William Westbrooks has been a theater director and teacher of voice and acting for over 30 years. In this book he attempts to give an experience similar to spending a semester in one of his acting classes. He wants the student to to discover that truthful acting and healthy vocal production go together; and similarly that good singing does not require cutting oneself off from feelings. He believes in the power of storytelling and of the actor's empowerment through imaginative occupation of dramatic circumstances, He makes use of concepts familiar to actors-"intention," "objective," "instrument"-with special attention paid to voice production. Throughout, Westbrooks champions the actor's self-trust and freedom. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
(Book). In this groundbreaking book, noted director and educator William Wesbrooks provides an exciting and eminently practical approach for singers and actors who want to think about their work in a way that brings them a greater sense of vitality, freedom, and empowerment. Drawing upon his years of experience and a keen psychological insight, Wesbrooks utilizes our inherent attraction to storytelling. He presents an exciting process that allows you as a performer to extract from the dramatic circumstances of stories everything you need to bring the characters you play and the songs you sing to a place of vibrant realization. His approach will inspire you to trust in yourself and your own ability as you use your mind, body, and spirit, so as to begin "living inside" your stories in a way that brings them to life for yourself as well as your audience. The process is simple in its structure yet profound in its impact. Dramatic Circumstances will prove an invaluable resource for actors, singers, teachers, directors, and anyone else who knows and believes in the power of stories to inform and touch the lives of those who tell and hear them.
