I studied with Stella Adler in the 70s, and liked what I learned, but as an actor and as a teacher of young actors I still work and look for ways that can help me more tightly draw together the digressions and dead-ends I encounter. I almost turned away from Mr. Parke's book because of the stuff splattered all over the cover like neon advertising, but this is a wise and knowledgeable book--a little awkwardly written at times, perhaps, but a must-have. Mr. Parke 'systematically' draws together a great many strands of the Stanislavksi System. He brings to the discussion each step of the way historical background, theoretical insight, and practical direction. This book works equally well, I think, for 'inside-out' or 'outside-in' practitioners. His detailing of the Neurosis-Provoking Moment and the Creative Pshychological Objective (through a double simile which is now stuck in my head with Watson and Crick's The Double Helix) sticks deep. This is not the book for the noephyte, however. It seems to me to required a broader base of knowledge and experience. There is much to ponder and try here.

A clear and concise read. My only problem is that some of the material reads as being very dated. The overall themes are dead on, but some of the details (answering service vs. cel phone, for instance) simply don't seem to be true anymore.

I have been acting off and on over the past ten years in film and I believe this is one of the most comprehensive works available to people starting out in film acting. I was suprised to see how Lawrence Parke literally takes your hand and tells you word for word what to do. This is a great book for getting started if you don't know what you need to do. A lot of the information is pretty common sense, however, Parke also shows different sides of the industry you may not know or are able to experience first hand immediately. This gives you the opportunity to adequately prepare for the trials yet to come. The industry has it's standards, and different situations may apply, but this is a book which provides you with basic information that will be helpful. The rest, of course, depends on you!

This is an excellent guide and resource, along w/"How to Be a Working Actor." These two volumes are a definate necessity for anyone aspiring to enter, navigate, and maintain a presence in the field. No aspect of the Entertainment industry is easy; scams abound, and both of these books offer solid guidance for those with perserverance and ability in acting. On sets, knowing protocol is half-the battle, and this volume doesn't skimp or sketch when it comes to giving the inside story on how to make your way around in, and be successful at, "The Business." I can't say enough good things about this guide, it is well-written, timely, very informative, and gives very accurate information, even while it was published in 1997, the most significant things about the industy haven't changed.