Michael Spurgeon’s Reviews > Respect for Acting > Status Update

Michael Spurgeon
Michael Spurgeon is on page 75 of 240
Chapter 8: Walking and Talking
Having an action in each moment is important. Like one that has an ending which I am actively tying to reach. Like today, at the boils. My goal was what? If I have a goal, then I can at least work backwards from there.
Chapter 9: Improvisations
Just need to flex the improv muscle a lot more. It’s an important tool bruh
Aug 22, 2026 09:33PM
Respect for Acting

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Michael’s Previous Updates

Michael Spurgeon
Michael Spurgeon is on page 69 of 240
Chapter 7: Thinking

I remember being so excited about this chapter. So the process of building “inner objects” involves an intimate relationship with the circumstances. In order for them to move in on me, they’ve got to be particular and substituted. Let’s try it.
Aug 15, 2026 02:01PM
Respect for Acting


Michael Spurgeon
Michael Spurgeon is on page 64 of 240
Chapter 6: The Five Senses
Need to focus on what I’m feeling in a particular moment. Journaling it and just keeping it near me will allow me to examine it for better understanding. Used to skip over this chapter or skim to apply it purely to the acting.

This book is not about acting. It’s about how to approach the craft like an artist.
Aug 01, 2026 03:50PM
Respect for Acting


Michael Spurgeon
Michael Spurgeon is on page 52 of 240
Chapter 4: Emotional Memory

Recenter focus on where the emotion comes from. If I can’t find it, recall the objects that live in the memory and find one that is sustainable enough to continuously work with.
Jul 26, 2026 02:16PM
Respect for Acting


Michael Spurgeon
Michael Spurgeon is on page 46 of 240
Chapter 3. Substitution

I’ve been kinda doing this already. I remember being befuddled when I first read it. Did this technique with Meisner some years ago and it really worked for me.
Jul 22, 2026 03:27PM
Respect for Acting


Michael Spurgeon
Michael Spurgeon is on page 33 of 240
Chapter I - Concept
Chapter II - Identity

Rereading this book for the fourth time. Starting to understand identity a bit more. It’s less self-inflicted, and more curiosity of human behavior itself. (Also, focusing on one thing is better on stage. So I’ve gotta do more homework so I don’t have to think so much while I’m acting. I hate thinking and acting.)
Jul 18, 2026 10:43PM
Respect for Acting


Michael Spurgeon
Michael Spurgeon is on page 22 of 240
Missed some stuff in those earlier years when I read it. Need to keep reading to actually finish it
Jun 27, 2026 10:16PM
Respect for Acting


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