The Power of the Actor

Rating:
Summary: Inspired To Be The BEST I Can Be
Review: As I finish reading Ivana Chubbuck's "Power of the Actor", I am overcome with gratitude. After years of studying with some of the finest acting teachers on both coasts, I find just what I have been searching for... COURAGE. Ivana Chubbuck's book is an intimate private coaching session. She is speaking directly to me. Ivana's ability to share her personal life experiences has EMPOWERED me to be BRAVE enough to do the same in my work. As an actor, my life is my art. Ivana Chubbuck has taught me to WIN in my art and in my life. No more need to make the choices of a victim. I can use everything I've got and everything that I am, (the good, the bad, and the ugly), to WIN... not just in acting, but also in my life. She makes me proud to call myself an actress! I will be forever grateful... from the bottom of my heart... Thank you Ivana Chubbuck.

Rating:
Summary: Phenomenally Practical
Review: As someone who has studied acting for the better part of his life, Mrs. Chubbuck's book comes as a breath of fresh air. Anyone who studies acting finds himself surrounded by teachers who preach techniques that sound great in the classroom or the lecture hall, but fail miserably onstage or in front of the camera. The actor always blames himself; if he fails, he tells himself it's because he hasn't worked hard enough...it's never that what he has learned simply doesn't work.

Thankfully, Mrs. Chubbuck's book suffers from none of these problems. Yes, it's an excellent, entertaining read, and yes, the anecdotes about major stars whom she has coached are insightful and relevant, but the true strength of this book is in it's relentless pragmatism. There is nothing in this book that does not WORK; every word has been thoroughly tested against thousands of scripts from every imagnable genre of stage and screen. Mrs. Chubbuck's technique can take you from line readings and pre-conceived ideas into real human behavior; neurotic, fascinating and wild...in other words, the way people really are.

This is, in my opinion, the most important book about the craft of acting written in the last 20 years. It doesn't discount the work of those teachers who have come before, but respectfully pulls it all into the 21st century in a way that has never been done before, and is desperately, desperately needed. Regardless of what you've studied, your work cannot help but be enriched by this technique. Five stars.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ!
Review: I have searched for years to find a technique that I could connect with and really dig into and I have finally found it. Her concepts are explained in understandable ways and the real life examples in the book are relatable and inspiring to see what well-known actors have gone through to get their great performances. I can't wait to apply this technique to future work and see where it brings me as an actress. I recommend this book to any actor or performer who wants to take their work to the next level.

Rating:
Summary: Stanislavski Eat Your Heart Out!
Review: I just read the book on the 11 hour plane ride from Los Angeles to Paris.
Verdict: I am floored! Mrs. Chubbuck's no-nonsense 12 step technique takes the mystery out of script analysis altogether. This is a very insightful book that also helps you understand who you really are; which is the best acting tool.
Chubbuck covers everything in this great book and this actor is using his power and sending his 3 Stanislavski books on an extended vacation!

Rating:
Summary: Great Ivana...
Review: This book is a gift to any aspiring actor...a treasure. It will change an actor's career. As it's been said before, her technique "empowers the actor". She's a brilliant teacher...for me the best so far.

Rating:
Summary: Insane in the Membrane!!
Review: This book will blow you away and inspire you!! Even if you are NOT an actor.. it will give you awesome insight into the thinkings and inner workings of today's top actors. As an actor who started in stand-up comedy - I cannot say more positive things about this book... Ivana explains exactly how to do what so many extraordinary actors have done. She really gets behind the mind of the actor and shows you how to conquer any role.

A truly MUST READ for any actor - well-known, currently working, or aspiring. I keep it by my bedside at night, and carry it with any script that I am currently working on.

I would even say that it's a great book for the screenwriter - for them to realize what goes into an actor's mind to create a role.

My Two Cents,
THE Tim Coston

Rating:
Summary: Buy This Book!!!!
Review: This is a definate must read for any actor! Ivana's technique completely simplifies making a character human. After reading this it's like a light bulb went off and I finally get it. I highly recommend this book.