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The Intent to Live: Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor
“I call this book The Intent to Live because great actors don’t seem to be acting, they seem to be actually living.”
–Larry Moss, from the Introduction
When Oscar-winning actors Helen Hunt and Hilary Swank accepted their Academy Awards, each credited Larry Moss’s guidance as key to their career-making performances. There is a two-year waiting list for his advanced acting classes. But now everyone–professionals and amateurs alike–can discover Moss’s passionate, in-depth teaching.
Inviting you to join him in the classroom and onstage, Moss shares the techniques he has developed over thirty years to help actors set their emotions, imagination, and behavior on fire, showing how the hard work of preparation pays off in performances that are spontaneous, fresh, and authentic.
From the foundations of script analysis to the nuances of physicalization and sensory work, here are the case studies, exercises, and insights that enable you to connect personally with a script, develop your character from the inside out, overcome fear and inhibition, and master the technical skills required for success in the theater, television, and movies.
Far more than a handbook, The Intent to Live is the personal credo of a master teacher. Moss’s respect for actors and love of the actor’s craft enliven every page, together with examples from a wealth of plays and films, both current and classic, and vivid appreciations of great performances. Whether you act for a living or simply want a deeper understanding of acting greatness, The Intent to Live will move, instruct, and inspire you.
From the Hardcover edition.
–Larry Moss, from the Introduction
When Oscar-winning actors Helen Hunt and Hilary Swank accepted their Academy Awards, each credited Larry Moss’s guidance as key to their career-making performances. There is a two-year waiting list for his advanced acting classes. But now everyone–professionals and amateurs alike–can discover Moss’s passionate, in-depth teaching.
Inviting you to join him in the classroom and onstage, Moss shares the techniques he has developed over thirty years to help actors set their emotions, imagination, and behavior on fire, showing how the hard work of preparation pays off in performances that are spontaneous, fresh, and authentic.
From the foundations of script analysis to the nuances of physicalization and sensory work, here are the case studies, exercises, and insights that enable you to connect personally with a script, develop your character from the inside out, overcome fear and inhibition, and master the technical skills required for success in the theater, television, and movies.
Far more than a handbook, The Intent to Live is the personal credo of a master teacher. Moss’s respect for actors and love of the actor’s craft enliven every page, together with examples from a wealth of plays and films, both current and classic, and vivid appreciations of great performances. Whether you act for a living or simply want a deeper understanding of acting greatness, The Intent to Live will move, instruct, and inspire you.
From the Hardcover edition.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
345 people are currently reading
1869 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 22, 2015
This book was exceptionally thought-provoking. It is odd to approach the craft of acting from the very organic perspective of 'living'. After all, living is the precedent to everything else, but Larry Moss has beautifully interwoven our 'selves' with the way our thoughts and emotions manifest in action.
It is also beyond evocative. There is a segment midway where I found myself bursting into tears over a fictional anecdote that (oddly enough) I couldn't even relate to; the truth in the words must have been so innately powerful that it moved me to the core nonetheless.
Whether you are an experienced actor, a novice, or someone with curiosity towards the human condition, as well as establishing and communicating connections, I am quite certain you will greatly appreciate this book.
If you have read it, I would love to discuss it with you.
Much love.
It is also beyond evocative. There is a segment midway where I found myself bursting into tears over a fictional anecdote that (oddly enough) I couldn't even relate to; the truth in the words must have been so innately powerful that it moved me to the core nonetheless.
Whether you are an experienced actor, a novice, or someone with curiosity towards the human condition, as well as establishing and communicating connections, I am quite certain you will greatly appreciate this book.
If you have read it, I would love to discuss it with you.
Much love.
October 11, 2013
I just want to note why I put this on my 'writing' shelf.
Moss's method of script analysis can work backwards for writers -- characters need to have wants and obstacles and it needs to happen for *every* character, so it needs to be part of the writing creation. Directors needs to have a story to tell. Moss tells actors and directors how to break down pieces, but a writer needs to be able to give them the material to break down.
