Acting is a profession that requires determination. In this article, you will know all of the best acting books you should never miss reading. As many successful actors have said in the past, it’s vital that you keep learning, discovering, and growing as an actor. While attending classes and workshops are an excellent way to keep your acting muscles in shape in between jobs, you can also learn more about your craft by reading.
Whether you are preparing to start drama school, you’re entering the industry as a professional actor, or you’re simply interested in learning more about the profession, there’s always more to learn. That’s why we have compiled a master list of the very best books for actors. We’ve compiled this list of acting books including books on acting theory, the best books on acting for film, actors’ memoirs, and books on navigating the industry. Keep reading to discover what books actors should read.
Acting Theory
There are hundreds of books out there that explain various famous acting theories. Whether you take acting classes or not, it can be incredibly helpful to read the theoretical writings of some of the best acting teachers of all time. While their theories are usually taught in classes, reading their own writing about their theories can give you a deeper understanding of various acting exercises and terms. Here are some of the classic texts on acting technique.
An Actor Prepares, by Konstantin Stanislavsky
Often considered the most influential text on acting, Stanislavsky’s An Actor Prepares provides an in-depth look at the famous Stanislavsky system that was developed in early 20th century Russia. Fundamentals of this system are still taught in acting classes around the world to this day — you’ll be hard-pressed to find a general acting class that doesn’t touch on Stanislavsky.
This acting system was developed in response to what many saw as overly theatrical tendencies in theatre. The Stanislavsky system puts the focus on creating a more naturalistic portrayal of a character on stage. The book will give you examples of acting exercises Staniskaly used to teach his students. It also explains his acting terms like emotional memory, units and objectives, and subconsciousness.
Why choose this book? This is the fundamental text on acting and is essential reading for any aspiring actor. You’ll learn a range of concepts and terms that are frequently used by directors to this day. You can pick up a copy here.
Sanford Meisner On Acting, by Sanford Meisner
Sanford Meisner was an American teacher whose mid-20th-century method used Stanislavsky techniques mixed with other new exercises to create an impression of reality and spontaneity in actors. This iteration of Stanislavsky’s method has become especially popular with film actors over the years. For instance, Meisner’s students included Diane Keaton, James Franco, Gregory Peck, Tom Cruise, amongst many others.
Sanford Meisner On Acting follows a class of acting students for fifteen months. You’ll discover the various exercises Meisner took his students through to provoke true emotions.
Why choose this book? Learn the basics behind this master teacher’s technique that became the foundations for a generation of screen actors. You can pick up a copy here.
The Art of Acting, by Stella Adler
Stella Adler was another Stanislavsky disciple who acted and taught in America throughout the 20th century. Her book, The Art of Acting, captures her famous no-nonsense approach to acting. This book covers her thoughts on both traditional and modern acting methods.
She offers insights into how actors should approach their character “homework,” as well as some exercises that actors should use to open and release their bodies. It’s also a useful book for actors who find it difficult to meet with agents or producers.
Why choose this book? This must-read book offers detailed insight into one of history’s most famous and influential acting teachers. You’ll learn an array of usable and dependable techniques. You can pick up a copy here.
True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor, by David Mamet
David Mamet is a famous playwright and screenwriter known for his challenging, political dramas. As a writer, his approach to acting is somewhat controversial and out of the ordinary. In this book, Mamet explains how he believes actors should approach their craft.
Unlike most acting theories, Mamet’s theory suggests that most traditional acting training is unnecessary. Instead, actors should “invest nothing, deny nothing,” meaning that acting shouldn’t be over-intellectualised or over-complicated. Everything the actor needs is in the text, according to Mamet’s philosophy.
True and False also covers Mamet’s ideas on how actors should tackle the business side of the profession, from contacting agents and casting directions, to walking into the audition room.
Why choose this book? This book will give you a new, unconventional perspective on acting, and might offer an approach that works for you. You can pick up a copy here.
