empowers you! It gives you all you need to live a role.
As someone who has studied acting for the better part of his life, Mrs. Chubbuck's book comes as a breath of fresh air. Anyone who studies acting finds himself surrounded by teachers who preach techniques that sound great in the classroom or the lecture hall, but fail miserably onstage or in front of the camera. The actor always blames himself; if he fails, he tells himself it's because he hasn't worked hard enough...it's never that what he has learned simply doesn't work.Thankfully, Mrs. Chubbuck's book suffers from none of these problems. Yes, it's an excellent, entertaining read, and yes, the anecdotes about major stars whom she has coached are insightful and relevant, but the true strength of this book is in it's relentless pragmatism. There is nothing in this book that does not WORK; every word has been thoroughly tested against thousands of scripts from every imaginable genre of stage and screen. Mrs. Chubbuck's technique can take you from line readings and pre-conceived ideas into real human behavior; neurotic, fascinating and wild...in other words, the way people really are.This is, in my opinion, the most important book about the craft of acting written in the last 20 years. It doesn't discount the work of those teachers who have come before, but respectfully pulls it all into the 21st century in a way that has never been done before, and is desperately, desperately needed. Regardless of what you've studied, your work cannot help but be enriched by this technique. Five stars.
Her premise is spot on. If you are going to expend the effort to bring up emotions, use them for courage: the courage to do incredible things that will inspire the audience.I really liked the sound of that, so I checked out this book. Her 12 step technique is pretty much a rehash of method techniques. There may be some twists lent to them from her empowerment philosophy, but I didnt see many real, applicable differences. I wasn't drawn in by her writing style either. I have read some acting books that got me burning to get back on stage, and this wasn't one of them.I will admit, I enjoyed chapters 9 (which talks about making the most out of business) and 10 (inner monologue). I think it's because these are ways to get your impressions OUT THERE for people to look at. Even though she says she is trying to get away from it, most of her technique is too internal and too analytical.Ivana Chubbuck, like many others, preys upon the insecurities of actors, and their need to be "the best." Don't fall into the trap of buying into yet another self-righteous acting coach/guru.A technique like this is far too rigid, and will do more harm than good. You will end up wasting your time and/or money and hurting your acting. Trust me when I tell you, you DO NOT need this book to act with courage or act to win. If you are looking for a modern, fresh approach, buy "How to Stop Acting" by Harold Guskin instead.
I have searched for years to find a technique that I could connect with and really dig into and I have finally found it. Her concepts are explained in understandable ways and the real life examples in the book are relatable and inspiring to see what well-known actors have gone through to get their great performances. I can't wait to apply this technique to future work and see where it brings me as an actress. I recommend this book to any actor or performer who wants to take their work to the next level.
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