Notes to an Actor

by Ron Marasco

"Do you have any notes for me?" Actors always ask for notes on their performance, and they will take them from just about anyone. Ron Marasco's Notes to an Actor grew out of the actor's profession. In his years as an actor, scholar, and teacher of acting, Mr. Marasco found that most acting books were either outdated classics that were rarely read, or quasi-textbooks that actors only "skimmed." So he developed Notes to an Actor , a compact, user-friendly book geared specifically to the way actors work. The book is based on the innovative idea that notes, given one on one, are the essential tool of creative learning.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2007

About the author

Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, Notes to an Actor, was named by the American Library Association an "Outstanding Book of 2008." For the past five years he has taught a very popular course on the subject of grief using film, theatre, literature and oral history as a way to study this often intimidating subject. He has acted extensively on TV―in everything from Lost to West Wing to Entourage -and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie Illusion, for which he also wrote the screenplay. He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA. Brian Shuff is a writer from Mesa, Arizona, who now lives in Los Angeles where he is at work completing a book of short stories. His mother died when he was eight years old, giving him a life-long interest in the subject of grief. Along with Ron Marasco he has written a screenplay based on Louise Hay's groundbreaking book, You Can Heal Your Life that will premiere in 2011. He and Marasco are also working on a dramatic adaptation of John McNulty's book This Place on Third Avenue.

Reviews

[Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a simple, straightforward book on Acting. It has helpful information, especially for those at the beginning of their training and career (like myself). Some things were a little unnecessary for me but overall I found it helpful.

[Hai Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book by Ron Marasco.

Direct and straight to the point whereas other acting books can waffle a bit. At the end of each chapter Ron gives a quick summary on the take aways in bullet points, something extremely useful rather than having to sift through each chapter again trying to remember what was said.

Quite a few topics in the book have contradicted to what I’ve been taught from acting coaches/teachers. Mainly points revolving around scene/character objectives and how actors should play them. However, I do believe that there is no definite way of acting and that you need to have an understanding of all techniques and pick whatever’s best for yourself in that present moment. What might work for one project might not work for another.

I think this book is a good tool for actors and something more of a bible that they can constantly refer to. Basically what it says on the tin, notes to an actor.

[Paris Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Acting is the enemy of acting."

From calling attention to one's acting (showing things to the audience rather than experiencing them yourself) to the shape of dialogue and characterization, Ron Marasco gives practical and invaluable food for thought in Notes to an Actor that's not just actors, but directors as well.

[Andres Soto Valverde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. No fluff. Actionable tips and a cool read. A lot of acting books will make acting more complex than it has to be. This book simplifies it.

[Kyrion · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Ron Marasco has created an easy to read notebook of acting tips that can be used to improve one’s own craft or just gain a better appreciation for good acting.

[Marley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, concise “notebook” that’s full to bursting with helpful information for any aspiring actor. Each chapter is divided into short, one to two page subsections that are easily digestible and don’t beat around the bush - this book is quick and to the point.
That being said I did have some minor issues with it, especially towards the back third of the book - the portions on comedy and Shakespeare felt slightly out of place to me in a book mainly concerned with overall technique, and some of the tips in those portions (and others as well) I personally didn’t vibe with (but then again, I’m not an acting teacher).
Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for some useful tips - especially towards the beginning and middle. Those portions are really excellent.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great offerings and I love that it covers drama, comedy, Shakespeare, theater, and film acting in all their unique differentiators. I'll likely return to this book to get more out of it as there's lots of information to take in.

The editing of the audio book I listened to was strange though in the sense that it would repeat lines as if they forgot to cut his second attempt at performing the line.

[Raj Agrawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books outside my typical interests, especially during my commute to and from work. This was a great find. While it’s targeted to stage actors, there were so many insightful lessons about life, ego, and even owning who you are as a means to finding success. I’d recommend this to anyone. Some language, but only to illustrate some points.

[Nate Jenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I especially liked the chapter on Shakespeare.

It's not the be-all end-all for theater books, but it had great notes and will help me improve my acting for having read it.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a non-actor, this was a fascinating look "behind the scenes" that I think will give me a better appreciation of who's "doing it right" when I go to theater or watched filmed productions.

[Alexa Knowlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cool

[Tracey Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite acting books ever. I re-read parts of it every couple of weeks. The advice sounds pretty obvious, but its all stuff you often forget to remind yourself. Highly recommend.

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as I wanted it to be. Pretty basic information if you have acting training. If not, then it would be a good read.