Like meal prep or advice to keep a free weight nearby, THE ACTOR’S BOOK OF SCENES: 50 Original Comedy and Drama Scenes for Working Actors will be a staple for anyone looking to level up their talents. To reiterate the importance of diligence, the book opens with a foreword by Mike Kimmel’s student: 20-year acting veteran April Hartman, who impresses upon the reader that this artform requires practice.
Before the scene work begins, Kimmel addresses the reader with a cornerstone piece of advice: “One of the most strategic things you can do as an actor is to commit yourself daily to practicing our craft with a variety of scenes and monologues.” He explains the strategy and how it sets an actor up for a busy and thriving work schedule, peppering in advice on stage fright, finding a rhythm of natural conversation in the provided dialogue, and the final advice to adjust the scripts as needed: “It's my book, but it is your audition.”
What follows proves to be a treasure for actors at any level or stage of their careers: a collection of two-person scenes marked by dynamic emotion, no matter the length. The scenes offer drama and humor, all approachable and ambiguous enough to work for a wide range of ages, genders, styles, and skill levels. Briskly paced, these exercises fit neatly into one's free time.
Despite their simplicity, many of the scenes quickly develop heart and help the reader figure out what to do in their limited audition time. “Existential Crisis” (in which the actor is asked to explore learning to fit in and understand their place in the world) and “Got a Cigarette” (where the roles explore the dangers of smoking) stand out among the options. Both offer leveled moments for an actor to explore the beats that weave drama and humor into a memorable story. People can choose from a wide variety of settings and relationships for well-rounded practice.
The final note on vocal control, from speed to volume and where to invest one's energy and development funds, solidifies THE ACTOR’S BOOK OF SCENES as an essential tool to keep an actor's practice steady and sharp.
Actors of all levels will appreciate the ability to pick up THE ACTOR'S BOOK OF SCENES: 50 Original Comedy and Drama Scenes for Working Actors, squeeze in a few “reps,” and strengthen their acting chops. Author Mike Kimmel's opening prose and the following scenes deliver a strong example of what can build a better actor.
~ Melodie Coulter for IndieReader