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.