logo

61 pages 2 hours read

An Actor Prepares

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1936

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Constantin Stanislavski

An Actor Prepares

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1936
Book Details
Pages

313

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1920s

Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski is a fictional journal detailing a year-long course in Stanislavski's acting method. Through the characters Tortsov, the expert instructor, and Kostya, the novice, the text explores the journey from inexperience to discovering truth in performance, emphasizing hard work, rehearsal, and the Socratic method for developing a reliable acting process.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

6,351 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Constantin Stanislavski's An Actor Prepares is lauded for its profound insights into the art of acting, offering valuable techniques for both novice and experienced actors. The book is praised for its detailed approach to character development and emotional authenticity. However, some critics find it dense and challenging to navigate. Overall, it remains a seminal text in theatrical education.

Who should read this

Who Should Read An Actor Prepares?

Readers who would enjoy An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski are typically theater professionals, acting students, and drama enthusiasts interested in method acting. Comparable to Sanford Meisner's On Acting and Uta Hagen's Respect for Acting, it appeals to those seeking to deepen their craft through introspective and practical approaches.

4.4

6,351 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Kostya

The protagonist and narrator of the journal, who is an eager and dedicated acting student, embodying Stanislavski's actor persona.

A master actor, director, and educator, who represents Stanislavski and provides structured and insightful lessons to his students.

The assistant director responsible for logistics, who occasionally runs the class and emphasizes ensemble work and mutual respect among students.

A student who initially struggles with stage fright and works throughout the class to overcome anxiety and develop her acting skills.

Kostya’s agreeable friend and fellow student, who is motivated by his famous actor uncle and experiences a breakthrough in imaginative exercises.

A contrarian student who challenges Tortsov’s teachings but demonstrates success when he follows them.

An enthusiastic and cheerful student who starts as an overactor but improves through dedication and hard work.

A student initially perceived to focus on her beauty, who improves significantly and shows a particular talent for comedy.

A fellow student who surprises Kostya by excelling in physical exercises despite his larger size and demonstrates the potential for growth in imagination.

A quiet student who learns to effectively use emotion memory in her performances, choosing scenes with personal resonance.

Book Details
Pages

313

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1920s

Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.