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Legend tells how Thespis walked around Athens pulling a handcart,
setting up a series of one man plays, where he showed the
bad behaviour of man.
Our word thespian, meaning actor, comes from
his name. He is supposed to have modified the dithyramb (which
had been, in effect, exchanges between the leader and the
chorus) by introducing an actor separate from the chorus.
Masks, make up and costumes are also his contribution.
The mask allowed the actor to portray the universality of
human existence, but even masked, actors were like modern
megastar pop-stars, commanding huge figures to perform. They
dined with world leaders, travelled extensively and negotiated
through their Theatre Guild. At Keep Left Theatre we stick
with the Union too.
Thespis is no longer with us to appreciate a handy corner
store for actors -- but you can !
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© 2002 - 2005 Keep Left Theatre
All rights reserved.
Page by keep-left
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The Thespian Corner Store
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Makeup
 Stage
Makeup (9th Edition)
For both the amateur and professional, the bible of stage
make-up
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Acting Guides
 A Practical Handbook for the Actor
A short, concise, easy-to-implement acting guide which explains
the finer points of 'acting-style'. With information and exercises
about script analysis, character development and breaking
things down to their essential elements of action and intent.
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Method
 An
Actor Prepares
From the great teacher and director Stanislavski.
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Method
Acting: The First Six Lessons. (Theatre Arts
Book)
Boleslavsky was a disciple of Stanislavski, and uses the same
form of dialogues between teacher and student. However it's
infinitely more readable than Stanislavski's works. Despite
the sexism (1933) this is the best single introductory book
on acting anywhere.
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Craft
Respect
for Acting
Uta Hagen challenges the actor to achieve a higher form of
theatre, one that works collaboratively, not individually.Great
acting is about the difficult mixture of intellect and action,
and about sincerely and truthfully connecting to the moment,
your fellow actors, and the audience.
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Stage Sets
 Small Stage Sets on Tour: A Practical Guide to Portable Stage Sets
Intended primarily for teachers, students, community theatres,
and those regularly suffering from lack of financial backing
or construction capabilities. Basicinformation on converting
less than ideal spaces into theatrical performance areas quickly
and inexpensively
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