Writers would need to reverse-engineer what Moss is explaining (either in the original first draft process or, perhaps more beneficially, in the rewriting process) and make sure that the elements are in place. It's really very helpful as far as plot and character are concerned.
Moss's method of script analysis can work backwards for writers -- characters need to have wants and obstacles and it needs to happen for *every* character, so it needs to be part of the writing creation. Directors needs to have a story to tell. Moss tells actors and directors how to break down pieces, but a writer needs to be able to give them the material to break down.
Writers would need to reverse-engineer what Moss is explaining (either in the original first draft process or, perhaps more beneficially, in the rewriting process) and make sure that the elements are in place. It's really very helpful as far as plot and character are concerned.
September 12, 2017
Reading this book was a beautiful experience. I will never look at acting the same way and I've learned so much just from reading it once without doing the exercises. (I'm going to re-read it, watch the movies, read the plays and do the exercises now.) I feel deeply connected to Larry Moss and his writing. His explanations and experiences had me in tears probably over 20 times throughout the book. I feel very connected and grateful to him for the experience. Working with him one day is now a dream of mine. If you're only going to read one book about acting, this should be it. I really cannot put into words how utterly fantastic it is. (I'll update this review after my re-read.)
September 30, 2024
I believe this is essential reading for any actor. I've read it many times and understand and appreciate it more every time.
June 16, 2007
AMAZING book for actors. doesn't read like an acting book - very narrative, very conversational. It feels more like you're taking class from this man over a cup of coffee. and he's F-ing brilliant! (in my humble but totally correct opinion) It kind of changed my life. or at least got me out of a major slump and inspired me to continue driving forward in my acting aspirations (which i guess is the same thing). if you're an actor or want to be - read it!!! seriously. (and i dont usually read acting books!)
May 29, 2015
A brilliant teaching on technique, creativity and life. Moss describes his own path when applicable, and applies each lesson to a specific play or film (though these are dated, they are timeless). The book is not so much about technique or formula, but outlines, and expands on, the depth and respect of script analysis every story needs to be brought to life.
February 1, 2023
I was definitely surprised by this book. Having been out of the industry for a long time, I had promised myself that one day I would actually read this book, and I am so glad I did.
Although I don’t see myself going back to the art of acting any time soon (or ever), I was still stirred by passion while reading. It is an excellent book for any creative who longs to break through barriers and personal problems in order to live more truthfully in their work and in their life. This book is just as therapeutic as it is practical.
Although I don’t see myself going back to the art of acting any time soon (or ever), I was still stirred by passion while reading. It is an excellent book for any creative who longs to break through barriers and personal problems in order to live more truthfully in their work and in their life. This book is just as therapeutic as it is practical.
July 27, 2024
I feel like Larry and I would be friends that secretly hate each other but underneath that we are actually friends
October 8, 2025
I think the book fulfills its promise.
Based on how (non) advanced an actor is different parts will feel differently interesting.
A peculiar ending is the closing testimonial section where famous actors share their opinion on Larry’s approach (and the book). If it was useful for these Names - I don’t think we can have an excuse :)
Based on how (non) advanced an actor is different parts will feel differently interesting.
A peculiar ending is the closing testimonial section where famous actors share their opinion on Larry’s approach (and the book). If it was useful for these Names - I don’t think we can have an excuse :)
April 30, 2018
This book is a go-to guide for acting advice. Larry covers so many aspects and techniques of acting in this book. I like that he had a play in the book that his two acting students performed in his class. As the reader, you could prepare and then compare to what his two students prepared (he interviewed them and put the interview in his book). I liked that Larry really advises you to study plays and explains why, and that he also believes in healing yourself and going to therapy in combination with working on your craft. I will definitely recommend this book to others interesting in acting.
