This book was written to encourage actors to take the pressure off themselves and just be as open as possible on a stage. Everything you need to play a role already exists! There are impulses coming at you constantly! I read most of this just before playing Mary Warren in "The Crucible" and had perhaps the most relaxed and fulfilling theatre experience I've ever had. This book was not the sole reason for that, but it was a large part of it.

I hate reading books about acting because they get so academic and technical; as if there is one way to act, one way to be truthful with a text. The Actor and the Target forces you to get out of your head and recognize that everything you need to act has always been in front of you. It’s like a manual for coaching actors to just act goddamnit. For those it matters to, Nick O’Leary told me to read this book; like most things having to do with theatre, he was right.

really good for acting/directing/writing. also really good for thinking about what it means to be a person

It's a really good book for anyone interested in acting, no matter their level. I'd recommend it.
It's a bit fuzzy sometimes but in the end it all ties together, and I feel that it has taught me quite some things. Both about acting and creativity in general.

I read this for my theatre Industry class. I did find it to be a bit dry at times and the references to Romeo and Juliet got quite tired.Not looking forward to making presentation on this though. BUT YAY FOR FINISHING MY GOODREADS YEAR READING GOAL!!!! AHHH GO ME!

READ READ READ!!!