Methuen Drama The Outstanding Actor: Seven Keys to Success (Performance Books)

Drawing on Ken Reas 35 years teaching experience and research, as well as interviews with top actors and directors, The Outstanding Actor identifies seven key qualities that the most successful actors manifest, along with practical exercises that help nurture those qualities and videos to demonstrate them. Featuring contributions and insights from Ewan McGregor, Jude Law, Judi Dench, Al Pacino, Lily James, Rufus Norris and many more, The Outstanding Actor gives you techniques that you can immediately put into practice in rehearsals, classes or private preparation. It also shows you how to increase the chances of having a more successful career. This new edition covers topical issues such as the #MeToo movement, gender balance and race issues, and how these affect working conditions and careers. There are also brand new links to video resources that bring the valuable exercises to life. The book also includes a foreword by Damian Lewis. Review The classes with Ken at Guildhall, I consider to be the most important part of the acting training. They are exercises in patience, unpredictability and encouraging students to make utter fools of themselves vital for any actor embarking on a life in the profession. --Michelle DockeryKens classes were some of the most interesting that I was lucky enough to attend at drama school. He opened the mind to what acting could be. --Ewan McGregorKen taught us to be dangerous, to abandon any sense of failure and to take risks thats where to find creativity. A lesson we can never stop learning. --Orlando Bloom About the Author Ken Rea is Professor of Theatre at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and artistic director of Koru Theatre. He began as a professional actor and director in New Zealand, working with some of the country's leading theatres and on television as well as running his own company, The Living Theatre Troupe. In addition to his work at Guildhall, he has taught in the national drama academies of China, Indonesia, India, Italy, New Zealand and Canada. He has also worked as a movement coach with many theatres including the Royal Shakespeare Company.