You may think that the only way to learn a physical, interpersonal skill like acting is to practice it in person.

That’s an extremely necessary part of the craft, but it’s not the only way to improve your skills.

If you want to achieve maximum success as an actor, taking time to read about the craft will help you improve, especially if you can't afford taking classes constantly or afford to take every kind of class in every method available (and who can?).

These books were recommended to us by Network Member Juan Sebastian Cruz, Houston actor as the best books to start with.

6 Books to Improve Your Acting

Audition! By Michael Shurtleff

This book covers auditioning, as per the title, but it really dives into some clear concise points about the essence of acting and what gives a scene the most life.

Read if: You want to find the magic in your scenes or improve your auditions.

An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski

A standard in all college repertoire. The idea of “method acting” originates from Mr. Stanislavski’s teachings. 

Read if: You’re interested in Method Acting or want to think more about the theory behind good acting.

Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen

A book about “given circumstances,” or the environmental, historical, and situational conditions a character finds themselves in. This is an important part of the Stanislavski method. 

Read if: You need to add depth to your characters and their responses.

Sanford Meisner on Acting by Sanford Meisner

The maestro himself explains the Meisner technique, which focuses not on the actor themselves but on the other actors in the immediate environment.

Read if: You want to improve your connection with other performers onstage and amp up the quality of your scenes.

Truth in Comedy: The Manual of Improvisation by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim “Howard” Johnson

Great little book on the art of improvisation with plenty of example games and scenes that can help your improvisation and your comedic timing. 

Read if: You want to be funnier, improve your timing, or be more sincere and immediate with your performances.

Click for more recommendations for comedy books.

Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus by Marina Calderone

One of the biggest traps an actor can fall into is being too general. This book helps by providing a list of strong action words that can help you find direction in your intentions. 

Read if: You don’t know what to do with your hands, or the rest of your body for that matter, during scenes. Or if you’re struggling to make strong choices.

Coming Soon: How to Nail Your First Audition

In partnership with Houston Actor and Network Member Juan Sebastian Cruz, we’ll soon be releasing this KNOWLEDGE-PACKED guide on How to Nail Your First Audition.

The guide includes:

• How to build your acting confidence fast

• Finding auditions

• Building relationships with directors

• Getting on your A-game for the big day of the audition

• … and more!

This guide covers everything you need to get auditions, do great at them, and get over rejection so you can move on to the best opportunities.

Don’t miss out on the release! Subscribe to our mailing list and get informed as soon as the guide is available.