Acting The Basics

"After searching for an inclusive text for my undergraduate acting students that incorporates consent with anticolonial and anti-racist lenses and practices, I had given up and gone without. I was starting to consider writing one myself, when I read Bella Merlin's new edition of Acting: The Basics. It outlines a clear and concise Stanislavsky-based methodology to explore (without dogmatizing it!) and a situated, relevant history of the field. Importantly, it also expands to other theatrical traditions both in training and as examples throughout. I immediately revamped my Intermediate Acting syllabus to incorporate the text and am thrilled with the deep class discussions it has already sparked. Merlin's conversational tone and logical framing also make it a hit with my students - a win all the way around!"

Joelle Ré Arp-Dunham, Teaching Assistant Professor, School of Music, Theatre and Dance, Kansas State University