A Leap from the Method: An Organic Approach to Acting

by Allan Rich

Book Overview

Allan Rich's new book, A Leap from the Method , is an entertaining must read for anyone in the arts, especially actors." -- Larry King "A very clear and readable introduction to the nuts and bolts of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1420822233
• ISBN13: 9781420822236
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Length: 164 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.3" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Not just for and about actors

A book that is actually very helpful for those of us who enjoy movies, television, and the theatre and often don't take the time to actually pay attention to the actor and see they have a 'style' or even a genre that they do best in. Growing up the term was 'character actor'. The sub title ' An Organic Approach to Acting' means what it says. Mr Rich is really informative in cutting thru the bull and getting to the heart of organic or pure acting and how hard, yet how simple it is. He obviously has been an excellent student and now a teacher. Historically the parts of his life when McCarthyism was ripe are a good reminder of mistakes we made as a country that we never want to repeat. And I am so glad he included the journey his acting has taken his family on. Married over fifty years, its so refreshing to read where someone knows his work is a business as in 'entertainment business', and the responsibilities this brings to ones family. And for those considering a career in entertainment its wise to know its a business and not something for the faint of heart. Something Mr Rich's book is very clear about.

A Master Class from the Maestro

While the name 'Allan Rich' may not jump into consciousness of the general public immediately, the face and persona of the man who adopted the name years ago are doubtless known to all who love the stage and film, whether in the form of motion picture or television. Rich is a character actor par excellence who is so immersed in his roles that in becoming the character he loses his 'star identity'. Some would say that is a negative statement, but after reading this excellent book, A LEAP FROM THE METHOD, and learning from every page how Rich practices and teaches acting, then there could be no higher compliment. Rich's book is so warmly user friendly that after the first fifty pages of biographical information and photographs the manual feels like a conversation with an old friend - and a wise one at that. While many actors have the ability to 'show' students 'how to act' by proximity in a shared production, very few have the ability to put those instructions into words. Rich uses the first pages of the book to give his personal history and the reason for that seems to serve as a personal journey that quietly illustrates his points. He address the Stanislavsky 'method acting', giving examples of famous actors with whom he has worked as to how that 'method' has flaws. Instead of finding the emotional space of the character to be portrayed or re-enacting personal history moments that mimic the emotion of the character to be conveyed, Rich instead simply presents a series of questions: 'Did I tell the story, Did I experience the back-story? Did I do the details? Was I economical? Was the situation important enough to me?' Once the questions are posed, Rich adroitly (and with fine asides) offers the background for each question - aids in helping the student understand both the question and its worth. He then, by example, reiterates these new concepts and thereby provides the 'leap from the method' of the title. By maintaining the personal biography format, both in words and photographs, Rich makes learning simple and approachable. This book is a fine manual for students of drama at any stage, but what is more important for the general public, this 'inside look' at the machinations of the theater and the actors who transport the audience is a fine 'historic novel'. There is a preface and subsequent series of references to one of Allan Rich's pupils, Peter Antico, who managed to overcome the obstacles of having Tourette's Syndrome by learning and adhering to the techniques of Rich's teaching lessons. This kind of human interest story, one completely based on truth, makes an otherwise potentially dry teaching manual a joy to read. Grady Harp, January 08

Inspirational book on acting and on Allan Rich's career

I guess I could say the pages turn themselves. That's a reviewer's cliche. They almost do. At least I didn't notice myself turning any pages, and yet I breezed through the first 48 pages in a few minutes, enthralled. Allan Rich is one of Hollywood's most beloved and respected actors, a veteran of 68 films, someone who has obviously honed his craft to the kind of perfection we admire in great actors. But he is also an excellent writer. He knows that it is concrete detail, straightforward expression, and a deep sense of honesty that compels those pages to turn themselves. Frankly I was surprised. After all, actors are not known for their writing ability. But after reading his mini-autobiography that covers the first 48 pages I am surprised no more. Allan Rich is multi-talented. He has done in addition to those 68 movies, a slew of TV shows, theater, both on and off Broadway, sold stock on Wall Street, sold the paintings of the modern masters on Madison Avenue, where he had his own gallery (a shot of Salvador Dali outside the "Allan Rich Galleries" appears on page 39), and then in what might be his retirement years he has become an acting coach. It is said in some cultures--and I believe it--that to round out a life truly lived it is a good thing to teach. This book is itself a teaching instrument. Here's how Rich describes his leap from the Method: "I sit on the back of Stanislavsky's idea that acting is organic and comes from the imagination of the actor. While there may be many myths and misconceptions complicating matters, whether as an acting coach or as a performer, I always strive for a simple, direct approach. That's my leap from the Method..." (p. 57) He says that the first thing he does as a coach is dispose of the three myths of acting. The first myth is talent. He writes, "Talent is merely desire combined with the drive and ability to work hard. Desire is the key. Desire combined with hard work can fulfill your promise." (p. 61) The second myth is "You must tell the truth." Rich quotes Stanislavsky to the contrary: "Performances are lies." What he means is that you, the actor, must create the character based on the text and the author's intent. (p. 61) I like to think that the psychological truth of character and story is a kind of lie that is truer than true. The third myth has to do with "finding the character." Rich believes that the key is to take what the author has written. Include the entire work. And then dig into the author's intentions as revealed in the play or the script, and the character will find the actor. (p. 62) Rich follows this with what he calls "an approach to an organic technique." There are five focuses. The first is to focus on your reason for beginning an acting career. The fifth focus is experiencing the "back-story," a catch phrase that Rich elucidates very well. Rich began his life as an actor as a child who just naturally assumed the role he was playing, allowing him to ach

Excellent ! Fabulous !! Brilliant !!!

A Leap From The Method By Allan Rich Is The Most Comprehensive and far reaching in it's wisdom, deep understanding,love,humor and detailed insight into the preparation for an actor. Since 'All The World's A Stage' and we all play our roles why not act then with purpose and dignity. Every Congressman and Senator to say nothing of our current President ought to have a copy of this brilliant piece of work by Allan. Fred Thompson could certainly use the training I would vote for Allan Rich to be our Senator from California. He has the background in Banking and Acting and a citizen's 'mindfulness' in tracking the Truth in all he endeavors I am privileged to call him my friend and mentor Carol Gustafson ecaroltoo@yahoo.com

A Must Have for Young Actors

"A Leap From the Method" is an acting bible. Every actor from beginner to consumate professional can only benefit from the experience and insight of Allan Rich. His over 60 years of experience as an actor and teacher shine through on every page of the book. Buy it for anyone who loves the theatre or has every seen a film. You can't go wrong.