Sanford Meisner on Acting

By: Sanford Meisner, Dennis Longwell, Sydney Pollack - introduction

Narrated by: Jason Culp, Arthur Morey, Mark Bramhall

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Sanford Meisner was one of the best known and beloved teachers of acting in the country. This audiobook follows one of his acting classes for 15 months, beginning with the most rudimentary exercises and ending with affecting and polished scenes from contemporary American plays. Written in collaboration with Dennis Longwell, it is essential listening for beginning and professional actors alike. Throughout this audiobooks, Meisner is a delight - always empathizing with his students and urging them onward, provoking emotion, laughter, and growing technical mastery from his charges.

With an introduction by Sydney Pollack, director of Out of Africa and Tootsie, who worked with Meisner for five years.

"This book should be read by anyone who wants to act or even appreciate what acting involves. Like Meisner's way of teaching, it is the straight goods." (Arthur Miller)

"If there is a key to good acting, this one is it, above all others. Actors, young and not so young, will find inspiration and excitement in this book." (Gregory Peck)

Read by Jason Culp, Arthur Morey, and Mark Bramhall

©1987 Sanford Meisner, Dennis Longwell, Sydney Pollack (P)2020 Random House Audio

New Actors

Even for my newbie self, this is inviting and still structured enough for me. Wonderful

It's a live class with Meisner!

It takes you there. I just finished listening to this and I feel as if I went to class with San in person. I took Meisner class in NYCDA first year out of highscool and this book took me back to my roots. The reader did an amazing job translating the message and differiantiating characters to perfection. Great listen to open up your acting mind and lay a solid foundation with a technique to prep you for any character work. I highly recommend it!

interesting how to book

Instead of tell how to act it was as if you were in his class listening in.

Great Listen - Solid Technique Instruction

it's as if... you were taking the class with him directly... you'll be able to apply this to some of your theatre/film work.

As someone who was a performance major in college, this should be standard with any university teaching of the Meisner Technique. My dislike originally might have come from my instructor not understanding some of the things Sandy had to enlighten his students on. I think any person learning techniques of acting would benefit from the process the students go through as the "story" develops, as this is very standard for collegiate technical development. If you've taken classes/masterclasses before- you'll see your fellow classmates, as well as yourself, reflected through the work presented in this book.

Sheer genius! You're tansported to Meisner's class

The dialog between Meisner and his students makes you feel like you are auditing the class, like you're right there listening and learning, participating, taking notes, applying knowledge, trying, failing, succeeding, and becoming engrossed in the art of acting. This allows you to not only read the text but to see yourself in some of the studentsand it helps reinforce the teachings and foundational structure that are applicable to oither areas of your life so that you can be your true authentic self, which is the essence of acting, living out loud to the fullest . Going beyond the act of acting to discover the truest revelation of who you are, the emotive unadulterated you - raw, uncensored, unapologetic, fearless, vulnerable, confident, unrelenting, no holds bar.

This is just what I needed to change the trajectory of my creative being and transform my life. Thank you Mr. Meisner! Longwell's contribution to bringing your classroom back to life earns him a jewel in his crown.

Kim Chayil

Discovering the Heart of Acting

"Sanford Meisner on Acting" is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the craft of acting, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional. This audiobook takes you inside Meisner's transformative acting class over a 15-month journey, introducing listeners to the foundational exercises that lead to powerful, nuanced performances in contemporary American plays. Collaborating with Dennis Longwell, Meisner's warmth and empathy shine through, providing not only technical guidance but also fuel for emotional growth and laughter among his students.

With insightful commentary from industry icons like Sydney Pollack and glowing endorsements from legendary figures like Arthur Miller and Gregory Peck, this audiobook offers invaluable lessons on the essence of acting. It captures the spirit of Meisner's teaching style, focusing on genuine connection and understanding, making it essential listening for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation for the art of performance. If you want to unlock the secrets to effective acting, "Sanford Meisner on Acting" paves the way with inspiration and wisdom!

Best audio book I've heard so far!

It felt like being in the classroom with Sandy and being one of the students. I can't wait to hear it again.

Loved it

Wonderful. It made me re-examine my approach in my work and inspire me to dig deeper.

lovely reading of Meisner's book

I really enjoyed listening to this audio book! I also own the hard copy of this book and it was nice to have both so I could reference the text. Good Stuff!

sandford misner on acting

This book was very helpful with understanding acting! I learned alot and will continue to use this app to listen to books.