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Respect for Acting
Respect for Acting
"This fascinating and detailed book about acting is Miss Hagen's credo, the accumulated wisdom of her years spent in intimate communion with her art. It is at once the voicing of her exacting standards for herself and those she [taught], and an explanation of the means to the end."
--Publishers Weekly
"Hagen adds to the large corpus of titles on acting...more
"This fascinating and detailed book about acting is Miss Hagen's credo, the accumulated wisdom of her years spent in intimate communion with her art. It is at once the voicing of her exacting standards for herself and those she [taught], and an explanation of the means to the end."
--Publishers Weekly
"Hagen adds to the large corpus of titles on acting...more
Hardcover, 226 pages
Published
July 1st 2008
by John Wiley & Sons
(first published September 1st 1973)
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A brilliant director I was working with introduced me to this book and it has served as a foundation for my theatrical endeavors ever since. “Respect for Acting,” by Uta Hagen is exactly what it sounds like; it teaches respect for acting. Hagen who has graced the Broadway stage and film as a performer, was also an acclaimed acting coach. Some of her former students include; Jack Lemmon, Robert DenNiro, Liza Minelli, Whoopi Goldberg, and Al Pacino. Along with brilliant credentials, Hagen provides...more
I just picked this book up again last week and skimmed. I was amazed at how thoughtful, and insightful, and objective this book is on how to make an artform that conveys subjectivity; she gives the objective means to effectively, realistically, convey.
Nuts, and bolts, and screws, and lumber, and roofing; she teaches how to build a moment and sustain that moment with, "where are you now, where have you been, where are you going." I found the exercises to be wonderful blue prints for "how to." It'...more
Nuts, and bolts, and screws, and lumber, and roofing; she teaches how to build a moment and sustain that moment with, "where are you now, where have you been, where are you going." I found the exercises to be wonderful blue prints for "how to." It'...more
This is one of those books that I wish I had read 10 years ago and yet I picked it up at the most appropriate time to guide me through figuring out the most difficult role I've had to play yet. Her chapter on emotion has been invaluable. She reprimands the "modern" actor so effectively too! (This book was written in the 70s, but everything is still perfectly usable. When it feels dated is in the language of the decade and then it only serves to endear me towards her more.) I loved getting a good...more
This is a great book for those serious about acting. Uta Hagen offers an in-depth perspective on how to deepen the connection between the actor and the stage, other actors, and their craft. The book includes excercises the actor can perform on their own or with others.
Mar 31, 2008
Amanda
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
theatre-as-scholarship
Uta Hagen has some good advice. I can't say this was a page-turner, but if you're in the craft, it's got some good bits of insight.
1 like · like · see review
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In 2004 we lost such a great actress that helped so many actors, including me, to become free and truthful on stage. Her book is my acting bible and I refuse to apply to any other method or system even though her technique does branch and make references to Stanislavski e.c.t If parts get confusing for the actor beginning with the arduous process of bringing life to the stage then watch her DVD Master Class and that really puts her whole concept into order. Love it. Love it. Love it. Anyone seri...more
This book turned the shy dreamer writer into the shy dreamer actor you see today!
In my opinion, to make it short and sweet, this is the best damn book EVER written on acting. Uta = goddess of acting. Her other book is equally as good, and perhaps a bit more polished since it was written later in her life, but this one was the foundation of all her teachings at the HB Studio in NYC. Read it and weep, actors!
This is one of my "Bibles." Uta Hagen is brilliant in the way she explains things, and her stories are always fascinating. This book was my first introduction to analyzing "representational" acting as opposed to "presentational." There's an excellent discussion on "sense memory." A must-read for actors of all ages.
Even though I'm not an actor, I loved this book. It gives tons of technical advice, some of which I admit went over my head -- and at the same time, it's philosophical and inspiring. Much of the book can be applied to any art form. I suspect I'll be thinking about this book when I write, especially for the stage and screen.
Best acting book, ever! The only one I actually read & that says a lot, because as much as I love reading & as much as I love acting, I do not love reading about acting. Hagen is clear and insightful and as instructional as an acting book can get. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. It's a must have for any actor.
The classic- "and still Champeen!"- of all acting guides. Required reading (literally, for me as an undergrad student) for anyone in the business. Teaches you how to deconstruct and reconstruct your entire part while keeping your head in the game. Exercise, anecdotes and sage advice all contained within.
Mar 24, 2013
Nico Amatullo
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Actors
Recommended to Nico by:
John Kirby
Uta Hagens Respect For Acting, is an essential necessity for an actor like me to solve problems on the stage, get work ethics down, and rethinking different methods of acting. I recommend this book for any actor. I haven't finished it because every time I re-read it again, I learn something new!
A great book about being honest when you're not being yourself, about opening your heart, mind and ears while in character. It contains mostly very practical advice but it's somehow still frightening even to think about employing it, which, I think, makes it great and worth following.
This is worth reading for any actor wishing to seriously engage with the work of acting, and I recommend it highly but with three caveats. First, the examples are dated and if you're not at all familiar with the plays of the mid twentieth century, you won't get them. Second, if you're mostly performing the repertoire of the small local theater scene, comedies, musicals, and other light fare, then some of Hagen's message will have limited utility. Third, you'd probably get more out of this if you...more
The "method" explained in understandable terms by a great acting teacher. She was my teacher and when I teach, I use this book as an important resource. If you are even considering being an actor, you should read this.
1 like · like · see review
I read this book back in 1993. I remember liking it, but I can only commit to three stars until I read it again. It's been a long time and I've learned a lot since then.
Simply put, Uta Hagen is a genius. Her methods must be followed carefully and not taken out of context, but the surely serve to be great tools for every actor.
One of the most important works about acting of the 20th century. It isn't about technique or style, but understanding acting as an art form and how commitment to it is essential. I'd recommend it over Stanislavsky.
It's a good introduction for improving acting + gives awesome tips. Slightly overwhelming sometimes but still I would recommend it.
Aug 13, 2009
Lorma Doone
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
texts-about-acting
Eh. Just Eh. I felt like giving this book less than a 3 would make me a lesser actor. I kinda felt like it was much ado about nothing.
This is a great textbook for anyone studying or teaching acting. More than anything, it sets for a logical, orderly way to gain prowess in an art that can seem so vague and bewildering. why are some actors better than others? Is acting a "gift" or a craft that can be learned? Hagen is firmly in the latter camp, and provides experst insights into the mystery. At the same time, she sets a very high standard for working hard, in as detailed a way possible - making a case for the fact that it all ma...more
Sep 21, 2011
Susannah Perkins
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
high-school-reading,
nonfiction
In-depth and extremely helpful, particularly the section on the difficulty of recalling physical feelings.
My go to book on the craft of acting. I re-read it all the time; it's like a bible to me.
When I studied with Uta Hagen she told us not to read this book. Read her other one!
Every actor should read this book...or at least breeze through it at some point.
Easy to read, includes exercises. A strong supplement to guided acting class.
Good for teaching beginning acting, but still not the best out there for it.
Nice clear encapsulation of craft from actor's perspective...
Not just for actors. It's very useful for directors as well.
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