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.

From the authors of the successful Grand-Guignol and London's Grand Guignol - also published by UEP - this book includes translations of a further eleven plays, adding significantly to the repertoire of Grand-Guignol plays available in the English language. The emphasis in the translation and adaptation of these plays is once again to foreground the performability of the scripts within a modern context - making Performing Grand-Guignol an ideal acting guide. Hand and Wilson have acquired extremely rare acting copies of plays which have never been published and scripts that were published in the early years of the twentieth century but have not been published since - even in French. Includes plays written by, or adapted from, such notable writers as Octave Mirbeau, Gaston Leroux and St John Ervine as well as examples by Grand-Guignol stalwarts Rene Berton and Andre de Lorde. Also included is the 1920s London translation of Blind Man's Buff written by Charles Hellem and Pol d'Estoc and banned by the Lord Chamberlain. A brief history of the Parisian theatre is also included, for the benefit of readers who have not read the previous books.

Toward a General Theory of Acting explores the actor's art through the lens of Dynamic Systems Theory and recent findings in the Cognitive Sciences. An analysis of different theories of acting in the West from Stanislavski to Lecoq is followed by an in depth discussion of technique, improvisation, and creating a score. In the final chapter, the focus shifts to how these three are interwoven when the actor steps in front of an audience, whether performing realist, non-realist, or postdramatic theatre. Far from using the sciences to reduce acting to a formula, Lutterbie celebrates the mystery of the creative process.

Performing on TV commercials is bread and butter for actors. It not only helps them pay the rent while striving for recognition, frequently it enables them to break into film, television and theater. Plus, acting in commercials can be a rewarding and lucrative career in itself. This comprehensive workbook provides step-by-step training, along with commercial copy and other materials available on the publisher's website. Acting in On-Camera Commercials covers every aspect of the field of performing inTV commercials. It is a reference book that will serve the actor throughout all the years of his or her career. PRAISE FOR THE PREVIOUS EDITION "The book is filled with useful information obviously mined from years of experience and success in the field by the authors. The exercises, demonstration copy and practical advice mesh easily with the assignments in my syllabus. This is an excellent resource that will help my students understand the requisite professional standards and develop the many skills necessary to compete in this complex business." Stephen Neal, Instructor, Department of Theatre, Florida International University "I have just completed teaching a very successful course on Acting in Commercials, thanks to Ruthe Geier-Price and Michael Geier's innovative course, as presented in their new book, Acting in On-Camera Commercials. The students loved the very practical presentation of the material, the clever copy provided, and the visuals, as available in the photo illustrations. The reviews presented at the ends of the chapters left no question as to the importance of the salient points. To make his or her mistakes in a non-threatening environment, he or she avoids much of the trial by fire when they enter the actual audition experience." Barbara Lowery, Professor, Performing Arts Department, Miami-Dade College

"Be yourself, work hard and never let your dreams die. You never know what tomorrow might bring. So be ready for it." What happens when Lori from Tutu Much discovers musical theatre? She can dance but can she belt out a show tune? Singing lessons, dancing in heels, technical rehearsals and competing for roles with kids who have agents, resumes and stage moms are all new to her. Introducing Dane; a child superstar who is trying to make it in an adult role, and Courtney; a kid with all the talent but few of the resources needed to make it in showbiz. Who will make the cut and who will miss the action?