Plays

An instruction video that teaches you how to balance the body, free and warm up your voice, center the body, develop a greater range, get rid of tension, keep the voice healthy, develop efficient breathing, speak so that people want to listen and support your voice.

When a routine burglary in an elegant, upscale Virginia mansion goes awry, career thief Luther Whitney finds himself witness to a brutal murder involving none other than Alan Richmond, the youthful, charming, and thoroughly corrupt President of the United States. Torn between fear for his life and devotion to his family and country, Luther must make a decision that will change not only his own destiny, but the destiny of the world as we know it. Based on the best-selling thriller by David Baldacci, described as relentlessly entertaining by The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, William Goldman's screenplay captures the paranoia, greed, and corruption of politics through the ages and around the world.

Based on his own experience and the teachings of his celebrated but distant father, Lee, John Strasberg defines the talent of becoming real in a role. He surveys the traditional partition between life and theatre, and urges actors to make it a dynamic living membrane through which vital elements may pass. John Strasberg has written his own intensely personal story about his father's work and the Strasberg dynasty. It is a painful odyssey during which he relives the often demanding role he played as son to a man who was the central father figure to a generation of American actors.

An exploration into the mysteries of creativity in life and art. Powerfully written of life, families, fathers, mothers, sons, of the price of talent and the burden of fame.

A master actor who's appeared in an enormous number of films, starring with everyone from Nicholson to Kermit the Frog, Michael Caine is uniquely qualified to provide his view of making movies. This new revised and expanded edition features great photos throughout, with chapters on: Preparation, In Front of the Camera - Before You Shoot, The Take, Characters, Directors, On Being a Star, and much more. Remarkable material ... A treasure ... I'm not going to be looking at performances quite the same way ... FASCINATING! - Gene Siskel

The art of acting in restoration comedy, the buoyant, often bowdy romps which celebrated the reopening of the English theatres after Cromwell's dour reign, is the subject of Simon Callow's bold investigation. There is cause again to celebrate as Callow, one of Britain's foremost actors, aims to restore the form to all its original voluptuous vigor. Callow shows the way to attain clarity and hilarity in some of the most delightful roles ever conceived for the theatre.

From the London Sunday Telegraph: Acting Shakespeare is extraordinary. The tone of the voice is unmistakably Sir John's, the atmosphere congenial. We're in the company of our greatest actor, who holds in his hands the last links of a chain of tradition leading to Shakespeare himself ... this book is crucial for anyone who believes that Shakespeare on the stage should be Shakespeare at his greatest ... Gielgud is by turns, wise, witty and wicked, but unfailingly modest.

In this book adapted from a television master class, actress Janet Suzman has crafted a superbly concise and clearly written account of how to develop fully realized characters in Shakespeare. Here she shares her poignant observations. Includes a foreword, and great photos throughout. Also available: DVD, HL00314739

A life in the movies has been an American dream for a century. Many people dream of becoming Hollywood professionals, but either aim too high (by trying to produce their own feature film) or too low (by hanging around restaurants frequented by movie stars) and end up frustrated. Wouldn't it be great if someone who knew what to do, someone who had achieved acclaim in the field, would walk us through the steps to success? At last, here is a book by a seasoned movie and television professional, Emmy winner Sandra Gordon, that is filled with practical, yet highly effective ways to build a career in entertainment. Gordon calls upon her own experience working on the television series PARTY OF FIVE, the movie RUDY and many more. There are many books that teach job-seekers how to write resumes or ace interviews, but not many books like ACTION! Uniquely designed for individuals who are interested in a career in the entertainment industry, whether they are recent college graduates or middle-aged career changers, ACTION! takes the formula out of the job-hunting book to the next step, telling its readers not only how to write their resumes, but where to send them, how to keep their jobs once they are hired, and how to advance in their career.

These words of Cicely Berry, the voice director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, speak to anyone who needs to speak his or her piece - in any arena, at sales meetings or religious revivals. Berry's book will insure that the speaker and the text gets heard - accurately and with true emotional range. Never again will one be accused of simply reading a prepared statement. Berry's exercises to develop relaxation, breathing and muscular control will literally help everyone breathe easier when confronting the printed page.