Helpful Links

Here's some helpful links/resources from around the Web !

Here are ten highly recommended books on theater acting, along with links to where you can purchase them. These books will provide you with a wide range of techniques, perspectives, and insights to enhance your acting skills.

Disclaimer: The North Shore Players is NOT an affiliate marketer for Amazon.  The NSP does not earn any income from Amazon, the publishers or authors of the listed books.  These books are simply recommended reading. Purchase at your own discretion.


1. An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski 

   Overview: A foundational text for actors, introducing the Stanislavski system and method acting.

  Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Actor-Prepares-Bloomsbury-Revelations-Constantin-Stanislavski/dp/1780938438


2. The Power of the Actor by Ivana Chubbuck 

   Overview: Introduces the Chubbuck Technique, a method for creating emotionally charged performances.

   Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Actor-Ivana-Chubbuck/dp/1592401538


3. True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor by David Mamet

   Overview: Offers a critical perspective on the traditional approaches to acting training.

   Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/True-False-Heresy-Common-Actor/dp/037570423X


4. The Actor's Art and Craft by William Esper and Damon DiMarco

   Overview: A comprehensive guide to the Meisner Technique, emphasizing emotional truth and authenticity.

   Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Actors-Art-Craft-William-Esper/dp/1401308464


5. A Dream of Passion by Lee Strasberg

   Overview: Explores the principles of Method Acting, as developed by Strasberg.

   Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Passion-Development-Technique-Method/dp/0316818704


6. The Fervent Years: The Group Theatre and the Thirties by Harold Clurman 

   Overview: Chronicles the history of the Group Theatre, a pivotal movement in American theater.

   Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fervent-Years-Group-Theatre-Thirties/dp/0306801865


7. Audition by Michael Shurtleff 

   Overview: Offers insights into the audition process and acting techniques from a Broadway casting director.

   Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Audition-Everything-Actor-Needs-Win/dp/0802772404


8. The Actor and the Target by Declan Donnellan 

   Overview: Provides actors with a practical approach to overcoming performance obstacles.

   Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Actor-Target-Revised-Expanded/dp/1559360904


9. Freeing the Natural Voice by Kristin Linklater

   Overview: Focuses on voice training to enhance an actor’s performance through natural vocal expression.

   Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Freeing-Natural-Voice-Imagery-Exercises/dp/0896762505


10. Actions: The Actors' Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone and Maggie Lloyd-Williams

    Overview**: A thesaurus of action verbs, helping actors find the right emotional actions for their lines.

    Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Actions-Actors-Thesaurus-Marina-Caldarone/dp/0896762521


Please let us know if a link has become inactive. If you would like to suggest a text, link or resource, please email  us at:      northshoreplayersma@gmail.com