This is the classic lexicon of Stanislavski's most important concepts, all in the master's own words. Upon its publication in 1963, An Actor's Handbook quickly established itself as an essential guide for actors and directors. Culling key passages from Stanislavski's vast output, this book covers more than one hundred and fifty key concepts, among them 'Improvisation', 'External Technique', 'Magic If', 'Imaginary Objects', 'Discipline', 'What Is My System?' and 'Stage Fright'.This reissued, attractively packaged edition will be an essential book for any performer. Read more

Discover Lewis Carroll’s beautiful original edition, featuring over 40 high-quality illustrations and a fun quiz about Alice and her unforgettable adventures.Originally published in 1865 as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland the beloved Victorian classic novel has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages for generations. In this enchanting book, the curious and adventurous Alice falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a whimsical and surreal world filled with talking animals, bizarre creatures, and fantastical landscapes.With its clever wordplay, vivid imagery, and playful storytelling, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland remains timeless classics that continue to inspire and delight readers of all ages. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves original storytelling, endless adventures, and the power of imagination.This beautiful edition includes:40+ original, first-edition, high-quality illustrations by the legendary artist John Tenniel.A fun quiz about the story of Alice and the main characters to complete at the end of the book.A beautifully designed cover to adorn your collection.Easy-to-read typesetting for the perfect reading experience for both children and adults.Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, one of the best classic novels for young boys and girls of all time, will be the perfect gift for young book lovers and an unmissable part of your collection! Read more

Open a door to a world of wonder with A.A. Milne's beloved classic, The House at Pooh Corner, brought to life by E.H. Shepard’s inspiring illustrations!Adventure blooms like wildflowers near Pooh's cozy home, spreading laughter and excitement in every corner of the Hundred Acre Wood. And no adventure is too small for a big heart like Pooh's, the adorable teddy bear with the rumbly tummy on his new quest for honey.Meet Tigger, Pooh’s new friend, whose boundless curiosity is as contagious as his bounce. Together with the cautious Piglet, the melancholic Eeyore, the moody Rabbit, the wise Owl, the kind Kanga, and her little Roo, they discover the magic of friendship in one of the most enchanting worlds of English literature. And no adventure would be complete without Christopher Robin, who joins his friends in the charming Pooh Corner, following their never-ending games and offering to help in the most impossible situations.From the banks of bubbling brooks to heaps of fallen leaves and whimsical paths through the forest, Milne's beautiful stories and the timeless illustrations of Ernest H. Shepard, make The House at Pooh Corner the perfect book for bedtime reading or for sharing with a loved one.Snuggle up with this timeless classic and enjoy brand-new features:The beautiful work of the legendary artist E.H. Shepard with 100+ gorgeous black and white illustrations.New ways to immerse yourself in the story with a fun quiz at the end of the book.A unique cover design, perfect for your collection.New formatting, designed for comfortable reading for both young and older readers.Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, where adventure and dreams bloom amidst the beautiful trees of the forest with The House at Pooh Corner, the perfect book for readers of all ages. Read more

“From Fay’s methodology, I learned to use my intuition and lived experiences in myriad new ways.” —Winston Duke, actor, Black Panther, Avengers, Us, and Nine DaysEngaging Mind and Body to Develop the Complete Physical Nature of Characters   Actors are shape-shifters, requiring the tools to wade into unfamiliar waters and back out again. The Lucid Body offers a holistic, somatic approach to embodying character from the inside-out and, for the non-actor, offers a way to give hidden parts of the self their full expression. By identifying stagnant movement patterns, this process expands one’s emotional and physical range and enables the creation of characters from all walks of life—however cruel, desolate, or jolly. Rooted in the exploration of the seven chakra energy centers, The Lucid Body reveals how each body holds the possibility of every human condition. Readers will learn how to: Practice a non-judgmental approach to the journey of self-awarenessBreak up stagnant and restrictive patterns of thought and movementAllow an audible exhale to be the key to unlocking the breathDevelop a mindset to “hear” one’s inner bodyAnalyze the human condition through the psycho-physical lens of the chakrasExperience the safety of coming back to a neutral bodyAcquire a sense of clarity and calm in one’s everyday life A step-by-step program guides the actor through the phases of self-awareness that expand emotional and physical range not only on stage, but also in daily life. This new edition includes a more diversified range of playwrights, non-binary language, and new chapters on stage intimacy protocol and physical listening. Exercises that have been honed for the past ten years have been made more concise. New somatic and neuro-scientific data has been added, with additional wisdom and insights from colleagues and Simpson's team of Lucid Body teachers. Read more

The Ultimate Retirement Guide For Men: 65 Low-Effort and Fun Activities to Master the Art of Doing Nothing.Are you, your dad, or a friend approaching retirement and looking for an inspirational book filled with fun things to do in retirement?Say goodbye to the daily grind and say hello to a life of fun and leisure! Delight your dad, friend, or work colleague with this funny retirement book for men. The ultimate retirement activity book that combines unique ideas, humor, practical suggestions, and advice, helping you transition into this exciting new chapter while enjoying every moment along the way.Take your time and discover the 65 low-effort, amusing projects that let you look industrious while you soak up some well-deserved downtime. From perfecting your backyard golf game to becoming the neighborhood lawn expert, this guide is packed with creative and fun ideas for retirement. Filled with illustrations, inspiring quotes, advice, and insightful tips, this book is a treasure trove for retirees looking for rewarding and enjoyable activities to match their new lifestyle.Whether you're searching for a book of things to do in retirement or the perfect funny retirement gift for dad or a friend, "The Ultimate Retirement Guide For Men" has you covered!This is a must-have resource for turning idle moments into unforgettable adventures. Get your copy today, and start crafting your roadmap to a fulfilling and joyful retirement journey! Read more

An Indie Next Pick for July 2017"7 Best Books of July," Men's Journal"10 Titles to Pick Up Now," O, The Oprah Magazine"Most Anticipated Books of 2017," The Millions"A unique, poetic critical appreciation of Marcel Marceau.... A fascinating book.... Readers will marvel not only at Marceau, but at the book itself, which displays such command of the material and such perfect pitch." —Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewAs a fledgling radio producer, Shawn Wen became fascinated by the one subject who seemed impossible to put on air: French mime Marcel Marceau, the internationally acclaimed “artist of silence.” At the height of his fame, Marceau was synonymous with Bip, the red-lipped, white-faced mute in a sailor suit who conjured scenes, stories, and sweeping emotion through the gestures of his body alone. Influenced by Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp, credited with inspiring Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk, Marceau attempted in his performances to “reveal the fundamental essences of humanity.”Beyond Bip, Marceau was a Jewish Holocaust survivor and member of the French resistance; a bombastic iconoclast; a collector of failed marriages, masks, antique knives and doting fans; an impassioned workaholic who performed into his eighties and died deeply in debt soon after leaving the stage. In precise, jewel-like scenes and vignettes, A Twenty Minute Silence Followed by Applause pays homage to the singular genius of a mostly-forgotten art form. Drawing on interviews, archival research, and meticulously observed performances, Wen translates the gestural language of mime into a lyric written portrait by turns whimsical, melancholic, and haunting.Shawn Wen is a writer, radio producer, and multimedia artist. Her writing has appeared in The New Inquiry, The Seneca Review, The Iowa Review, The White Review, and the anthology City by City: Dispatches from the American Metropolis (Faber and Faber, 2015). Her radio work has been broadcast on This American Life, Freakonomics Radio, and Marketplace. She is the recipient of numerous fellowships, including the Ford Foundation Professional Journalism Training Fellowship and the Royce Fellowship. Read more

“This wonderful, eclectic book offers both theoretical and practical insights to actors, directors, and students, while providing fascinating insights to anyone who seeks a greater understanding of the process of creating theater.—Barbara MacKenzie-Wood, head of acting/music theater, Carnegie Mellon UniversityIn this updated rich resource for actors, renowned movement teachers and directors reveal the physical skills needed for the stage and the screen. Readers will gain remarkable insights into the physical skills and techniques used in a wide variety of performance styles through ready-to-use exercises and approaches. Included in this new edition are chapters covering:Stage combatYoga for actorsMartial artsBody-mind centeringAuthentic movementBartenieff fundamentalsGrotowski-based movementThose who want to pursue serious training will be able to consult the appendix for listings of the best teachers and schools in the country. This inspiring collection is a must-read for all actors, directors, and teachers of theater looking for stimulation and new approaches.Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers. Read more

French mime performer Claude Kipnis, who trained under the great Marcel Marceau for three years, reveals the mechanisms and techniques of mime in this basic text for any aspiring mime. We know of no other book that so comprehensively and clearly explains how the functions of mime are achieved. This theatre book is not a theoretical "art of" book, but a functional "how to" and "why to" instructional guide. Individual exercises are included together with detailed coverage of body movements, the illusion, and how to create a world. Hundreds of photographs help illustrate the mechanisms and techniques of mime, and a brief glossary increases the helpfulness of this timeless resource. Read more

Jimmy Page. Keith Richards. Eric Clapton. Joe Satriani. Get a front row seat to their perspectives, wisdom and advice!These guitarists have inspired countless musicians. Now, you can get a front row seat to their perspectives, wisdom and advice! Get closer to your favorite musicians as you hear their life lessons and views on playing, practicing and live performance.Be inspired and motivated through this incredible collection of quotes from the best guitar players! Gain new insight into their methods, motivations and miraculous musicianship. Pause to reflect on new perspectives and intriguing insights on the struggles, surprises, and joys of guitar playing. Absorb their passion for the guitar, hear them comment on their own influences, and be entertained by their wide-ranging personalities. Strap in for the wild ride that is the mind, heart, reflections and experiences of these renowned artists.Don't miss out on Guitar History. Get your copy today! Read more

Improvisation is a vibrant art of spontaneity and impulse. Audiences the world over flock to shows where 'anything could happen!' But lurking at the heart of many companies that perform it is a contradiction, a bait and switch. Students who sign up for classes are taught 'The Improv Rules': the strictly right and wrong way to be creative. Exploration is replaced with emulation and curiosity with compliance. How the hell did that happen? Patti Stiles is an internationally respected improvisor, actor, director and teacher whose performance skills and deep understanding of the work shine out on stage and in the workshop room. In Improvise Freely, she shows how 'rules' meant to guarantee success actually confine us in a counterfeit appearance of spontaneity and hamper our creativity. She turns 'The Rules' on their head and shows that other approaches are possible. Is it okay to ask questions? Why must we Who What Where? And what if ' Yes, And' isn't all it's cracked up to be? This book encourages us to explore the labyrinth ourselves, rather than follow a tour guide. Instead of handing us a map, Ms. Stiles offers us a light. Read more

In "How to Mime: Your Essential Guide to Mastering Expression and Storytelling," mime virtuoso Marcel Leclair opens the doors to the mesmerizing world of mime.Trace mime's evolution from its ancient origins to contemporary stages and screens. Learn the core techniques of pantomime, gestures, and object miming to convey emotions and narratives without words.Whether you're a novice mime artist or an actor seeking to enrich performances, this guide is your trusted companion. With exercises to refine body control and expression, you'll grasp mime's timeless principles and its role in captivating audiences worldwide.Join Marcel Leclair on a journey of creativity, expression, and transformation as you step into the realm of silent storytelling. "How to Mime" unveils the secrets of this captivating art form, breathing life into its enchanting magic. Read more

Are you tired of feeling insecure in your daily interactions? Or maybe it seems like others can read your thoughts while you’re left guessing what they’re really thinking? If so, keep reading, because I’m about to reveal something crucial. In every conversation, meeting, or presentation, body language plays a pivotal role in how others perceive you. Yet, despite your best efforts to communicate effectively, you might find yourself struggling with insecurity, misinterpreting nonverbal cues, or feeling unable to influence those around you. This can lead to disappointing results, frustration, and even missed opportunities in both your personal and professional life.But here’s the good news: you can change all of this.Imagine being able to accurately decode every gesture, microexpression, or glance, and consciously use your body language to influence and persuade anyone in front of you. "ADVANCED BODY LANGUAGE" is the book that will take you exactly where you want to be, transforming your insecurities into powerful and effective communication.This book provides a clear and detailed roadmap to help you:Accurately decode facial microexpressions to better understand others' hidden emotions.Use proxemics to enhance your social interactions, knowing exactly how much personal space to respect in any context.Harness eye contact to convey confidence and build instant trust.Deliberately employ hand and arm gestures to reinforce your verbal message.Calibrate your nonverbal communication to adapt and influence others effectively in any situation.Apply Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to anchor positive emotional states and maintain control in stressful situations.Practice targeted exercises designed to improve your communication skills day by day.Transform social anxiety into confidence and self-mastery.Begin your journey toward unparalleled communication today. Don’t miss the chance to revolutionize how you connect with others, both at work and in your personal life. This book is the key to unlocking a new level of awareness and influence in your daily interactions.Don’t wait any longer. Transform your communication and earn the confidence and respect you deserve.Order "ADVANCED BODY LANGUAGE" now and take the first step toward a more confident and influential version of yourself! Read more

Irene Redfield is a Black woman living an affluent, comfortable life with her husband and children in the thriving neighborhood of Harlem in the 1920s. When she reconnects with her childhood friend Clare Kendry, who is similarly light-skinned, Irene discovers that Clare has been passing for a white woman after severing ties to her past—even hiding the truth from her racist husband.Clare finds herself drawn to Irene’s sense of ease and security with her Black identity and longs for the community (and, increasingly, the woman) she lost. Irene is both riveted and repulsed by Clare and her dangerous secret, as Clare begins to insert herself—and her deception—into every part of Irene’s stable existence. First published in 1929, Larsen’s brilliant examination of the various ways in which we all seek to 'pass,' is as timely as ever. Read more

Pantomime is a much-loved national institution, but how is it created? What tools and processes are used? Working from purely a title, this practical book explains how a script and a design can develop together through the creative processes to culminate in the wonder and excitement of a unique production on opening night. This new book explains how to get started in writing and designing an original pantomime and how to use major professional productions to illustrate established techniques and new innovations. It examines pantomime traditions and scene structure and how these can be utilized in productions today. It describes how staging design can influence the narrative; looks at how pantomime characters develop through their costume and, finally, explores the tricks and magic essential for pantomime. Read more

From Mime To Sign can enlarge and enrich your communication skills. It helps you become more visually aware. It trains you to think in pictures instead of words. Read more

Cross Stitch Graph Paper NotebookVery easy to use.Create your own embroidery / cross stitch patterns, sketching them out on very accurate graph paper.Keep them groupped in this pad. Graph page features:Very clear grid linesInch and Centimeter ruler90x60 stiches per design10 count graph paperDesign center indicatorNotebook characteristics100 pagesWhite Paper8.5" x 11"Glossy CoverGreat Quality PaperMade in USAMakes a great gift for embroidery enthusiasts and cross-stitch lovers! Read more

In life, I want students to be alive and on stage I want them to be artists' Jacques Lecoq Jacques Lecoq was one of the most inspirational theatre teachers of our age. In The Moving Body, he shares with us first-hand his unique philosophy of performance, improvisation, masks, movement and gesture, which together form one of the greatest influences on contemporary theatre. Neutral mask, character mask and counter masks, bouffons, acrobatics, commedia, clowns and complicity: all the famous Lecoq techniques are covered in this book - techniques that have made their way into the work of former collaborators and students including Dario Fo, Ariane Mnouchkine, Yasmina Reza and Theatre de Complicite. The book contains a foreword by Simon McBurney, a critical introduction by Mark Evans and an afterword by Fay Lecoq, Director of the International Theatre School in Paris. Read more

Actors! Engage your mind and your body in order to develop your characters fully. The Lucid Body technique breaks up stagnant movement patterns and expands your emotional and physical range. Through energy analysis, this program shows how to use physical training to create characters from all walks of life—however cruel, desolate, or neurotic those characters may be. Rooted in the exploration of the seven chakra energy centers, The Lucid Body reveals how each body holds the possibility of every human condition. Learn how to analyze the character, hear the inner body, dissect the self into layers of consciousness, and more. Read more

Britain’s Sir Peter Hall is considered by many the most important director in his generation. As the artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and the Old Vic, he has directed the greatest actors of our time in numerous seminal interpretations of Shakespeare and the Classics.In his latest work, Sir Peter Hall ranges over the extraordinary history of world drama to find the common experiences that are able to create the theatrical form. This series of 4 lectures were delivered at Trinity College in Cambridge as part of the famed Clark lectures which began in the nineteenth century.The argument of the lectures is that theatre is only created when emotions are contained by a form. That very form paradoxically gives freedom of expression. Thus the Greek mask enables the actor to express hysteria. The mask, whether it may be the actual physical mask on the face, or the form of the drama itself, makes expression possible. Shakespeare’s verse is his mask. Mozart’s sonata is his. And Beckett and Pinter (by the metaphors of their plays) have brought poetry back to the theatre. Without form there can be no freedom.Peter Hall is currently in Denver, Colorado, in rehearsals for the world premiere production of Tantalus, a 15 hour, 10 play cycle based on Greek tragedy to open at the Denver Center Theatre in October 2000. Read more

Winner of Best Performance Design and Scenography Publication Award, Prague Quadrennial 2019This beautifully illustrated book conveys the centrality of costume to live performance. Finding associations between contemporary practices and historical manifestations, costume is explored in six thematic chapters, examining the transformative ritual of costuming; choruses as reflective of society; the grotesque, transgressive costume; the female sublime as emancipation; costume as sculptural art in motion; and the here-and-now as history. Viewing the material costume as a crucial aspect in the preparation, presentation and reception of live performance, the book brings together costumed performances through history. These range from ancient Greece to modern experimental productions, from medieval theatre to modernist dance, from the 'fashion plays' to contemporary Shakespeare, marking developments in both culture and performance. Revealing the relationship between dress, the body and human existence, and acknowledging a global as well as an Anglo and Eurocentric perspective, this book shows costume's ability to cross both geographical and disciplinary borders. Through it, we come to question the extent to which the material costume actually co-authors the performance itself, speaking of embodied histories, states of being and never-before imagined futures, which come to life in the temporary space of the performance.With a contribution by Melissa Trimingham, University of Kent, UK Read more