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The Warner Loughlin Technique: An Acting Revolution

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For the first time in print, comes the revolutionary acting technique from the premiere acting coach of our era. Not a copy of the old masters, The Warner Loughlin Technique empowers the actor to create rich, nuanced and unique characters. Discover the technique used to help create some of the most remarkable performances of our time from actors such as Amy Adams, Ryan Reynolds, Kyra Sedgwick and countless other Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony and Grammy nominees and winners.
Loughlin debunks the myth of the tortured actor and guides you step by step through her groundbreaking technique revealing powerful ways to unlock your creativity in a psychologically safe way. Her insight into life and art is remarkable. The Warner Loughlin Technique changes the way acting will be taught for generations to come. Find out more at warnerloughlin.com.

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Published February 2, 2018

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Warner Loughlin

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
1 review
February 1, 2018
If I had my life to do over again I would fully devote myself to being an actor because after reading this book I finally believe that I could do it, do it well and stay well while I was doing it. She walks you through every aspect of building a character - from the underlying foundation that the whole process rests on to the very top floor with the amazing view. I felt like she was holding my hand and whispering the perfect words of encouragement every step of the way. This is a book for every actor and for every person who dreams of becoming one. It's the kind of read that excites and empowers you no matter what your thing is - if you have something that you want to be better at this book would help. It made me more aware of my options and the choices I make. It made me feel more alive. And she comes across as so authentic. I hope that she will write another book one day. I already feel like I am missing her. But that's the beauty of this book., I can read it again and again and every time discover something new about myself, about my performances, and about how I see the world. Her real gift in writing this book is letting those of us who can't move to Los Angeles still learn from her and be a part of this revolution for good. Thank you Ms. Loughlin.
Profile Image for Ellie.
476 reviews24 followers
January 27, 2018
Thank you first of all to NetGalley and Howard Tilley for letting me peruse this wonderful new addition to my acting technique books. I am always in the market for good, really good, books on acting techniques. This is perfect for my theatre students. They will revel in the direction this book takes them in. It's short in length but to the point! I love the first important sentence, and I am quoting..".. Where is it written to be a gifted actor, you must be filled with rage or pain or strife." I fell in love with the author from here to the end. How heathy and fresh is this thinking!!! This book teaches one how to act like not and not become as well as learning how to get out of one's way. BRAVO to Warner Loughlin!!! FINALLY, a really really really fantastic book for actors and acting students!!!! I can't wait to order lots!!!
41 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2018
Warner Loughlin's acting technique is immensely popular for not only helping actors successfully convey deep and meaningful emotions on screen, but for keeping their hearts and minds safe while doing so. Unlike the Method acting technique, which has so infamously hurt many actors, The WLT supports a healthy lifestyle as well as complex performances! This book outlines (from Warner herself) this incredible technique, along with information from some of the A-list stars that practice it (Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Amy Adams, Emma Roberts, and many more!). Informational but written in an easygoing conversational tone, actors both professional and amateur would do well to pick up a copy of this lovely tome.
Profile Image for Marissa DeCuir.
238 reviews15 followers
February 2, 2018
Her book is straight forward, very accessible and, most likely to the relief of many actors, debunks the notion that good technique requires mining one’s own most painful and profound personal experiences through the antiquated theater training made popular by Konstantin Stanislavski. Ms. Loughlin generously provides a step-by-step method of how an actor can create the character’s feelings on camera through thoughtful research of exactly what the script says (not inferences) and bringing an objective inquisitiveness to embrace the whole and backstory of that character.
Profile Image for Books Forward.
229 reviews63 followers
February 2, 2018
Loughlin debunks the myth of the tortured actor and guides you step by step through her groundbreaking technique. Discover powerful ways to unlock your creativity in a psychologically safe way. Her insight into life and art is remarkable. The Warner Loughlin Technique changes the way acting will be taught for generations to come.
Profile Image for Hannah.
39 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2018
The Warner Loughlin Technique is a must-read for any actor or filmmaker! Warner makes the most difficult aspects of acting accessible and applicable to any character. This book gives you the tools to create characters and delve into their emotions in a healthy and safe way.
Profile Image for Matthew.
165 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2023
I purchased this book in hopes of reinvigorating my curiosity and love of acting. I haven't been in a class for a while, I graduated from grad school almost ten years ago and I was looking to find another viewpoint and learn something I was unfamiliar with. "Another tool in the box", as actors say.

Look, I am struggling if I should be honest about this because I believe the craft of acting seems to be a dying art form in the TikTok age. No one seems to want to actually learn the honored and valued tradition anymore. So to poo poo on this book seems as though it's not helping the cause.

However, if I were to take the scene Loughlin uses twice (repeating the same scene on different pages), the transcription of another actor's words, the name dropping of actors talking about how great this technique is, the intro of how great this technique is and how it will change my life... I pretty much have a 10-15 page essay of this technique. It felt like Loughlin was trying to write a paper and her professor said the word quota was a book... I don't understand why one would promote their book and technique when I've already bought the book. You don't need to sell it to me anymore. I'm sold. Now just get to work. I honestly don't understand why she just doesn't do what Uta Hagen did: bring in some cameras to a couple sessions, go through her technique and sell those. It would have been a lot more helpful.

For those actors who are trained: it's the same stuff. Make bold, specific choices, relax, search the text for clues, ask the whys and hows, and be in the moment.

For those who have an interest in acting: Have fun. This is an incredible tool to help you have a solid foundation in the craft of acting.