Improvisation for the Theatre, by Viola Spolin
Viola Spolin is often considered the mother of improv and Theatre Games. Her book, Improvisation for the Theatre, covers her improv techniques that are widely believed to have changed modern acting. Her improv techniques include a range of acting games that encourage spontaneity, audience awareness, physical transformation, and intuition, as well as an ability to be playful.
Why choose this book? Take the seriousness out of acting and inspire yourself with a more playful and open approach to creating your characters. You can pick up a copy here.
In-Depth Acting, by Dee Cannon
This guide to Stanislavsky’s system has often been touted for its simplicity and practicality. Use this book if you need a simple guide to the most popular acting technique. Cannon was a RADA teacher and now works as a freelance acting coach. His approach to the system is straightforward and incredibly easy to follow.
Why choose this book? It’s a perfect jumping-off point for actors who aren’t interested in the philosophy of acting but want to understand how to use Stanislavsky’s technique in practice.
The Right to Speak: Working with the Voice, by Patsy Rodenburg
While learning acting techniques is crucial to having your own method for character creation, it’s also important to learn to train your voice and body. Patsy Rodenburg is one of the best-known voice coaches of modern acting. The Right To Speak explains the philosophy of an open voice. It will guide you through a series of exercises to open, relax, and train the vocal muscles.
Why choose this book? Learn exercises that you can use at home to strengthen your voice, from breath, to sound, to articulation. You can pick up a copy here.
Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus, by Marina Caldarone and Maggie Lloyd-Williams
The Actor’s Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone is more of a practical tool book than a study of a particular acting technique. In Stanislavsky’s system, he recommends that actors choose “actions” to describe the tactic their character is using at any given time. This thesaurus of action words will help you find revitalise your performance and make clear choices in rehearsal or on set.
Why choose this book? You will always have a trusty companion where you can pick out evocative words that will give your performance new life or a new direction. You can pick up a copy here.
Acting in Film
While all acting should be based on creating a truthful character that serves the script’s story, there’s no denying that theatre acting and film acting have their differences. If you are planning on working as an actor in today’s industry, you’ll probably wind up at more film, TV, and commercial auditions than theatre auditions. While studying the masters of theatrical acting is vital, don’t neglect specific techniques for film and TV. Here are some of the best books on acting for film.
Acting for the Camera, by Tony Barr
Tony Barr is an experienced performer, director, and acting coach from Hollywood. His book Acting for the Camera provides an overarching guide to acting in film. Unlike other acting books, this guide will provide you with camera-specific skills like how to pitch your voice, how to work with directors, and working with effective eye-lines in relation to the camera.
Why choose this book? Enter a film set with confidence and technical skill. You can pick up this book here.
Auditioning for Film and TV, by Nancy Bishop
The book, Auditioning for Film is written by the famous casting director and coach Nancy Bishop and offers practical advice on how to approach film auditions. It covers film acting technique, script analysis, and social media usage for modern-day actors.
Why choose this book? Every actor will need to find an audition technique that works for this. This is a useful resource for actors looking to improve their audition technique for film roles. You can pick up this book here.
Actors’ Memoirs
A wonderful way to pick up unusual acting tools is to read about specific actors’ experiences. These actors’ memoirs will give you insight into what processes they use and how they navigate the film and theatre industries as professionals.
A Life in Parts, by Bryan Cranston
This is probably one of the best “actors on acting books” you could find. Bryan Cranston is famous for his portrayal of Walter White in the HBO series Breaking Bad. Prior to this role, Cranston had a career filled with bit parts. His book Life in Parts contains some fascinating insights into what it means to stay creative, devoted, and technical as an actor throughout a long career.
Why choose this book? You’ll be inspired to go the extra mile for each and every character, no matter how small. You can pick up a copy here.
Other People’s Shoes, by Harriet Walter
Harriet Walter has enjoyed a lengthy, successful career that began with stage roles and evolved into many famous film and TV roles. Her book Other People’s Shoes dives into Walter’s experiences with various directors throughout the years. She explores various techniques that she has used for different characters.