January 15, 2021
I thought there was a lot of helpful tips for acting and life in general. A lot of it seemed to be him just summarizing movies and plays that he liked and bragging about different actors he worked with but I can’t really blame him. I’d probably do the same. I’m a bit of a harsh critic but I think this book is really helpful for people who truly want to develop a career in acting. I did notice some punctuation and typo errors but not enough to drive me crazy.
December 31, 2012
better than i expected. larry moss summarizes the cannon of acting theory and interprets it in a conversational, no bullshit voice that speaks to those who can't bear to listen to stanislavski ridicule his female students for their pedantic feminine wiles and ramble on end about feet and dont' give a flying fuck about uta hagen's quiet observations on teenage awkwardness.
March 12, 2014
The best book on acting I have ever read-I know I will be referencing back to this book and Moss's advice and techniques over and over. This book has changed my acting life and I know it will only continue to do so! Highly, highly recommended!
March 28, 2021
A complete actor’s toolkit
I’m not an actor but as a director who works with actors, I found this book to be an invaluable resource to help me support my actors to give their best performances. The suggested exercises were particularly helpful.
I’m not an actor but as a director who works with actors, I found this book to be an invaluable resource to help me support my actors to give their best performances. The suggested exercises were particularly helpful.
September 28, 2009
it's an ongoing process- but I love and swear by this book!
October 2, 2008
Okay. I'm not really acting anymore. But if I WAS, i would buy this book, and do the exercises cover to cover. Keep your chops up, without having to go to class. That's what I'm talking about.
September 10, 2012
I'm taken aback as to how much useful information is imparted in this. Much thanks to Larry Moss for making the art of acting that much clearer to me.
January 11, 2015
Every bit as valuable for a writer as a performer!
February 11, 2016
Inspiring! Cleanse the toxic emotions and personal wounds that incapacitate and keep you from developing your true potential.
July 17, 2016
wonderful wonderful wonderful.
January 6, 2017
Very strong book on acting technique and theory.
December 9, 2019
The single greatest resource on the craft of acting I have ever read. Invaluable.
October 18, 2025
One of the best books on acting I've read.
I love Moss' flexibility, non-authoritarian style, his openness to the usefulness of competing methodologies (for instance, imagination vs recall) while clearly articulating the specific drawbacks of each. His emphasis on not just finding any appropriate verb, but a verb that "carbonates" the actor and lights them up emotionally, is a particularly good insight not just for the actor but a director. It's easy to repeat the same verb in direction and get the same wooden performance.
I like his discussions on cultivating inner imagery, and that the facts of the script itself give you the best clues to your performance. His essential list of questions for preparation are particularly useful, not only for the actor, but also the director and the writer. Sometimes the solution to your problems is to be found in a clue hiding in plain sight in your own script.
The case study chapter was also illuminating, and reminiscent of Meisner's book in that it allows you to get a sense of the thought process behind a compelling performance in one of his classes.
Overall, an essential text. Moss has thought deeply about the subject and in a way that shows that he's not just a teacher in an ivory tower, but someone with first hand experience of the challenges faced by actors in real world scenarios. Some texts can give off the stench that their authors' haven't stepped foot on a set or stage in decades. Moss' book is not like that, and for that reason, feels particularly useful.
I love Moss' flexibility, non-authoritarian style, his openness to the usefulness of competing methodologies (for instance, imagination vs recall) while clearly articulating the specific drawbacks of each. His emphasis on not just finding any appropriate verb, but a verb that "carbonates" the actor and lights them up emotionally, is a particularly good insight not just for the actor but a director. It's easy to repeat the same verb in direction and get the same wooden performance.
I like his discussions on cultivating inner imagery, and that the facts of the script itself give you the best clues to your performance. His essential list of questions for preparation are particularly useful, not only for the actor, but also the director and the writer. Sometimes the solution to your problems is to be found in a clue hiding in plain sight in your own script.
