Outstanding Actor: Seven Keys to Success

The Outstanding Actor is a book that identifies seven key qualities that the most successful actors manifest, along with practical exercises and videos to demonstrate them. It features contributions and insights from top actors and directors and covers topical issues such as the #MeToo movement, gender balance, and race issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Drawing on Ken Reas' 35 years of teaching experience and research, as well as interviews with top actors and directors, The Outstanding Actor identifies seven key qualities that the most successful actors manifest, along with practical exercises that help nurture those qualities and videos to demonstrate them. Featuring contributions and insights from Ewan McGregor, Jude Law, Judi Dench, Al Pacino, Lily James, Rufus Norris, and many more, The Outstanding Actor gives you techniques that you can immediately put into practice in rehearsals, classes, or private preparation. It also shows you how to increase the chances of having a more successful career. This new edition covers topical issues such as the #MeToo movement, gender balance, and race issues, and how these affect working conditions and careers. There are also brand-new links to video resources that bring the valuable exercises to life. The book also includes forewords by Damian Lewis and Lily James.

Introduction:
The world of acting is a competitive and demanding field, where only the most talented and dedicated individuals can succeed. In order to stand out from the crowd and achieve greatness, actors must possess a set of unique qualities that set them apart from their peers. These qualities include charisma, versatility, emotional depth, physical strength, technical skills, and a strong work ethic.

The Outstanding Actor:
Ken Reas, a renowned acting coach with over 35 years of teaching experience, has written a book that aims to help actors develop and nurture these key qualities. The Outstanding Actor is a comprehensive guide that provides practical exercises, insights, and anecdotes from some of the most successful actors in the industry.

Seven Key Qualities:
The book identifies seven key qualities that the most successful actors manifest. These qualities include:

Charisma: Charisma is the ability to captivate an audience and hold their attention. It is the X-factor that makes an actor unforgettable and can lead to long-lasting careers.

Versatility: Versatility is the ability to play a wide range of characters and roles. It is essential for actors who want to be successful in a variety of genres, such as drama, comedy, and action.

Emotional Depth: Emotional depth is the ability to convey complex emotions and portray characters in a genuine and authentic way. It is what makes a performance truly powerful and moving.

Physical Strength: Physical strength is not only important for actors who play action roles, but it is also essential for those who play characters who require physicality. It can help to create a sense of authenticity and realism in a performance.

Technical Skills: Technical skills include voice projection, diction, and stage movement. These skills are essential for actors who want to be successful on stage and screen.

Work Ethic: A strong work ethic is essential for any actor who wants to succeed. It involves dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the hard work necessary to achieve success.

Practical Exercises:
The book includes a variety of practical exercises that help actors develop and nurture these key qualities. These exercises include:

Acting Warm-Ups: These exercises help actors warm up their bodies and minds before a performance. They include breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, and movement exercises.

Character Development: Character development exercises help actors understand the characters they are playing and develop their emotional depth. They include improvisation exercises, scene work, and character analysis.

Scene Work: Scene work exercises help actors practice their acting skills in a realistic and practical setting. They include scene study, partner work, and monologue work.

Monologue Work: Monologue work exercises help actors develop their vocal projection, diction, and stage movement. They include monologue study, performance preparation, and audition preparation.

Videos:
The book also includes videos that demonstrate the practical exercises and techniques discussed in the book. These videos are designed to help actors visualize the exercises and apply them in their own practice.

Contributions and Insights:
The book features contributions and insights from a wide range of actors and directors, including:

Ewan McGregor: Ewan McGregor is a Scottish actor who has won numerous awards for his performances, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. He shares his insights on the importance of emotional depth and versatility in acting.

Jude Law: Jude Law is a British actor who has starred in a variety of films, including The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Holiday, and The Imitation Game. He shares his insights on the importance of technical skills and work ethic in acting.

Judi Dench: Judi Dench is a British actress who has won numerous awards for her performances, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She shares her insights on the importance of charisma and emotional depth in acting.

Al Pacino: Al Pacino is an American actor who has starred in a variety of films, including The Godfather, Scarface, and The Scent of a Woman. He shares his insights on the importance of physical strength and emotional depth in acting.

Lily James: Lily James is a British actress who has starred in a variety of films, including Cinderella, Pride & Prejudice, and Baby Driver. She shares her insights on the importance of versatility and emotional depth in acting.

Rufus Norris: Rufus Norris is a British director who has directed a variety of plays, including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. He shares his insights on the importance of technical skills and work ethic in directing.

Conclusion:
The Outstanding Actor is a valuable resource for actors who want to develop and nurture their key qualities. It provides practical exercises, insights, and anecdotes from some of the most successful actors in the industry. By developing and nurturing these qualities, actors can increase their chances of having a more successful career and achieving greatness in the world of acting.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350152359
Edition number: 2 ed