A Challenge For The Actor

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Type: Book
Studio: Charles Scribner's Sons
Theoretically, the actor ought to be more sound in mind and body than other people, since he learns to understand the psychological problems of human beings when putting his own passions, his loves, fears, and rages to work in the service of the characters he plays. He will learn to face himself, to hide nothing from himself -- and to do so takes an insatiable curiosity about the human condition.

from the Prologue

Uta Hagen, one of the world's most renowned stage actresses, has also taught acting for more than forty years at the HB Studio in New York. Her first book, Respect for Acting, published in 1973, is still in print and has sold more than 150,000 copies. In her new book, A Challenge for the Actor, she greatly expands her thinking about acting in a work that brings the full flowering of her artistry, both as an actor and as a teacher. She raises the issue of the actor's goals and examines the specifics of the actor's techniques. She goes on to consider the actor's relationship to the physical and psychological senses. There is a brilliantly conceived section on the animation of the body and mind, of listening and talking, and the concept of expectation.

But perhaps the most useful sections in this book are the exercises that Uta Hagen has created and elaborated to help the actor learn his craft. The exercises deal with developing the actor's physical destination in a role; making changes in the self serviceable in the creation of a character; recreating physical sensations; bringing the outdoors on stage; finding occupation while waiting; talking to oneself and the audience; and employing historical imagination.

The scope and range of Uta Hagen here is extraordinary. Her years of acting and teaching have made her as finely seasoned an artist as the theatre has produced.

The Best Book on Acting I've Ever Read
I read Uta Hagen's earlier book, "Respect for Acting," years ago, and made the mistake of thinking that it wasn't really necessary to read this later book. "A Challenge for the Actor" goes light-years beyond its predecessor. It's a clear, incredibly detailed and specific handbook to the life's work of one of the greatest teachers of modern acting.

She draws a sharp line between "formalistic" acting, and "realistic" acting, and spends the rest of the book teaching you how to do the latter, complete with exercises to make each principle concrete.

Nobody can learn how to act from a book alone (as she voices herself in this masterpiece), but, accompanied by experience (be it working in a classroom environment, or simply doing her exercises on your own), this book can be a trusted and valuable ally.

I read it, but I don't remember it.
I do remember some really good lessons being in this book. Unfortunately, I just remember there being good lessons...but not what they are.

This is a great book for the serious actor. That's not me. I act to be an idiot. I don't act to be deep or emotional. I'm not knocking the book, but it's not for me. I respect Uta Hagen's methods though.

The best book on acting in Western History.
This book - a systematization of Stanislavsky's four cluttered books and a testimony to Aristotle's ideals seen through the lens of her fiery husband Herbert Bergdof and a complete rewriting of her notorious 'Respect for Acting - is a pinnacle of articulation.
Indisputably a masterpiece of 20th century psychology.
Moreover, dauntingly organized, sober, demanding and simple, Hagen left her legacy in both a scope and a detail of the Realism School that no other stage practitioner has rivaled - after or before.
Clear and efficient, it is the gospel from which any actor must start upon their vita nova.

Are you an actor? Aspiring actor? Read this..
If you're an actor, this is mandatory reading. Also read "A Leap From the Method" by Allan Rich. You won't regret reading either, and you will gain a lot..just trust me.

even more respect for acting...
a follow-up to her RESPECT FOR ACTING..I'd recommend reading her first book then this one..there are alot more activities and exercises you can do here..and some reiterations from the first book but an acting book that should be read and kept by any serious student