Why choose this book? You’ll discover plenty of unique approaches to acting that classic technique books can’t provide. You can pick up a copy here.
Year of the King: An Actor’s Diary and Sketchbook, by Anthony Sher
This intimate diary follows Anthony Sher’s creation of Richard the Third in a 1980s production of the Shakespeare play at the RSC. Year of the King will help actors to understand the process required to create a three-dimensional classical character.
Why choose this book? It provides a vivid glimpse into a professional theatre rehearsal process that includes a look at the role’s place in history and culture. You can pick up a copy here.
Respect for Acting, by Uta Hagen
Uta Hagen was an American acting teacher and actress who had a prolific career in New York theatrical productions in the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. In her 1973 book, Respect for Acting, Hagen dives into some of the techniques she used at the height of her career. Despite being a fairly dated look at theatrical acting, Hagen offers some inspiring insights into preparing a character in a more classical way.
Why choose this book? You’ll learn from Hagen’s own mistakes and struggles with acting. You can pick up a copy here.
On the Film Industry
As an actor, portraying a character is only part of your job. The other part is much less creative — you will need to learn to be your own one-person business. Skills like marketing and networking are hugely important. These books are a great way to learn some of these skills as an actor.
Pursue Your Dream Without Losing Your Mind, by Dallas Travers
The Tao of Show Business delves into the importance of maintaining mental wellbeing while pursuing what is arguably one of the world’s most competitive jobs. The “Tao” is an ancient Chinese concept that emphasises living in harmony. This book uses this concept to suggest ways that actors can find some stability and peace in a traditionally hectic, uncertain profession.
Why choose this book? Almost every actor goes through difficult times when it comes to mental health. Prioritise your own wellbeing with this specific guide for actors. You can pick up a copy here.
The Organised Actor’s Build Your Business Book, by Leslie Becker
This book is a notebook that you can fill in to keep up with your goals, income, job calendar, and more.
Why choose this book? Working as a self-employed actor can get hectic. From taxes to goal-setting, it’s easy to feel a bit lost as a working actor. Use this well-formatted notebook to organise your life and your career. You can pick up a copy here.
Self Management for Actors, by Bonnie Gillespie
This brilliant book, Self Management for Actors, will give you a roadmap to the business side of acting. It covers everything from knowing your casting type to networking to producing your own work. This is essential reading for any actors who feel unsure about navigating the industry.
Why choose this book? It’s a well-rounded, thorough guide to everything business for actors. You can pick up a copy here.
How to Be a Working Actor, by Mari Lyn Henry and Lynne Rogers
How to Be a Working Actor helps actors get on the map. It covers finding an agent, succeeding in auditions, and getting professional headshots. This book is slightly dated and is targeted at an American audience.
Why choose this book? It offers some valuable insights into marketing yourself as an actor who is just starting out in the industry. You can pick up a copy here.
An Agent Tells All, by Tony Martinez
In An Agent Tells All, you’ll discover what agents look for in actors, and what they witness in successful actors. You’ll find tips on scenarios such as agent meetings, agent phone calls, and casting sessions. Again, this book is targeted at an American audience.
Why choose this book? While this book is by an American agent, it can give you some useful tips on how to create a healthy, long-lasting relationship with your agent. You can pick up a copy here.
Audition, by Michael Shurtleff
Michael Shurtleff’s book Audition is all about succeeding in front of the audition panel. Shurtleff, a famous casting director, covers everything from the tone you should use, to creating your own unique style that will get you noticed. While it’s an old book (it was published in 1988) many of the tips are still relevant today.
Why choose this book? It’s useful to get some perspective on how auditions work and discover what casting directors are really looking for. You can pick up a copy here.
Final Thoughts
While books can be informative and inspirational, they should always be used as an extra tool rather than a teacher. Remember, acting is not an intellectual process — while sitting down and pouring through books about the profession can be helpful, it has to be paired with active, practical training too. Experience on a film set or in a rehearsal room almost always teaches you more about the profession of acting than a book ever could.