This extraordinary book, written in compellingly straightforward prose, will cast a spell over you by the second page and not let you go till the last. From each monologue and scene, a kind of poetic masculinity takes hold of the reader's heart, leaving it suffused in love, in sorrow, and finally, in greatness. Enormous praise to Richard Hoehler. His big little book is a mighty piece of work. -- Mercedes Ruehl, Academy Award and Tony winning Actor For theater folk such as myself, we who are in search of a redemptive truth which transcends even great theater art, Richard Hoehlers book, Acting Out: How a Prison Workshop Broke Free, is a veritable holy grail. -- Tom Oppenheim, Artistic Director, The Stella Adler Center for the Arts A captivating tale of rehabilitation through the art of theater, allowing the actors to be free, be seen, be heard, and ultimately redeemed. A powerful message awaits those willing to listen. -- Andrew Kossover, Former President, New York Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers One part memoire, one part theater and a dash of gonzo journalism Acting Out is a journey into becoming more fully human through the transformative power of art. -- Michael Verchot, Director, University of Washington Consulting and Business Development Center With humor and humanity, Acting Out, tells us how theatre inspires imprisoned men to reclaim their lives. Author Richard Hoehler is heroic telling how the theatre can be an agent for social change. -- David Rothenberg, Author, Founder of the Fortune Society Richard Hoehlers long-standing, important role in American theater has offered a great deal for playwrights, cast members, and theater audiences. But, in Acting Out, he tells us that theater is not simply about script and performance. Its a broad insight about all human lives, and its those lives that are most meaningful and important. -- Walt Odets, Author of Out of the Shadows [ Hoehler] loves acting, and he loves the underdog, and he understands the power of the theater as safe space. He, too, shows up with doubts and flaws and pain, but with a pay-it-forward sense of how one can be rescued by someone who cares enough to see you and be seen by you. His humility and audacity are key to the connection. And so, through and through, with clarity and courage, Richard tells us a story about love. -- Edith Meeks, Executive & Artistic Director, HB Studio