The case study chapter was also illuminating, and reminiscent of Meisner's book in that it allows you to get a sense of the thought process behind a compelling performance in one of his classes.
Overall, an essential text. Moss has thought deeply about the subject and in a way that shows that he's not just a teacher in an ivory tower, but someone with first hand experience of the challenges faced by actors in real world scenarios. Some texts can give off the stench that their authors' haven't stepped foot on a set or stage in decades. Moss' book is not like that, and for that reason, feels particularly useful.
December 8, 2019
One and a half stars. The review on my DreamWidth had a detailed list of awful things (racism, transphobia, animal cruelty, this man is a kapo and says he's not since he got married under a chuppah) in this book. I skimmed over it here, and will phrase certain originally harsh elements carefully. I've been using the Meisner method since I was a kid, and still wanted to learn something new. When I opened this book and read the first few pages, I thought, "This is the acting guide I needed, and thought the others would be." Then I kept reading. If you want acting exercises, read up to chapter five, then skip to page three hundred to the end. The rest is just him talking about actors he admires, being problematic, movies he likes, being rude to readers and problematic, and experiences he's had teaching, not to mention his utter adoration of Sanford Meisner. (Original DreamWidth review had different words to describe how he feels about Meisner, and I was far more annoyed) Paragraphs upon paragraphs of it. It seriously read like a UST fanfiction. I'll use the exercises and hopefully get a lot out of them, but reading this whole book was -not- worth it.
September 12, 2023
“when actors are 100 percent concentrated; they’re not just figuratively electrical, they’re literally electrical. when the actor is that alive and that focused, it draws the audience’s focus and connects to something in them…there’s something that we see as audience members watching a great performance that goes beyond just a person speaking words and moving. we are the person living, and we see the person living very intensely, and they do seem to throw off light”
WOW! chills. this book is transformational. it delivers a lot of information that i already knew and sort of understood as an actor, but in a new way, and it provided me with a richer understanding of concepts i only partially grasped. it is full of life experience and realness and a deep understanding of the struggles faced by every actor. it also contains ZERO BULLSHIT.
this book was incredibly well written, inspiring, and “carbonating” or “electrifying” as moss would say. i cant wait to apply this book to my art!
WOW! chills. this book is transformational. it delivers a lot of information that i already knew and sort of understood as an actor, but in a new way, and it provided me with a richer understanding of concepts i only partially grasped. it is full of life experience and realness and a deep understanding of the struggles faced by every actor. it also contains ZERO BULLSHIT.
this book was incredibly well written, inspiring, and “carbonating” or “electrifying” as moss would say. i cant wait to apply this book to my art!
February 19, 2025
4.5/5
The Intent to Live: Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor" by Larry Moss is an exceptional resource for aspiring actors and those curious about the craft. Moss, a highly respected acting coach, delves deep into the nuances of performance, emphasizing the importance of intention, emotional truth, and rigorous script analysis.
While some sections felt a bit lengthy, the depth of insight and practical advice offered more than compensated for it. Moss's discussions on embodying a character's objectives and the meticulous breakdown of scenes provided invaluable perspectives that truly resonated with me. His anecdotes from coaching renowned actors added a tangible dimension to the lessons, making the concepts more relatable and impactful.
I highlighted a few new techniques that have already begun to enrich my approach to acting or aligned with what I was doing instinctively. I'm grateful for the wisdom and experience shared in this book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their understanding and elevate their skills in the art of acting.
The Intent to Live: Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor" by Larry Moss is an exceptional resource for aspiring actors and those curious about the craft. Moss, a highly respected acting coach, delves deep into the nuances of performance, emphasizing the importance of intention, emotional truth, and rigorous script analysis.
While some sections felt a bit lengthy, the depth of insight and practical advice offered more than compensated for it. Moss's discussions on embodying a character's objectives and the meticulous breakdown of scenes provided invaluable perspectives that truly resonated with me. His anecdotes from coaching renowned actors added a tangible dimension to the lessons, making the concepts more relatable and impactful.
