The Stage Actor's Handbook

Reviews / Votes

Michael Kostroff (The Producers, Les Miserables) and Julie Garnye (Cats, Come From Away) compiled every unwritten rule of the craft into one volume for aspiring and established actors to reference. * Playbill * Actors, directors, and writers Kostroff and Garnye draw on their own experience as well as those of 26 contributors, including Jason Alexander, Raul Esparza, Harvey Fierstein, Bebe Neuwirth, Chita Rivera, and Sam Waterston, to present a thorough compilation that codifies the unwritten rules of the theater as handed down through generations of players. They break it all down in 11 chapters packed with insights about a rich variety of topics, from table reads to technical rehearsals, cues to curtain calls, and dressing room, performance, and stage-door etiquette. Kostroff and Garnye even cover theater superstitions. Throughout this invaluable handbook, the words of the contributors are set off in text boxes like so many pearls of stage wisdom. All are presented with aplomb in an approachable and informative style that serves as what the authors call "written mentorship." There are also a glossary of theater terms and a short list of recommended reading. This compact guide should be required reading for theater students and professionals alike. Theater fans may also enjoy this glimpse into the workings of the actor's craft. * Booklist * The Stage Actor's Handbook is essential in the toolkit of the professional theatre actor. What a gift to young artists and educators to have a source that shares the unique legacy of decades of traditions, protocols, superstitions, and etiquette within the theatre community. It is especially delicious to read about the origins of many of our rituals that have been passed down from generation to generation. I started working professionally at the age of 14 and come from a long line of theatre practitioners. Now as an educator I can't wait to share this joyful, valuable journey with my students that will take them deep into the lore and history of our culture and the magic of our sacred community. -- Kaitlin Hopkins, Head of Musical Theatre, Texas State University I think The Stage Actor's Handbook will live long past all who wrote it, participated in it, and inspired it. Full of wisdom, wit, and love, that is exactly as it should be. Bravo! -- Ken Page, Broadway legend While theatre has incredibly specific codes of conduct, this is the only book I know of dedicated to helping actors find their footing. Kostroff and Garnye have pulled together scads of useful information, shedding light on our often practical, sometimes charming, and occasionally bizarre theatrical traditions. -- Jackie Apodaca, Professor of Theatre and Head of Performance, Southern Oregon University, and Artistic Director, Ashland New Plays Festival A much-needed deep dive into an aspect of theatre education that is crucial but often glossed-over: professionalism. The Stage Actor's Handbook should be required reading for every serious theatre student. -- Larry Sousa, Director/Choreographer, theatre professor at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee