Acting Class by Milton Katselas

Several weeks ago, I was approached with an offer I could not refuse. I was asked to review a new book by legendary acting teacher Milton Katselas. I was out of town when the book arrived and did not have a chance to read it till several days ago.

But then… I was sitting on my couch reading when news came to me that Milton had died that previous day at the age of 75.  It was a weird feeling reading a book that is so vibrant and full of life and knowing that the author had just died. It would have been even worse if the book had stunk. Thank God, it didn’t.

Here is the review of Acting Class.

When you start the book, it jumps right into the deep end of the pool and doesn’t come up for air. I loved this because if you’re like me, you usually skip over the first few chapters of “Acting” books where the author recounts his/her humble beginnings or theories of acting. Who cares! We want to know the authors teaching techniques and knowledge…not that you grew up in Hoboken.

Much of the book and lessons are taken directly from his class and it’s laid out in a script-like format making it an easy, brisk read.  The book itself is divided into 3 main parts: Acting, Attitude & Administration. These are the core principals he teaches in his class.

In the Acting section, he lays out his Checklist. This is a list of 20 guidelines to use for breaking down a scene. “You don’t have to use them all,” he writes, even the use of one of the guidelines will help to make a fully realized character. He goes on to explain each point, telling you why they are needed and its usefulness in your preparation. Pretty great stuff.

But he warns, “Use technique. Don’t let technique use you.”

In the Attitude section he tells us that, “a good, confident attitude will support the smallest talent or technique.” Have you ever had those days when you go into a room really, really wanting to book that job? Casting Directors can smell that. You’ll never get it. It’s all about confidence, he writes.

“Just 10% technique, 10% talent and 80% positive attitude can lead to a generous career.” Positive attitude and confidence without being a jackass (my words, not his).

Finally we get to Administration. What is Administration? Being proactive about your career.

I loved this section. Most “acting” books don’t won’t write about this portion of your career. Study, study, study and the work will come. Will it? Mr. Katselas doesn’t agree to that statement and in this portion of the book he lays out some of his thoughts on what to do to start or sustain an ongoing acting career.

If you want to give your career a boost, you should seriously take the time and read this great book. There are so many things you can apply to your career…it’s well worth it.