Training the Actor's Body

Based on his international pursuit of actor training, and expansive research in contemporary movement practice, Dick McCaw presents exercises, supporting theory and his own informed overview, with thoroughness and playful accessibility. A wonderful and deeply explored guide book to the actor’s physical potential. * Professor Annie Loui, Clare Trevor School of the Arts, University of California , USA *
In this important and timely book, Dick McCaw [defines] the special nature of the actor's expressive instrument and how it can – or should – be trained…[he] delves into the complex issue of "training for actors," and indeed "what is an actor?", through a wide-ranging, fully documented, meticulously referenced, cross-discipline and, in the end, quite fearless, investigation. * David Zinder, Professor Emeritus at Tel Aviv University, Israel *
This absorbing, useful and accessible book draws on a career of dedicated practice and theoretical research. McCaw’s personal approach explores the puzzling process of actor training and offers a valuable collection of training exercises. As a former student of McCaw’s, the book transported me back to the joy and challenge of his classroom: a place of possibility and experimentation. I still use what I learnt there in my work with actors today. This is a must-read text for all practitioners, directors, actor trainers, performers and students who use games and exercises in their work. * Poppy Corbett, Playwright, UK *