This inspirational and instructive book shows how actors can use their body to be as expressive and 'articulate' as they are with their voices. It attempts to rethink and analyse the actor's physical needs, offering a graded series of exercises aimed at realising those needs and making the body fully articulate as a medium of expression.

The book is useful not just for actors, but also for teachers, directors, movement directors and choreographers.

A unique collection of performance pieces and improvisation exercises in the Commedia style by the UK's leading practioner. A sequel to the best-selling Playing Commedia .

Commedia Plays contains eight plays each with a detailed introduction, illustrating the different periods and styles of Commedia dell'Arte. Suitable for performance on stage, the plays can also be used in the classroom and workshop as the basis for improvisation.

Also included is a compilation of 'Lazzi' - the pieces of 'business' that form the basis of Commedia's comic action. These range from the Double Takes and The Surprise Embrace to whole scenes such as Cross Dressing and The Unwanted Proposal.

Performance psychologist Dr David Roland analyses how anxiety affects performing and looks at the ways of managing it — and even harnessing it to improve performance.

The book examines the role of relaxation, health, lifestyle, mental imagery and positive self-talk in preparing the performer to give their best performance.