It has been said time and time again: an actor’s work is never done. Every year, students flock to post-secondary programs around the world to study the craft of acting. Musical theatre camps are offered to young aspiring artists, and even the most seasoned actors will return to the studio to brush up their skills. Why? Because there is always more to learn. This is why we have created a list of books for those keen to improve and find inspiration in the professionals before them. Whether it be a study guide, a memoir, or a how-to of the industry, these top books will offer something different to everyone who reads them and provide insightful knowledge to any actor ready to hone their craft.
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Audition by Michael Shurtleff
Let’s begin with some technical books that break down the “how-to” of acting. Audition by Michael Shurtleff is found on many university reading lists and it’s easy to understand why. In his book, casting director Shurtleff breaks down the questions we need to ask ourselves when preparing an audition piece. His 12-step guide will help find clarity and specificity by highlighting different aspects of a song like “the moment before”, “the place”, and “the humor”. Complete his 12-step guide, and you will be infinitely more prepared in the audition room!
Meisner on Acting by Sanford Meisner / An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavsky
Ah, the eternal question strikes again: Meisner or method? Though actors shouldn’t limit themselves to one acting style, there are many differences and techniques worth considering to find what works best for you. Meisner on Acting by Sanford Meisner follows a group of actors under the tutelage of Meisner as they work on living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. For a complete contrast, consider reading An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavsky, which dives into the world of method acting, where one must live their character’s experience to really understand them. Whichever way feels more authentic to you, both books are classic reads that are well worth a look.
Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen
Another reading list staple, Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen is great for those who love to analyse the text. Divided into three separate sections, Hagen gives a straightforward nine question guide to help delve into analytical character work. Along with other great performance tips, her book will help you find who your character is to you on that stage.
Your Rep Book by Adam Wachter
Preparing for an audition can be very daunting, especially when you have to show your own material. How could you possibly find the one song that not only highlights your range, tells a story, and fits the style of the show for which you are auditioning? Then, you must chop the song down to 32 bars, or even worse, 16! No easy task. In Your Rep Book, Wachter takes you through the step-by-step process of creating your audition book and finding those pieces that are perfect for you. Having accompanied professional auditions for years in both the US and the UK, he is well placed to share where to find your music, how to cut it, and even how to communicate with your accompanist on the day.
Acting as a Business by Brian O’Neil
This next book is great for those starting out in the industry. Let’s look at the business side of things for a moment. Every actor should understand how to promote themselves and be represented in the best light. How do you go about finding an agent? What is your brand? How do you sell yourself to those you want to impress? As a former talent agent, O’Neil uses his book, Acting as a Business, to instruct and guide you to a successful and promising career.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Perhaps more of interest to those who have been in the industry a few years, The Artist’s Way is there to inspire, re-energize and breathe life back into your day-to-day life as an artist. While following prompts to keep your creative juices flowing, Cameron encourages those living the grind to stay pro-active by following a practical guide. If you are in a rut or struggling to find that momentum on a new project, this book will help you find new life in your work.
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Finishing the Hat/Look, I Made a Hat by Stephen Sondheim
Part memoir, part lyric sheet, Stephen Sondheim’s two book series Finishing the Hat and Look, I Made a Hat make a great addition to any performer’s bookshelf. In these gorgeous coffee table-esque books, Sondheim takes us through many iconic moments of his transformative career, sharing insight to his lyrics, momentous moments, and his relationship with mentor Oscar Hammerstein II. He dissects his lyrics with honesty and grace, and offers true clarity to his work, made only more interesting by the stunning behind-the-scenes photographs and illustrations.
An Actor’s Life by Jenny Fischer
In this quick and witty memoir, Jenny Fischer shares her life experience as an actor in Los Angeles. Though vastly entertaining, her stories also offer lessons in their hilarity, as she shares the wisdom learnt before and after her time on the hit comedy show The Office. With honesty and candor, she highlights the less glamorous side of acting, while offering advice on headshots, creating your own work, and finding an agent. If you are feeling suffocated by the rejection and hardships of the industry, An Actor’s Life might be just what you need to find a new perspective.
Blood Memory by Martha Graham
Martha Graham is an American icon and a pioneer of modern dance. An outstanding dancer and choreographer, she found innovative ways to tell stories through movement and never shied away from the emotions we feel as humans every day. In her 1991 memoir Blood Memory, Graham shows us how her career fuelled and changed her everything, and how she, in turn, changed modern dance as we know it today. It is an intimate retelling of creative desire and a passion to dance with feeling and heart.
Patti LuPone: A Memoir by Patti LuPone
Broadway legend Patti LuPone leaves everything on the table with this honest and hard- hitting retelling of her life in the theatre, Patti LuPone: A Memoir. With dry humour and candor, LuPone shows us what it meant to become a Broadway star in the 80’s and how to stand up for oneself as an actor with a lot to say. With fantastically poignant stories from her time in Gypsy, Evita, and Sweeney Todd amongst others, LuPone writes a sort of tell-all that all musical theatre lovers will surely eat up.
What other essential books would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