I highlighted a few new techniques that have already begun to enrich my approach to acting or aligned with what I was doing instinctively. I'm grateful for the wisdom and experience shared in this book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their understanding and elevate their skills in the art of acting.
April 18, 2025
"You see someone you're attracted to and you say, 'I don't want to be attracted to them' or 'I shouldn't be attracted to them' or 'I shouldn't have that fantasy about them.' Well, you had it, why are you scared of it? It can't hurt you. And anyway, what you think or feel is not an action; an action is what you do. As an actor you have to say yes to everything you smell, see. taste, touch, or hear, yes to every bizarre fantasy you have, every dream you have. Just when you think, 'That's too horrible, I can't go there,' you are standing in front of a door that opens to a very useful part of your creativity."
"If you are negative, you can never be disappointed if something doesn't work out. If you're positive, you may not always get what you want: you risk disappointment. That's why being positive takes courage."
"If you are negative, you can never be disappointed if something doesn't work out. If you're positive, you may not always get what you want: you risk disappointment. That's why being positive takes courage."
April 26, 2025
Amazing and Varied!
Initially (and for a huge chunk of the book) I was scared, confused, and overwhelmed by the exorbitant amount of information as someone with little acting knowledge. That's why initially I had taken the book slowly, which I'm glad I had because all that information comes full circle, and because of that, the last several chapters were very easy for me to read.
Mr. Moss's approach is incredibly thorough and cerebral throughout this book, and it's answered points (like near the end, portraying stereotypes and ethnicity) I didn't think I'd consider. I appreciated he's covered many aspects, including character analysis, physicality, and voice. Note this book is more about learning character analysis and self knowledge than teaching the "how" in voice.
Initially (and for a huge chunk of the book) I was scared, confused, and overwhelmed by the exorbitant amount of information as someone with little acting knowledge. That's why initially I had taken the book slowly, which I'm glad I had because all that information comes full circle, and because of that, the last several chapters were very easy for me to read.
Mr. Moss's approach is incredibly thorough and cerebral throughout this book, and it's answered points (like near the end, portraying stereotypes and ethnicity) I didn't think I'd consider. I appreciated he's covered many aspects, including character analysis, physicality, and voice. Note this book is more about learning character analysis and self knowledge than teaching the "how" in voice.
February 17, 2022
A decent book, though I'd consider it more so a compilation of ideas. Very little of this book comes from the author himself - other than his personal experiences and examples. Most of the IDEAS and PRINCIPLES belong to the giants of acting training: Stanislavsky, Stella, Meisner, Strasberg, etc. So while I'd say the author does represent these ideas in an accurate way, and while this may be a great overview for the actor, in terms of new ideas - there really isn't much here. I would recommend studying each idea and technique separately to get the full picture of each.
As an overview and a primer - great book.
As an overview and a primer - great book.
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November 8, 2021Books used by the Acting Studio of Chicago
1. Audition - Shurtleff
4. Actions: The Actors Thesaurus - Calderone/Loyd-Williams
5. Freeing The Natural Voice - Linklater
6. The Art Of Acting - Stella Adler
7. The Actor And The Target - Donnellan
8. The Intent To Live: Achieving Your True Potential As An Actor - Moss
9. A Practical Handbook For the Actor - Bruder
10. On The Technique of Acting - Chekhov
1. Audition - Shurtleff
4. Actions: The Actors Thesaurus - Calderone/Loyd-Williams
5. Freeing The Natural Voice - Linklater
6. The Art Of Acting - Stella Adler
7. The Actor And The Target - Donnellan
8. The Intent To Live: Achieving Your True Potential As An Actor - Moss
9. A Practical Handbook For the Actor - Bruder
10. On The Technique of Acting - Chekhov
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews