How to Stop Acting: A Renowned Acting Coach Shares His Revolutionary Approach to Landing Roles, Developing Them and Keeping them Alive

by Harold Guskin, Kevin Kline (Introduction)

"The Great Guskin" (John Lahr, The New Yorker) shares the approach he uses to help actors land roles, develop them, and keep them alive

Harold Guskin is an "acting doctor" whose clients include Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, James Gandolfini, Bridget Fonda, and dozens more. In How to Stop Acting, Guskin reveals the insights and techniques that have worked wonders for beginners as well as stars. Instead of yet another "method," Guskin offers a strategy based on a radically simple and refreshing idea: that the actor's work is not to "create a character" but rather to be continually, personally responsive to the text, wherever his impulse takes him, from first read-through to final performance. From this credo derives an entirely new perspective on auditioning and the challenge of developing a role and keeping it fresh, even over hundreds of performances. Drawing on examples from his clients' work and his own, Guskin presents acting as a constantly evolving exploration rather than as a progression toward a fixed goal. He also offers sound and original advice on adapting to the particular demands of television and film, playing difficult emotional scenes, tackling the Shakespearean and other great roles, and more. His book will find an eager and appreciative audience among novices and established actors alike.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction, Film, Self Help, Drama

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2003

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not have been the mediocre improv performer/acting student I was without it. ;-)

[Joshua Grisetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is wonderful book for seasoned actors to get out of their heads, and out of their own way. It's a very useful technique of actors with a trustworthy intuition. That is, actors who have some awareness that their instincts and choices are more or less valid, and merely need to access/harness those strong instincts. In other words, I believe this way of viewing acting is best suited for advanced level actors. I would recommend it to any performer who has already been exposed to traditional acting techniques (Adler, Strasburg, Stanislavski, Hagen, Meisner). I fear that for a less advanced actor, this may compound or reinforce bad habitual behavior.

Think of it like a jazz musician learning to improvise. Before she can understand the freeing art of trusting the music to soar off the staff, she needs to first have mastered playing the music exactly as it appears on the page. When you're ready, Guskin's book may be exactly what you need to soar. So, learn how to act first, then let Harold teach you how to stop acting. ;) Great read.

[JohnnyBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could've written this book because it was like reading my thoughts exactly! Just Brilliant! Hope every actor gets to read this book.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my favorite book on acting. The Taking It Off The Page technique is how I always begin work on a new role, and it frees me up to make interesting choices each time I run through it, rather than getting set into a particular read. I apply a lot of the techniques from this book when I'm teaching or directing, and they work wonders for easing actors out of their comfort zones and into bold new choices. Highly recommend for actors, directors, and teachers.

[Darius · Rating 3 out of 5]

While acknowledging a debt to Stanislavski's method, the author suggests ways to break with that canon and experiment in a way that allows one's subconscious a larger role. Only an actor would really be able to appreciate or judge this book.

[Quentin Nguyen-duy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guskin’s “How to Stop Acting” has its place in every freshman theatre conservatory student’s bookshelf for a reason; it shows you exactly what an actor does.

My highest praises for this novel and wonderfully intimate ode to the craft of acting that will serve as a guidepost for actors in generations to come.

[Baba-S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Harold was brilliant and changed completely the view I had of acting. I will never be the same.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first books I go to if I'm struggling with a character. Harold is a man who knows what he’s talking about, and if you love acting you should devour every single word he has put down in this book.

[Alexis Fedor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a class with him. It's the best work to stay in flow and go for it.

[Samuel Lourcey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest acting books I've ever read.

[Steve Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was tasked with doing some homework and to be passing familiar with Guskin’s process prior to an audition tonight p...but was told that reading the book wasn’t necessary. Well, of course I got the book.

It was way beyond interesting. It may prove to be useful beyond the audition...and even if I don’t get the role. Guskin provides a number of resources for practicing his process (he avoids the word “technique”...I apply “process”). I plan on getting those. He’s fond of Chekhov, whose plays I’ve never read.

Guskin died this last May, sadly. His brother lives in my home town. Apparently he heard through a mutual acquaintance last night I was reading the book, and he was all smiles. That is another reason I’m glad to have read it.

[Carolina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Este é um livro para actores um pouco diferente dos que tenho lido, porque fala sobretudo do trabalho de actor para cinema e televisão. Na ideia do autor, o espectador procura sobretudo uma personagem, e não um actor que faz a personagem. Assim, ele tenta dar alguns exemplos de pessoas famosas com quem trabalhou, em filmes famosos em que os ajudou.

Infelizmente os exemplos são extremamente limitados e parece-me a mim que este livro é mais um stunt publicitário do que outra coisa. Algo como "olhem o conjunto de pessoas fixes que eu ensinei, venham aprender comigo e dar-me dinheiros". De todos os modos, os exemplos de actores famosos que ele dá são poucos e muitos deles perderam rapidamente a fama.

Assim, este livro não me transmitiu muita aprendizagem, o que foi desapontante.

[Erik Larsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course acting should be natural, in your body and not in your head etc. etc. But what exactly does that mean Harold? But thanks for the tip on breathing before reading a line, and I agree that we should say lines as they come to us, rather than how we think they should sound. And good monologue recs here too.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tips are amazing and easy to put to use. I found a lot of acting books to be so focus on what acting should be they don't tell you the key concept of why you need to learn and understand the craft of acting. This book shows why you have to stop acting and act and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas here, probably a 3.5 for actors. But it’s really about the workshops and training he has offered to actors like Kevin Kline and Glenn Close. To really understand and benefit from the techniques one would really have to be part of an actual workshop.

[Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love Guskin’s philosophy on both life as an artist and the creative process as an actor. to me, it seems to be the most grounded ‘technique’ (if you can call it that) in which I have come across so far. will definitely use this as a handbook on my journey.

[SwordisKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Read this before you think about taking an acting class.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A game changer for actors. This is one that I want to buy and keep with me all the time.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let go, let go, let go!! <3 <3

[Ben Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

[Diana Nam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If u r an actor or pursing acting, this book HAS to be on your shelf, and don't read it once, read as many times as u need to inhale it completely.

[George Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable

[Liz Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this acting book. Has great tips and tricks, and it explains a new acting technique that I can't wait to put into practice.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

PUTA QUE PARIU QUE LIVRO FODA PRA CARALHO OBRIGADAAAAAAAA GUSKIN

[Kermy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome paradigm shift for certain types overly analytical actors who struggle to make - or should I say surrender - to fresh acting choices.

I used to work similar to the methods prescribed in this book but certain teachers have tried to persuade me to take other more rational approaches to the craft. Glad I came across this validating read.

[river · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this a lot! All about letting go of technique and being present in the moment. Lots of great reminders to just be! I wish Harold was still alive, I would definitely hit him up for coaching!

[Ethan Laniado · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly helpful and insightful read

[Jacob Feinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's gonna take practice...

[Rick Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perceptive and surprising, just like me!

[Felicia Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my bible for trying to get my acting career off the ground. My Professor from theatre school recommended it.