Uta Hagan Respect for Acting
Uta Hagan: Respect for Acting With Haskel Frankel
Uta Hagan was one of the most respected persons in the theatre
community; not only an amazing actress, but truly an incredible
teacher. In her book, she undoubtedly conveys her ideas and
techniques.
She includes exercises and examples, but ultimately leaves it up
to the actor to decide what best works for him/her. For every
person different things work to aid them in performing, and more
importantly, in becoming the character.
In the book, there are three parts: Part One: The Actor,
Part Two: The Object Exercises, and
Part Three: The Play and The Role.
In Part One, Miss Hagan covers techniques for an actor to help
him/her with the physical, verbal, and emotional aspect. She
clearly explains her method of substitution, (overlap memories
or experiences from your own life, into the character you are
portraying and action taking place).
She also includes the five senses and how to truthfully
understand and use them effectively, along with so much more. In
Part two she gives detailed exercises for an actor to practice,
that will help him/her when acting out an entire scene or play.
These exercises help develop certain skill and also make a
performance more believable and true. In Part Three, she
discusses how to rehearse and about the character and the aspect
of the whole show.
Uta Hagan does an amazing job describing her methods and
approach to the thing that has been her life. To her, acting is
real, acting is truth. She has spent a lifetime contributing to
the theatre and also film. She has taught Geraldine Page, Fritz
Weaver, Jason Robards, Jack Lemmon, and Steve McQueen, to name
just a few.
She joined HB Studios in 1947 with Herbert Berghot and taught
there until her death. She left a legacy, along with the tools
in which she used to become so talented. This book is an
interesting and educational read for anyone with an interest in
theatre, or and interest in the creative process.
It does give the reader a respect for acting and the people whom
do it suitably; the practice and the patience, all the hard work
and learning. The learning never stops. Every minute of everyday
an actor is observing and learning from the people and
situations that surround him or her. Uta Hagan beautifully
captures the assets that make a good actor.