Moseley, Nick (2016) Actioning and How To Do It. Nick Hern Books, London. ISBN 9781848424234

Abstract

Actioning – and How to Do It is the indispensable companion to a vital component in every actor’s toolkit.

Actioning is one of the most widely used rehearsal techniques for actors. It helps bring clarity to every moment or thought in the text, energising rehearsals and bringing performances to life.

Actioning will enable you to discover and unlock newfound energy, range, variety and clarity of body and voice, by:

Interrogating the text and making initial action verb choices
Playing your chosen actions, both verbally and physically
Maintaining an imaginative and emotional connection with each moment
Signposting each thought to your scene partner
From the publishers of the internationally successful Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus, this is the first in-depth exploration of Actioning for student actors, those who train them, and professionals working in the industry, whether they’re brand new to the technique or have been practising it for years.

This step-by-step guide draws on concepts from Stanislavsky, using sample scenes from classic plays such as The Seagull and The Importance of Being Earnest, as well as contemporary pieces, and is filled with exercises to demonstrate the technique at work.