You Can Act!: A Complete Guide for Actors

If you're looking for a book that will teach you how to become a better actor, stop looking, that virtual reality book hasn't been written yet, and even then, it'd be a farce on genuine human emotion. You have to be present with another person in order to become a better actor. Period. What is being present? "Living truthfully under the imaginary circumstances." Listening, responding (sometimes reacting), having empathy with your character(s), along with a grocery list of other things such as movement and voice. However, two words that are broad enough to encompass the tools needed to become a better actor are "Being Present". However, if you're looking for a book that can guide you and HELP (not teach you HOW) you hone/sharpen your skills as an actor. Look no further. One of the best, and most encouraging books on acting. I now realize what Brando meant when he said EVERYONE can act. This is true, if you are alive and have a spirit, then you have the ability to act. What do you mean have a spirit? Do you have a 'why' in your life? A reason to get out of bed? A reason to breathe again? A reason to laugh? A reason to cry? A reason to reason with? Then you have purpose in your life, whether you believe that or not, and therein lies the art to your life. It's the actor's role to find these reasons and communicate them and express them clearly, wonderfully, and specifically, at the very least.On the outside looking in, it sounds difficult, it seems that the actor has to be aware of so much that is going on, but ironically, it isn't that difficult, because we as beings are much more intrinsic than we think are, and this intricate nature gives us the ability to genuinely have empathy with others. It's only when the actor is inside of his or her head, and not 'being in the moment' do they find the weight of the role so overwhelming, why, because they're thinking, and we as a people 'DO' (take action) more often than we (sit and) 'think'. This book helps you do more of the former.

You Can Act! goes straight to the point, it's by far the most practical book on acting I've read. It is organized so you can use it as a reference manual that guides you step by step to do your homework as an actor. It guides you on how to break up the script and understand your character psychologically. It guides you thoroughly to cover all your bases while preparing for your performance, and then gives you tips on how to make your performance truthful and spontaneous.The book also contains descriptions for 75 ARCHETYPAL CHARACTERS. Audiences are familiar and look for these stock characters every time they watch a movie or play. Once you identify your character with an archetypal character, you can use the description provided in the book to give you direction and strengthen your character, and give audiences what they want.The chapters on physical impediments are extremely practical (Pain, Attacks, Infection and Poisoning, Blindness, Nervous System Impairments, Mental Impairment, Mental Illness, Alcohol, Heroin, Cocaine, Meth, and Psychedelic Use). The author explains how to play physically and psychologically each impediment. The impediments are covered in a detailed manner for example the chapter on Mental Illness covers Scizophrenia, Mania, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, reaction to Anti-Psychotic Medications.You Can Act! is a very complete reference book to have handy as an actor. It is the first book I pick up every time I need to prepare for a new role. I highly recommend it!

There are a lot of gimmicky books out there which make it sound like there is just a secret trick or two you need to know, and boom, you'll be a fine actor! Then there are some old classic books, written by the old time teachers, which give you one specific view/window into acting. Nothing wrong with either of those types of books, any book can impart some new nugget of information, but this book is very different. It is an extremely comprehensive, complete book that catalogs EVERYTHING you will ever need all in one place, which is quite an accomplishment. D.W. Brown has an extremely astute analytical mind (which is very rare in the acting world). He is truly a genius in his field-- there is no doubt this book is going to be eventually recognized as the ultimate bible of acting, a must have book. After reading, you will find yourself referring back to this book over and over. And this is not just for actors. Writers, directors or even general public will find this book invaluable and fascinating. If you were going to have only one book on the subject of acting, this would be the one to have, very highly recommended.

I have read many acting books and You Can Act is one of my favorites. Simple to digest and informative.

This is the book I was looking for nearly 10 years ago when I started acting, but it wasn't published until 2009. Thank heavens D.W. Brown put it all down in writing. The techniques presented in this book are fabulous. Some of the content is common sense for not only actors but also for any layman... but those things are often easily missed and need to mentioned and brought to our attention! As the book progresses, D.W. approaches character development and breaking down a story/scene from all angles. The tips and exercises are so valuable. There are some bits of information repeated throughout the book, but lots of topics are related to other topics and justify that repetition. I am an actor and a drama teacher for adults in eastern PA and this book has given me new approaches for classes and for my own personal development. D.W. also has a blog and a web site with more information. I only wish his classes were on the east coast! But "You Can Act!" will have to suffice until I can find a way to take classes in L.A.

Very good in depth book about acting. All actors should have this book. It covers every part of how to act to how to get jobs!