Theatre & Performance Studies

Acting Power: The 21st Century Edition

‘Robert Cohen’s book, Acting Power, follows the tradition of his other book, Acting One, and has been the veritable bible for acting teachers for the last fourth century.’
– David Krasner, Emerson College

The first edition of Acting Power was a groundbreaking work of acting theory which applied sociological and psychological principles to actor training. The book went on to influence a generation of theater and performance studies students and academics, and was translated into five languages.

This carefully revised 21st Century Edition (re)considers, in the context of today’s field:

questions such as ‘should actors act from the inside or the outside?’ and ‘should the actor live the role or present the role?’
contemporary research into communication theory, cybernetics, and cognitive science
brilliantly illuminating and witty exercises for solo study and classroom use, and a through-line of useful references to classic plays
penetrating observations about the actor’s art by more than 75 distinguished professional actors and directors.

Cohen’s elegant and rigorous updates emphasise the continuing relevance of his uniquely integrated and life-affirming approach to this field. The new edition draws on his extraordinarily rich career as teacher, scholar, director, translator and dramaturg. It is a recipe for thrilling theater in any genre.

‘This book, above all else, is an attempt to explore the qualities of acting power…. to suggest to you, the actor, an approach toward not merely good acting but powerful acting. Great actors display the power to frighten – and the power to seduce – and can shift between the one and the other like a violinist can her notes.’
– From the Preface

Order a complimentary exam copy if you teach a related course.

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