Book excerpt: Reader-friendly and practical, ACTING: ONSTAGE AND OFF demonstrates how to adapt onstage training toward offstage performance, and how to apply skills for theatre and film to lead a rich, full life outside the theatre. Humorous, conversational writing helps students learn all phases of actor training, including scene study, auditioning, and improvisation, as well as relaxation techniques for the mind, voice and body. Examples from life, rather than dramatic literature, ensure understanding. Students also learn strategies for connecting with other actors in a scene and in rehearsal. Enlightening and creative exercises help students practice altering their physical and emotional state to become a character while keeping those aspects of their selves that most serve the role being played. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.