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In-Depth Acting
Leading acting coach Dee Cannon offers a methodical and systematic approach to tackling the Stanislavski technique. This essential handbook guides the reader through the various stages of auditioning, advises actors on how to approach a part once they've landed it, and steers them toward making strong, imaginative choices.
- GenresTheatreNonfiction
254 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 25, 2024
Someone asked me if they could borrow this book and I never clutched something so tight to my chest
June 12, 2016
I was back and forth on this book a few times, but it's a pretty good source for new actors. Cannon breaks down the Stanislavski/Meisner method of creating a character in a series of easy to understand exercises.
On the flip side, she suggests a lot of techniques that I completely disagree with. She focuses too much on using personal memory to create emotion, along with promoting the use of objects from your past. For example, if you are supposed to be upset in a scene, she recommends you find an object, such as a love letter from an ex, that makes you feel upset.
This is problematic in several ways. Objects lose their power over time, something that makes you upset now won't necessarily do the job after a few uses, at which point you'll have to find another object. What happens when you run out of objects? You'll have grown to rely on them to create the emotion for you instead of learning how to do it yourself. You'll never grow as an actor as long as you use crutches like this.
She also waxes lyrical about the benefits of going to drama school, dedicating an entire chapter to it at the beginning. I can understand why, but starting with that might put off older actors who don't feel like they have that option. Rather than being inclusive of actors of all ages and situations, it limits the target audience to very young people. If you can get past this though, there is a wealth of information to be found.
One of the best things about this book is how easy it is to read, and how simple the instructions are to follow. It's great for anyone starting out.
On the flip side, she suggests a lot of techniques that I completely disagree with. She focuses too much on using personal memory to create emotion, along with promoting the use of objects from your past. For example, if you are supposed to be upset in a scene, she recommends you find an object, such as a love letter from an ex, that makes you feel upset.
This is problematic in several ways. Objects lose their power over time, something that makes you upset now won't necessarily do the job after a few uses, at which point you'll have to find another object. What happens when you run out of objects? You'll have grown to rely on them to create the emotion for you instead of learning how to do it yourself. You'll never grow as an actor as long as you use crutches like this.
She also waxes lyrical about the benefits of going to drama school, dedicating an entire chapter to it at the beginning. I can understand why, but starting with that might put off older actors who don't feel like they have that option. Rather than being inclusive of actors of all ages and situations, it limits the target audience to very young people. If you can get past this though, there is a wealth of information to be found.
One of the best things about this book is how easy it is to read, and how simple the instructions are to follow. It's great for anyone starting out.
May 22, 2022
“In-depth Acting” by Dee Cannon
In five words: Stanislavski and co. made accessible.
The most accessible introduction to and decoding of the Stanislavski technique, this guide by former RADA acting teacher Dee Cannon does what it says on the tin. It goes straight to the heart of character building and performance in a hands-on and readable way. If you feel like you’ve had enough of text, subtext, actions, and objectives then this is probably the book for you. Dispensing with the tired lessons of other method books, Cannon revitalises the system and gives it new relevance through contemporary examples and imaginative exercises. Equally, it’s a comprehensive introduction for aspiring actors and those who want to acquire the formal language of the rehearsal room.
Laurence Cook
In five words: Stanislavski and co. made accessible.
The most accessible introduction to and decoding of the Stanislavski technique, this guide by former RADA acting teacher Dee Cannon does what it says on the tin. It goes straight to the heart of character building and performance in a hands-on and readable way. If you feel like you’ve had enough of text, subtext, actions, and objectives then this is probably the book for you. Dispensing with the tired lessons of other method books, Cannon revitalises the system and gives it new relevance through contemporary examples and imaginative exercises. Equally, it’s a comprehensive introduction for aspiring actors and those who want to acquire the formal language of the rehearsal room.
Laurence Cook
March 5, 2025
If you're new to acting, this book is a great starting point. It’s simple, practical, and provides a solid foundation. However, don’t treat it as the ultimate guide—acting is an ever-evolving craft with multiple schools of thought. To grow as an actor, you need to explore different techniques, experiment, and discover what resonates with you. Use this book to familiarize yourself with the basics, but remain open to learning from other sources, be it through workshops, performances, or further reading. Acting is a journey, and this book is just the first step.
January 13, 2018
Empowered and boosted
Very informative, I love the idea of using these techniques as tools in the tool kit, to help bring the character to life. My favourite technique is breaking down the script and finding the verbs, and connecting the emotion. I recommend this to any actor striving to be great at what they do.
Very informative, I love the idea of using these techniques as tools in the tool kit, to help bring the character to life. My favourite technique is breaking down the script and finding the verbs, and connecting the emotion. I recommend this to any actor striving to be great at what they do.
January 31, 2020
So informative and concise and accessible. Brilliant.
January 2, 2021
Fantastic
July 9, 2023
Having just completed my formal actor training, it is an interesting time for me to read this book. To consolidate and remind myself of some key lessons, this was a valuable read.
September 15, 2023
amazing to-go book to have on you as an actor, performer, artist
October 5, 2024
A short, sweet, and practical guide to acting and rehearsal technique. Worth a read (despite the awful cover).
December 28, 2024
Decent little reminder
July 20, 2013
There's no denying that Cannon knows her stuff, and I am left with even more respect for all the work and homework that goes into a good performance.
However, the text would certainly benefit from stronger editing. And there are moments of frustrated chiding which don't seem appropriate to me in a book designed to help train adults.* But maybe that's just me getting my back up unnecessarily!
Overall, terrific insight and information, though the message is hampered by poor editing.
* Or, for that matter, young people or children.
However, the text would certainly benefit from stronger editing. And there are moments of frustrated chiding which don't seem appropriate to me in a book designed to help train adults.* But maybe that's just me getting my back up unnecessarily!
Overall, terrific insight and information, though the message is hampered by poor editing.
* Or, for that matter, young people or children.
April 30, 2014
For any aspiring actor wishing to audition to Drama Schools; I can honestly say that this book taught me so much about Acting. A common misconception among young individuals is that Drama and Acting are the same: they are not. Honest account of what monologues suit you, how to act, who to act and so on... Dee Cannon is very experienced with this field!
December 28, 2012
Very usefull. Dee Cannon aproaches acting in an academic but not so serious way. The techniques and exercises she lists are useful and realistic. It has changed a number of things about what I think it is to acting :)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews