Dramatic Circumstances: On Acting, Singing, and Living Inside the Stories We Tell

by William Wesbrooks

In this groundbreaking book, noted director and educator William Wesbrooks provides an exciting and eminently practical approach for singers and actors who want to think about their work in a way that brings them a greater sense of vitality, freedom, and empowerment. Drawing upon his years of experience and a keen psychological insight, Wesbrooks utilizes our inherent attraction to storytelling. He presents an exciting process that allows you as a performer to extract from the dramatic circumstances of stories everything you need to bring the characters you play and the songs you sing to a place of vibrant realization. His approach will inspire you to trust in yourself and your own ability as you use your mind, body, and spirit, so as to begin “living inside” your stories in a way that brings them to life for yourself as well as your audience. The process is simple in its structure yet profound in its impact. Dramatic Circumstances will prove an invaluable resource for actors, singers, teachers, directors, and anyone else who knows and believes in the power of stories to inform and touch the lives of those who tell and hear them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not the most compelling book in the world, I do think this is a great text specifically for musical theater voice teachers (which I am!!). I have already read a couple passages to my own students.

[Edward Glennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read and useful guide on some of the emotional ins and outs of acting and singing on the musical stage. Insightful and emotionally intelligent.