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Dreams Into Action: Getting What You Want!
The critically acclaimed theatrical director shares professional and emotional advice for young and old who need to set stalled careers back in motion on conceptualizing one's dreams and then making them become realities.
185 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 11, 2012
A bit simplistic. Katselas' personality comes through, fortunately, but it seems likely his words have/had more import when delivered in person.
June 23, 2014
Simplistic sums it up.
October 31, 2021
Milton Katselas was an influential acting teacher and coach during the latter part of the 20th century. In reading this book, it would seem that he often extended his advice beyond the mere craft of acting, into the broader realm of career, professional, and life advice. This book features a compilation of his ideas, stitched together as a series of short chapters, essays, dialogues, and vignettes, designed to help those who feel "stuck" in their personal or professional development move forward. It's quite an eclectic collection.
It's also almost impossible to review.
Imagine sitting down after a Fourth of July meal with an eccentric Uncle who, after a beer or two, slowly but surely starts offering you his best life advice; in that image you may have a pretty good picture of how this rambling book plays out. Katselas' suggestions range from the obvious to the insightful, from the simplistic to the brilliant. A lot of this book leans into basic empowerment and agency messaging, with a heavy dose of the power of positive thinking. On the other hand, Katselas acknowledges that there are challenges in life. He simply sees those as grist for the mill, especially for actors. We use our pain as a launching pad for our achievements.
Some of his ideas on how to fight through those hard patches to get the things you want in life don't seem to acknowledge the systemic obstacles some folks face, or the privileges he had. As a white male, he can sometimes be glib with his "just do it" infused axioms. In addition, some of his sketches and dialogues are politically incorrect, pushing into racial or gender stereotypes (the book was first published in the 1990's).
On the other hand, some of his ideas really capture psychological insights that are worth pondering (e.g. his chapter on "The Problem is the Solution" still gets me thinking). There are definite diamonds in the rough here.
So, this is neither a brilliant self-help book, nor complete dreck. Like the advice your crazy Uncle gives you after he's had one too many, you'll have to sort fiction from fantasy. But as Kenny Rogers once sang, in doing so, you might walk away with "an ace that you can keep."
It's also almost impossible to review.
Imagine sitting down after a Fourth of July meal with an eccentric Uncle who, after a beer or two, slowly but surely starts offering you his best life advice; in that image you may have a pretty good picture of how this rambling book plays out. Katselas' suggestions range from the obvious to the insightful, from the simplistic to the brilliant. A lot of this book leans into basic empowerment and agency messaging, with a heavy dose of the power of positive thinking. On the other hand, Katselas acknowledges that there are challenges in life. He simply sees those as grist for the mill, especially for actors. We use our pain as a launching pad for our achievements.
Some of his ideas on how to fight through those hard patches to get the things you want in life don't seem to acknowledge the systemic obstacles some folks face, or the privileges he had. As a white male, he can sometimes be glib with his "just do it" infused axioms. In addition, some of his sketches and dialogues are politically incorrect, pushing into racial or gender stereotypes (the book was first published in the 1990's).
On the other hand, some of his ideas really capture psychological insights that are worth pondering (e.g. his chapter on "The Problem is the Solution" still gets me thinking). There are definite diamonds in the rough here.
So, this is neither a brilliant self-help book, nor complete dreck. Like the advice your crazy Uncle gives you after he's had one too many, you'll have to sort fiction from fantasy. But as Kenny Rogers once sang, in doing so, you might walk away with "an ace that you can keep."
April 25, 2016
I had a hard time rating this one. I listened to the audio version 20 years ago when life through me a couple major curves. Then, I took notes and did the exercises and it help me a lot.
This year I decided to read the book and see if it could help me sort out options and focus better. That it did not do. Except for one suggestion, I already do everything.
Some reviewers say it focuses on actors. Actors are often used as examples, but the book uses other examples as well and is applicable to any goal you want to pursue.
This year I decided to read the book and see if it could help me sort out options and focus better. That it did not do. Except for one suggestion, I already do everything.
Some reviewers say it focuses on actors. Actors are often used as examples, but the book uses other examples as well and is applicable to any goal you want to pursue.
July 4, 2018
I love this book. It's plain speaking, humorous, and carries the personal style of Katselas.
It's like Canfield's "The Success Principles", but for creative types, actors and dancers.
The first third contains the gold, but the rest is also very good.
EDIT: I just re-read this book. Still five stars. The thing I notice this reading is the people skills in the second half of the book. Katselas wrote that success is 80% getting along with others. So these skills are essential.
Amazing book!
It's like Canfield's "The Success Principles", but for creative types, actors and dancers.
The first third contains the gold, but the rest is also very good.
EDIT: I just re-read this book. Still five stars. The thing I notice this reading is the people skills in the second half of the book. Katselas wrote that success is 80% getting along with others. So these skills are essential.
Amazing book!
February 4, 2008
The Career checklist was helpful. The guy prods us with a sharp tongue.
October 21, 2008
Milton is a master at making your dreams come true as an actor, director or writer (or all three) This also works for any industry. I loved studying with him and wished I could continue.
September 16, 2020
A quick read with inspirational advice. Too vague and over simplified.
November 25, 2022
One of two books I have from the great American director, producer, and Hollywood acting coaches who himself had studied under legends such as Elia Kazan (On The Waterfront) and Lee Strasberg at the famous The Actor's Studio in NYC. This book, Dreams into Action, as well as Katselas' Acting Class-Take A Seat is required reading at the Z/A Acting Studios (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu) where I train.
Dreams Into Action is a wonderfully written book, not just for acting students and established actors, but for people from all walks of life. Filled with common sense observation and guidance on how to focus your intention and perfect your skill set, this book is an easy read that not only flows from first page to last but can also be kept on the bookshelf for periodic review. The information is timeless.
Dreams Into Action is a wonderfully written book, not just for acting students and established actors, but for people from all walks of life. Filled with common sense observation and guidance on how to focus your intention and perfect your skill set, this book is an easy read that not only flows from first page to last but can also be kept on the bookshelf for periodic review. The information is timeless.
March 10, 2018
Not even just for actors, decent motivation, a chapter a night in the AM is perfect to get you amped.
June 1, 2021
I couldn’t have loved this book more. At a pivotal time in my life so timing was excellent but loved every timeless message. Such a quick and easy read.
November 23, 2023
This book is a quick read and its pretty basic but I got value from reading it way back in the late 90s and I have re-read chapters as needed over the years. Personally, I skipped sections that didn't resonate with me and decided to skip a number of the writing exercises. I really do still find value in this book and it maybe due to a bit of nostalgia. The book on tape, voiced by the author is well done in my opinion. I did write a blog review for this book and here is an excerpt:
"This book is about how every human has the ability and choice to deep deep and begin a relationship with one's inner artist and how to allow oneself to manifest one's dream through action. Once the dream is relieved, you must work in many ways and you'll have to get back up after falling down as well. The challenges from the inside and the outside are great and it won't be easy so buckle up."
"This book is about how every human has the ability and choice to deep deep and begin a relationship with one's inner artist and how to allow oneself to manifest one's dream through action. Once the dream is relieved, you must work in many ways and you'll have to get back up after falling down as well. The challenges from the inside and the outside are great and it won't be easy so buckle up."
July 19, 2008
I even have this book on my bookshelf. I read it in Logan, I must re-read to remember then I'll rate again!
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August 26, 2011Great motivator
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews