The Art of Acting

John Dolman has added a companion volume to his authoritative book, "The Art of Play Production", long considered the outstanding work in its field. In "The Art of Acting", he furnishes a new and challenging approach to dramatic concepts. Mr. Dolman offers the actor theories as well a techniques, reasons as well as rules; he presents acting as an interpretative art, the sum of many skills. Aesthetic in his approach, he is nevertheless fundamental in his applications, and provides a thorough grounding in all aspects of dramatic performance. This is a book for the young actor who seeks artistic perfection and is willing to ask himself searching questions: Does my performance have the qualities which will gratify the demands of my audience? Do I combine imagination, emotion, and intelligence in the portrayal of all roles? Have I achieved the harmonious balance between intimacy with my audience and aesthetic detachment? "The Art of Acting" gives him valid standards for self-criticism; in addition, it gives him basic knowledge of dramatic theories and devices and teaches him to communicate his art into everyday living. This, moreover, a book for all those who sincerely love the theater and want to strengthen their own artistic appreciation of it achievements. It is a book for audiences as well as actors, a study in the art of seeing as well as the art of performing. Written with charm, sympathy, and humor, illustrated with thirty-two pages of photographs from the professional stage, "The Art of Acting", is a distinguished contribution to the literature of the theater.