Stanislavski was the first to outline a systematic approach for using our experience, imagination and observation to create truthful acting. 150 years after his birth, his approach is more widely embraced and taught throughout the world - but is still often rejected, misunderstood and misapplied.In Acting Stanislavski, John Gillett offers a clear, accessible and comprehensive account of the Stanislavski approach, from the actor's training to final performance, exploring:ease and focusthe nature of action, interaction and objectivesthe imaginary reality, senses and feelingactive analysis of textphysical and vocal expression of characterthe actor in the context of training and the industry.Drawing on Stanislavski's major books, in both English translations, and on records of his directing process and final studio classes, Acting Stanislavski demystifies terms and concepts. It is for actors from an actor's point of view, and offers many practical exercises and examples as an integrated part of each subject.Acting Stanislavski also creates an up-to-date overview of the Stanislavski approach, connecting his legacy with the work of his successors, from Michael Chekhov to Meisner, Adler and Strasberg.A new, extended and fully updated edition of Acting on Impulse: Reclaiming the Stanislavski Approach (Methuen Drama, 2007), Acting Stanislavski now includes new exercises and biographies, a further chapter on The Character, and an expanded glossary along with many other additions to the previous chapters. It is an essential practical and educational resource for any acting student, professional or teacher.

John Gillett has worked for more than thirty years as an actor and director and has direct experience of applying the Stanislavski method of acting.

AcknowledgementsForeword, by Sam WestIntroduction - acting in contextPART ONE STARTING FROM NOTHINGChapter 1 AwarenessChapter 2 Ease and focusPART TWO IMAGINATION AND ACTION - CREATING THE FOUNDATIONSChapter 3 Acting in circumstancesChapter 4 Acting with othersChapter 5 What do I want?PART THREE DEVELOPING THE IMAGINARY REALITY - IMAGES, SENSING, FEELINGChapter 6 Imagining the actionChapter 7 SensingChapter 8 FeelingChapter 9 AtmospherePART FOUR EXPLORING TEXT AND CHARACTERChapter 10 Meeting the playChapter 11 Meeting the characterPART FIVE CREATING THE LIFE OF THE ROLEChapter 12 Discovering the action - active analysisChapter 13 Embodiment - physical expression of the characterChapter 14 Refining the roleChapter 15 The characterPART SIX BEYOND THE ROLEChapter 16 Acting ethicsChapter 17 Working togetherChapter 18 An open conclusionA map of the organic acting processGlossarySelected bibliographyIndex