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An Actor Rehearses: What To Do When and Why. By David Hlavsa. New York: Allworth Press, 2006; pp. ix + 187. $18.95 paper.
In An Actor Rehearses: What To Do When and Why, David Hlavsa outlines the rehearsal process for the actor from the preparation for the first read-through through the postproduction assessment. Hlavsa guides the actor through numerous exercises that are drawn from a wide range of sources. His writing style is humorous, matter-of-fact, and easy to follow for both the novice and professional actor alike. This text is successful as a unique resource for the entire rehearsal process, effectively empowering the actor to become a strong and effective collaborator.
In chapter 1, "Before Rehearsals Start: Step Up to the Plate," Hlavsa begins by encouraging the actor "to come to rehearsals ready to collaborate" (1), challenging him/her to make strong choices before and during rehearsals. A novel aspect of An Actor Rehearses is the great detail the author puts into the preparation for table-work in chapter 2, titled "At the Table: Use Your Words." For instance, he recommends techniques for the actor to physicalize the role while in the midst of table-work by likening the movement at the table to "car...