Professional acting is both an art and a business, and this book advises beginning actors on how to cope successfully on both fronts. Opening chapters describe the difficulties every budding actor encounters and explains basic acting techniques, which include memory exercises and methods for developing stage presence. Chapters that follow instruct in--

Reading the play with understanding and learning to build the character that the actor will be portraying

Developing the actor's voice, imitating regional accents, and more

Expressing the character's thoughts and ideas...