This technique isn't revolutionary. It's basic acting principles dressed in semantics.
Profile Image for Julie.
70 reviews9 followers
February 1, 2018
If you're an aspiring actor, this is a terrific guide to getting where you need to be for portraying your character without losing you mind in the process! Heck, if it works for Amy Adams, Ryan Adams, Kyra Sedgwick and lots of other Oscar-worthy movie stars, then how could you resist?! I couldn't! The writing is accessible and oozes with personality. Clearly working with this author's team would be a warm and wonderful experience! It's also a good book to read to just become a more balanced person - remembering what truly is important in this world as we go through it. I highly recommend this!
146 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2018
For years, Warner Loughlin has helped some of the most talented actors in Hollywood hone their skills on stage and screen, and now she has released a new book that gives insight into her innovative techniques. This is a must-read book for anyone wanting to pursue a serious career is acting!
Profile Image for Sydney.
74 reviews9 followers
February 1, 2018
What a wonderful new way of acting without causing emotional trauma. Definitely a great read for anyone in acting - or even anyone who does a lot of public speaking and would love to know how to channel another character for those events.
Profile Image for Ellen Whitfield.
84 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2018
A must-read for anyone who is even remotely interested in acting! Warner's sharp insights and creative approach to the craft are totally unique, and she has the names to back up her claims.
Profile Image for Jessica Crouse.
53 reviews
March 31, 2018
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. I'm not currently pursuing a career in acting, but grew up acting and majored in theatre in college, so I was excited to read this book. I enjoyed how Loughlin walks the reader through her technique step by step, and breaks down the content to be achievable. I especially liked the overview of child and human developmental stages. Overall I think this book is a good tool for any actor looking to build skills in creating strong character development and strong performances,
Profile Image for Nicole Baldino.
17 reviews
August 28, 2018
I’m so glad I found Warner’s book through the ‘That One Audition’ podcast! This is the first acting technique that actually makes sense to me! Warner gives you all the tools you need to safely create a fully formed character, giving them a rich emotional depth all on their own without having to draw from your own experiences. This is a must read for anyone who is considering acting or looking to take their technique in a different direction.
Profile Image for Lissa.
4 reviews8 followers
August 3, 2018
This book has some seriously great insights! It isn't JUST acting techniques, but offers you a complete balance for a healthy overall lifestyle. There is some fantastic information in this book from some of the top stars in the biz, but written in an easy to follow, professional way! I would recommend this to anyone pursing an acting career.
I won this book in the goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
1,975 reviews74 followers
June 6, 2018
I wanted to get this book as a gift for a young inexperience actress that is in the early stages of learning the craft. All I can say is that she was completely engrossed and never looked up until she was finished. It certainly had her attention from the first page.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
Profile Image for Maxwell Lopez.
16 reviews
November 28, 2017
Warner's stacked list of students should be enough to make any actor of any experience level pick up this book, but her approach to the art will force a perspective shift that will take your acting to the next level.

An absolute must read before taking on a character.
Profile Image for Caleb Rogers.
33 reviews
April 29, 2024
I'm not an actor, but I've always been interested in the work of acting. I have a passing familiarity with the concept of method acting, and consider it to be mildly nuts (no offense to those who practice it successfully). After reading this book, however, acting seems more approachable and this method of creating a character makes sense. Growing up, due purely to circumstance, I didn't have the opportunity to pursue any kind of acting beyond a church drama group that lasted for exactly one production and a school drama club that disbanded after a few pointless sessions (I didn't go to a normal high school). Sure, I made some home movies as a kid, but creating a great performance was backseat to doing awesome stuff on camera. After reading this book, I feel like I understand acting...at least a bit better than before.
Profile Image for Jacob Lopez.
30 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2024
An amazing book. The first acting book that I have read to its completion. This book has and will transform my acting and has given me a standard in what true homework for acting looks like.

For all of my roles thus far, I have felt this uneasiness in my preparation. Like I knew that there is more work to be done, but I couldn’t quite put a finger on what. That coupled with my desire to curl up in my bed I would let roles slip away to the realms of mediocrity. But now with Warner’s book I truly feel a sense of confidence and excitement for my next meaty role. I feel like I have finally unlocked the next step in my journey as an actor.

Thank you Warner.
Profile Image for Zach Parker.
12 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2019
Extraordinary. This book presents a new approach to working on a character. One that doesn’t take a massive emotional toll on your personal life but requires you to do some good nitty gritty work. I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in this book.
Profile Image for Rachel.
22 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2021
A great way to analyze a scene and a character if you're tired of using your own memories. It takes some creativity and time, but it can be very effective. I'm sure this is how actors on a TV series work because they are immersed in a world for so long.
Profile Image for Amr ElNashar.
4 reviews
February 28, 2021
The book is an incredibly helpful guiding tool for all actors. If you ever feel stuck or uninspired, give this book a read. And if you simply just need to have a process to go by to help you out - like myself- then you have already found your answer right here. Best of Luck to you all!
Profile Image for Renae Moore.
Author 3 books14 followers
August 3, 2019
Loved this insider's look at the craft of acting. It is a good exercise in the exercise of stepping outside of yourself to become more fully yourself. I would recommend for any and all.
4 reviews
January 23, 2022
Probably the only acting book I've read with a step by step breakdown for technique. Good read
Profile Image for Emelie27.
116 reviews
November 27, 2023
Where has this technique been all my life? Absolute changed the craft of acting for me and made it so much more fun and accessible!
Profile Image for Betsy Myers.
329 reviews
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April 29, 2018
I won this book via Goodreads First Reads. I am an ECE administrator and I look forward to adding this book to the lending library for parents and staff at my school.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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