ABSTRACT

In Rehearsal is a clear and accessible how-to approach to the rehearsal process. Author Gary Sloan brings more than thirty years' worth of acting experience to bear on the question of how to rehearse both as an individual actor and as part of the team of professionals that underpins any successful production. Interviews with acclaimed actors, directors, playwrights, and designers share a wealth of knowledge on dynamic collaboration.

The book is divided in to three main stages, helping the reader to refine their craft in as straightforward and accessible manner as possible:

  • In the world: A flexible rehearsal program that can be employed daily, as well as over a typical four week production rehearsal.
  • In the room: Advice on working independently and productively with other members of a company, such as directors, playwrights, designers and technical crew; how your personal creative process varies depending on the role, be it Shakespeare, musicals, film, television or understudying.
  • On your own: Creating your own rehearsal process, exploring original and famous rehearsal techniques, breaking through actor's block and how to practice every day.

In Rehearsal breaks down the rehearsal process from the actor’s perspective and equips its reader with the tools to become a generous and resourceful performer both inside and outside the studio. Its independent, creative and daily rehearsal techniques are essential for any modern actor.

chapter |5 pages

Prologue

Hoodwinking Hamlet

part |76 pages

In the world

chapter |10 pages

The Givens of Rehearsal

Good Ground

chapter |12 pages

The Four-Week Gig Act 1

The First Two Weeks

chapter |18 pages

The Four-Week Gig Act 2

Weeks Three and Four

chapter |12 pages

A Creative Process

Six Approaches

chapter |9 pages

Get Serious

Seven Ways

chapter |9 pages

Living Rehearsal

A 24/7 Gig

part |83 pages

In the Room

chapter |11 pages

Actor and Playwright

The Words Made Flesh

chapter |15 pages

Actor and Director

In the Trenches

chapter |8 pages

Actors and Designers

A Common Purpose

chapter |15 pages

Shakespeare's Mountain of Words

Poetic Language

chapter |9 pages

Rehearsing the Musical

An American Original

chapter |14 pages

Film, Television

Less Is More

part |79 pages

On Your Own

chapter |7 pages

Practice Your Own Rehearsal Process

A Declaration of Independence

chapter |12 pages

Reading and Researching the Role

Rehearsal Techniques

chapter |33 pages

On Your Feet and in Your Sleep

More Rehearsal Techniques

chapter |9 pages

Understudying

The Readiness is All

chapter |9 pages

Actor's Block

How Professionals Break Through

chapter |7 pages

Rehearsing Life

Fake It 'til You Make It

chapter |3 pages

Epilogue