Book excerpt: Modern breakthroughs in neuroscience and mind-body psychology now offer an alternative approach to the classic systems of acting. So much more is now known about how the brain visualizes, imagines and remembers; neurochemical processes are much faster and more fluid than earlier acting teachers could possibly have realized. Acting with Passion draws heavily on the world of mind-body psychology, primarily the work of Wilhelm Reich and Alexander Lowen. Their theories – that the release of chronic muscular tension can be accompanied by the release of emotions – offer actors the keys to demonstrating emotion on cue. Through a series of physical exercises, actors learn to access feelings through the body rather than the mind. Beginning with the body as 'the instrument', Acting with Passion leads actors through a series of physical exercises combining movement, tactile exploration and vocal release. Once physical blocks are removed, the actor then uses memorized text to place the feelings where they belong. Written with her characteristic verve and accessibility, and using practical exercises to guide the actor through each stage, Acting With Passion is the result of Niki Flaks's popular acting workshops.