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The Best Acting Book

Last updated on July 7, 2023

We looked at the top 9 Acting Books and dug through the reviews from 24 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Acting Books.

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Acting Books

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Sanford Meisner Sanford Meisner on Acting

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Sanford Meisner

on Acting

This acting book by renowned teacher Sanford Meisner follows one of his acting classes for 15 months. It shows how to grow technical mastery of the field by example. The book is essential for beginners and professional alike.

Overall Take

Essential LessonsThis acting book follows an acting class for 15 months.

Pros
" This is my new favorite book on acting."
Cons
"Some Meisner technique critics argue that, while this nuance is excellent for playing contemporary characters, it can lead to flat performances in classical acting roles."
 Runner Up

Ivana Chubbuck The Power of the Actor

Ivana Chubbuck

The Power of the Actor

This acting book is for anyone who wants to master their craft. It is written by a renowned acting coach who has taught famous names such as Charlize Theron and Brad Pitt. The book has a 12-step process.

Overall Take

Cutting-Edge InformationThis acting book provides dynamic and effective results.

Pros
" By far the best book on acting I have ever read. Not everyone is a fan of her methods, but then again most things relating to the arts is highly debatable. But from the point of view of an actor,..."
 We Also Like

Jenna Fischer The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide

Jenna Fischer

The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide

This acting book by Jenna Fischer shares lessons from her perspective. The book is witty and amusing but also has a lot of wisdom for up-and-coming actors. It’s full of technical information in addition to inspirational stories.

Overall Take

Inspirational GuidanceThis acting book shares lessons from someone who has been in your shoes.

Pros
" I was initially a little hesitant to pick up this book because I am not an actor, but I'm so glad that I did! I'm a fan of Jenna Fischer from her role as Pam Beesly in The Office, and..."
 Also Great

Mary Lou Belli Acting for Young Actors

Mary Lou Belli

Acting for Young Actors

This acting book is designed especially for kids and teens. It helps them to hone their craft and master their technique. The book covers auditioning, rehearsal, improvisation and so much more.

Overall Take

Perfect for Kids and TeensThis acting book is ideal for young ones wanting to break into the industry.

Pros
" recommend for all young actors. quite informational, and made me feel a lot more confident while still being an easy read."

Buying Guide

Many people dream of making it big as an actor – whether on the stage or screen – spending their lives perfecting their craft and amusing their audiences. Acting as a profession has many mystical qualities, and the possibility of achieving fame is enough to entice almost anyone. If you’re interested in acting as a profession and want to learn more about it, one of the best places to start is an acting book.

When it comes to variety, acting books run the gamut. You can find everything from biographies of famous actors to books about specific acting techniques and everything in between. Each acting book can help you in your own journey to becoming an actor, and it’s all about finding a book that’s right for you.

When searching for an acting book, consider what your goals are. For example, do you want to become a professional actor in Hollywood movies or do you aspire to be on the stage on Broadway? Would you just like to learn about what it’s like to be an actor from someone who has a career path you admire or do you want to hear from an acclaimed acting teacher? Are you interested in learning a specific acting technique, or do you want to learn more about the production aspects? Answering these questions for yourself will help you select the right acting book for you.

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In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Good Reads, Theatr Group, Kirkus Reviews, Martin Bentsen, Backstage.

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Our experts reviewed the top 9 Acting Books and also dug through the reviews from 24 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Acting Books.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • One of the most important aspects to look into when you’re searching for an acting book is the author of the book. Are they a professional actor, successful acting teacher or someone unknown? What is about their experience and knowledge that makes them worth listening to? What do they have to teach you? Knowing who the author is and what makes them interesting and educational is key to selecting an acting book.
  • Be sure to read book reviews before making your selection. Often, other readers can provide insight into whether a certain acting book was useful to them and to learning their craft, what they liked and disliked about the book and whether the book offered some kind of unique value. Reading book reviews can help you determine whether the book will help you reach your own acting goals.
  • There can be a considerable difference in film acting versus theater acting, so be sure to consider what type of acting you’re most interested in learning about. While some techniques will remain the same, others will greatly differ based on the medium. Even with acting on camera, there can be differences in acting for TV and acting for cinema.
  • Some acting books also include additional content such as photographs and illustrations, which can add context to the writing and help to provide clearer instructions. For visual learners, this is a great added benefit. Other acting books have only text. However, if written well, the text is so descriptive that the reader can create their own images in their mind.

More to Explore

Acting as a profession goes back hundreds of years. One of the earliest known origins of the theater is in ancient Greece, where actors would sing hymns in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility and festivity. The actors would dress up wearing masks and costumes, but the performance was conducted as a chorus, with all actors working in unison. They were telling a story in the third person as opposed to being the characters in the story. it wasn’t until the sixth century BC that the actor emerged as we know them today, reciting lines as though they were the character themselves. The first known actor of this type was named Thepsis – which is where the term thespian for actors comes from.

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