The Lee Strasberg Notes

by Lola Cohen (Editor), Martin Sheen (Foreword)

The Lee Strasberg Notes reproduces the original teachings of a unique voice in actor training, for the very first time. It is a stunning document in the history and ongoing practice of Strasberg’s Method. Compiled and edited by Lola Cohen, the book is based on unpublished transcripts of Strasberg’s own classes on acting, directing and Shakespeare. It recreates his theoretical approach, as well as the practical exercises used by his students, and brilliantly conveys his approach and personality. The book features Strasberg’s teachings • Training and exercises • Characters and scenes • Directing and the Method • Shakespeare and Stanislavski • The theater, acting and actors. Including a Preface by Anna Strasberg and a Foreword by Martin Sheen, this illuminating book brings the reader closer to Strasberg’s own methods than any other, making it a phenomenal resource for students, actors, and directors.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction, Film

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2010

Reviews

[Scarlet Risque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for serious actors

Towards the end of the book strasberg wrote some interesting observations about talent and how most actors do not get to mature their talents due to commercial reasons. It’s interesting to note his observations are about many different art forms other than acting - directing - playwriting and film were enriching. Overall I have to agree an artist is cultivated like wine.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola Cohen's "The Lee Strasberg Notes" was my first in-depth encounter with Method Acting, a technique that has been both praised and controversial in the world of performance. Prior to discovering this book, my understanding of Method Acting was shaped by controversial articles about actors like Jared Leto, Heath Ledger, or Shia LaBeouf whose intense commitment to their characters blurred the boundaries between real life and performance. The media has often portrayed their use of Method as obsessive, giving the entire practice a notorious reputation. Based on this portrayal, I had assumed that Method Acting involved a destructive level of immersion where actors loose themselves in the character. However, reading this book revealed a much more nuanced approach.

At its heart, Method Acting, as outlined by Strasberg, teaches actors to draw from their own sensory experiences and memories to create authentic performances. Strasberg's techniques guide actors to harness their five senses through exercises that recall the sensation of warmth from the sun on your skin, sharp physical pain, or a deeply personal emotional memory. These sensory and emotional exercises serve as tools for the actor to bring the target emotional value to their characters.

The emotional memory exercises reminded me of a scene from Harry Potter where Remus Lupin teaches Harry how to cast the Expecto Patronus spell. In that scene, Harry struggles to summon his happiest memory to conjure a powerful protective force, just as an actor using Method Acting must tap into their own emotional memories to evoke a genuine response in a scene. The goal isn’t to become the character in a way that overtakes reality but to access personal truth in a controlled, thoughtful manner that can be transferred onto the stage.

Beyond the foundational techniques of the Method, "The Lee Strasberg Notes" offers insights into Strasberg's views on acting and directing. The book compiles his reflections on various plays he directed, shedding light on the way he dissected each text and approached character development. Strasberg also shares his thoughts on the actors and directors, like the Russian directors Konstantin Stanislavski and Vsevold Meyerhold, who influenced his own methods, providing readers with a richer understanding of the history of theater.

As someone preparing for a stage performance, I approached this book hoping it would offer practical guidance to improve my own acting. It didn’t disappoint. Strasberg’s insights deepened my understanding of Method Acting and equipped me with a fresh set of tools to explore my roles more fully.

What surprised me is how Strasberg’s teaching emphasizes balance: while actors are urged to delve into their emotional and sensory reservoirs, they are also reminded to stay in control of the process. The Method is not about blurring the line between actor and character in a way that leads to self-destruction, but about finding moments of emotional truth that make the character’s journey believable and relatable to the actor and the audience. Practiced with such awareness, Method Acting becomes a powerful, but safe, tool for actors to explore their craft.

In conclusion, The Lee Strasberg Notes is a rich exploration of Method Acting. It dispels common myths and offers practical techniques for both seasoned performers and those who are still discovering the depth of their own abilities. It's a book that not only educates but also inspires actors to approach their work with greater awareness and authenticity. Whether you're a newcomer to the world of acting or someone looking to refine your craft, Strasberg’s notes serve as a valuable guide to deepening your connection to the art.

[Kaia Kim-Weigandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

so i finally bit the bullet and finished reading the lee strasberg notes! while it does say i technically started a year ago, i read most of the book in the past few days and feel like i’m just bursting at the seams waiting to use this knowledge in practice. lee strasberg is a genius in so many ways and in addition to the descriptions of exercises and technique i genuinely just enjoyed hearing him speak through the page, and the way he discussed art in general. it’s really hard to read a book and magically know how to be a good actor. it obviously requires a lot of daily training, and an active use of exercises in addition to reading a verbal explanation of them. but the way strasberg explains things genuinely makes so much sense, that i feel like i’m becoming a better actor just by reading his words and letting them simmer in my brain, already informing my approach to acting. it’s an incredible read and one i’m going to continue looking back on for years to come

[Jamoy Gali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acting is a psychology and can be utilized to connect more intimately with the inner emotional-self. Great commentary and widely insightful, even for the non-actor. It’s best to keep this around as a creative handbook for the theatrics.

[Sameh Badra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The excellent book note for a great coach and this book is very important for everything that works in the artistic process

[Jeff Alan-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's so insightful and beautifully interesting and really helps you to understand the man and the method. It's a must read. Thank Lola for creating this!

[Isa Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that it was great, but I had a hard time fully understanding some of the way things were worded. Def helped me understand his approach, and the method better.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indespensable advice & concise explanations of the Method as it applies to acting and directing. Strasberg's commentary on theatre practitioners and history is thorough and enlivening. Simple language- his Lower East Side, impoverished origins are evident in his decidedly American vernacular (as opposed to the more stilted language translations in the works of Stanislavski and Boleslavsky). Worth taking extensive notes on, and practicing his techniques on a daily basis.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly well-researched book not only for actors but also writers, directors and anyone interested in the artistic process.