There are hundreds of biographies of filmstars and dozens of scholarly works on acting in general. But what about the ephemeral yet indelible moments when, for a brief scene or even just a single shot, an actor's performance triggers a visceral response in the viewer? Moment of Action delves into the mysteries of screen performance, revealing both the acting techniques and the technical apparatuses that coalesce in an instant of cinematic alchemy to create movie gold. Considering a range of acting styles while examining films as varied as Bringing Up Baby, Psycho, The Red Shoes, Godzilla, and The Bourne Identity, Murray Pomerance traces the common dynamics that work to structure the complex relationship between the act of cinematic performance and its eventual perception. Mining the spaces where subjective and objective analyses merge, Pomerance offers both a deeply personal account of film viewership and a detailed examination of the intuitive gestures, orchestrated movements, and backstage maneuvers that go into creating those phenomenal moments onscreen. Moment of Action takes us on an innovative exploration of the nexus at which the actor's keen skills spark and kindle the audience's receptive energies.

Finally, a book about acting on the musical stage Ask any director who stages musicals at any level, and you will hear the same: acting is the musical theater gold standard, the skill hardest to find in the audition room. Acting facility almost always separates leading player from ensemble, and, frequently, employed from unemployed. In film or on the dramatic stage, great acting stands in the spotlight. It has its own dressing room. It's paid top dollar and walks the red carpet. Yet in the musical theater just a little acting skill goes a long, long way. With only a measure of dramatic ability, the fine singer with leading man looks will find consistent employment at mid-level, and even top venues. In the largest and most fiercely competitive group in the marketplace, the ingenue capable of speaking dialogue with mere competence rises far above her peers. The skilled ensemble singer/dancer capable of handling bit parts with aplomb, or can be counted on to take over as a reliable understudy, is nearly guaranteed a long career in theater. Almost all big musicals need chorus members that, "act a little." Many musical performers complain about lack of work, yet always is solution the same: learn to speak the libretto-crafted word "Stanislavski Never Wore Tap Shoes" teaches the craft of libretto acting. It is the first such text written for the musical theater, the first penned by a seasoned musical performer, and the first book that addresses the unique acting challenges faced everyday by Show People. Author Burke Moses is a thirty-year stage veteran, and has played leading roles on Broadway, The West End, at most of the major summer stock and regional theaters in America, and has worked across from many of the finest musical theater talents in the world. He is best known for originating the role of Gaston in the original Broadway and London productions of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast." When speaking dialogue on the musical stage, are you guessing or do you KNOW what you're doing? Acting is far more effective and fun when you KNOW Let's learn our craft, shall we?

In Slate Please: The Actor's Ultimate Guide to Audition Preparation, the sought-after Industry maverick Toni Suttie has generously shared decades of accumulated tips for auditioning and preparedness in the Industry (film, television, video game, commercial, industrial and music video). Countless Industry pros have declared Slate Please a "must have" for all actors, from the aspiring to the seasoned pro. If you are not landing callbacks or getting bookings as often as you should, this book is full of essential tool to help you with everything from walking through the audition door through career planning through mentorship. (2nd Edition)

Why a book for ACTORS on the subject of HAPPINESS?

Being generally happy and fulfilled is not only something everyone deserves, it is absolutely essential to the success and longevity of an actor's career. Actors face a unique set of challenges, and no matter what level a career is at, uncertainty, rejection, judgment and disappointment are all part of being an actor. Happiness is often placed in the hands of what happens 'out there'-booking the jobs, getting good reviews, making that money- yet the truth is, circumstances are only 10% responsible for our happiness. 50% is due to our genetics and, most significantly, 40% is in our own hands. "It turns out, happiness is an inside job."

An award-winning book, "How to be a Happy Actor in a Challenging Business: A Guide to Thriving Through it All" takes you on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. You will learn the activities that have been scientifically proven to boost happiness levels, and discover some of the world's most powerful spiritual knowledge on the subject. There are practical, transformational steps that will help you navigate the worlds of stage, film, and television with a foundation of self-esteem and personal power. You will hear stories of Hollywood actors as they have adopted these keys and moved toward happier, more fulfilling lives, and you will be let in on some powerful inside perspectives from four of our top industry professionals-Emmy-winning producer/director David Nutter, Oscar-winning actress Christine Lahti, Emmy-winning casting director Mark Teschner, and Artios-winning casting director/acting coach Risa Bramon Garcia.

""The title says it all . . . This book is really needed in our industry "" - Eric Dawson, Emmy-winning casting director ("American Horror Story, The Mentalist, Glee")

""(Justina Vail is) a fabulous teacher. She reminds us to take a journey-to 'keep growing and learning in the midst of impermanence and unknowing'-a lesson we often forget "" - Margie Haber is a top Hollywood acting coach and author of "How To Get The Part Without Falling Apart."

""Justina explores the psychological, scientific, and even the spiritual aspects of truly being happy and comes up with some of the best advice I've ever heard on the topic. 'Happy Actor' is a must-read for every actor at any stage in their career."" - Mark Atteberry is an award winning actor, photographer and co-author of "The Working Actor's Guide to LA"

""With razor sharp wit and a sensitive hand, Justina's genius approach to the business lies in a formula that is easily applied to most aspects of life. As actors, the challenges we are conditioned to view as mountainous magically diminish with each passing chapter, until we are on a pleasant journey through friendly, manageable terrain. If 'could've', 'would've', 'should've's mean anything, this book tells you that you still can. Read this book and fire your therapist "" - Alex Manette, actor ("The Butler, We Need To Talk About Kevin, Shame, 2 Days In New York, Law & Order and The West Wing.")

""Be happy with yourself. Then be a happy actor. Justina shows us how. (This book is) a breath of fresh air that's all about enjoying the journey. Because having a successful career is all about the journey. It never ends. Book a job. Finish a job. Need a job. Repeat. Why not make it a happy journey?"" - Anthony Meindl, artistic director of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop.

""Justina Vail has articulated some of the best kept secrets of longevity and joy behind all great acting. . . Her insights are hard won and spot on. . . Lessons from a true Master."" - Jeffrey Marcus is a Hollywood actor and acting coach.

Note from the Gladiator... This is much more than a book about acting-and it's an easy read for everybody, often with unexpected humor. I have no doubt that David changed fundamentally the way I view life, and through that, the way I view acting. I spent 7 or 8 years wallowing around, trying to be an actor. Then I got to work for a year with David Man, while he was in Australia. It's easy to remember what year that was, because that's the year I started getting paid for my work. It's an exceptional book, which brings to life the work we did training, as well as wonderful insights, anecdotes and revelations from his long career, all tied up in one surprisingly entertaining bundle. He is also in the process of creating a video companion for this book. As he says, "I don't believe you can learn anything just from reading a book " The video will include both students and professional actors, actually demonstrating the best ways to make use of the information, exercises and the myriad choices discussed in this book." ...Liam McIntyre, The new Spartacus, of the hit TV series . Life, dreams, fantasies and work all dance together in the reality of the artist. Because of that, the artist is always on a journey. The past is just another tool to continue moving the journey on. We are either learning or losing. ...David Man''