The Actor's Job

Preface
Introduction

Chapter 1 The Actor’s Raw Material Is The Playscript
First Readings:The Big Picture
Finding Action in the Dramatic Structures of the Script

Chapter 2 The Actor’s Work Is Creating Action
Action
The Objective
The Obstacle
Tactics
Phrasing a Playable Objective

Chapter 3 The Actor’s Method is Making Context for Action
Contextualizing the Action
Character Action Analysis Template

Chapter 4 The Actor’s Toolkit—The Essential Tools and How to Use them
Actor Toolkit
Method of Physical Actions
Traits and Touching Points
Personalization/Substitution
Magic If
Listening with Objective
Expectations
Assumptions
Subtext
Unspoken Truth
Conscious/Subconscious
Justifications/Character Advocacy
Polar Attitudes/Polarities
Transitions/Shifts
Discoveries
Builds
Upgrades/Getting the Stakes Higher
Physical Task/Ancillary Action
Physical Destination
The Moment Before
Endowments
Public Solitude
Want to Do/Have to Do

Chapter 5 Charting the Action
The Sample Score

Chapter 6 Working from the First Table Reading through Closing Night
Table Readings
Blocking and Blocking Notation
First Runs of Scenes, Acts, and Productions
Reworking Scenes and Blocking
Technical Rehearsals
Dress/Tech Rehearsals
Dress Rehearsals
Previews
Opening Press Night
The Run
Closing

Chapter 7 Working with Directors and Other Collaborators
Directors
Designers
Stage Managers
The Dramaturge

Chapter 8 Auditions
Monologues
Prepared Readings
Cold Readings
Musical Theatre
Improvisation
Go Sees
Camera/Commercial
Camera/Film
Voice-over
Final Thoughts on Auditions

Chapter 9 The Business of the Theatre
Casting Directors
Agents
Type
Job Hunting
Picture and Resume
The Picture, or What Is Known in the Business as a Headshot
The Resume
The Cover Letter
Web Sites
Regional Combined Auditions
Unions
Staying Current