This is the first book to be written on the Gonsalves Method, an emerging actor-training method receiving growing attention in drama training and rehearsal settings.

Building on the work of Sanford Meisner and his instruction to "live truthfully under a given set of circumstances", the Gonsalves Method and this book are based on "five conditions" that demystify acting in an ensemble context with the ultimate goal of achieving truthful performances. Each condition builds through simple steps to train the actor to be fully responsive in every moment to their fellow actors, audience and environment.

These "five conditions" are brought about through the "five rehearsal stages", unpacked in this book, and which offer a step-by-step path to performance, with practical tips about casting, line-learning and creating a joyful, trusting, productive ensemble.

Throughout, the method set out in this book is underpinned with case studies, examples and interviews with practitioners that have used it in productions – in particular, the immersive ensemble founded by Aileen Gonsalves, The Butterfly Collective, whose work is used frequently as examples during the book.

The book also features practical exercises for the reader, drawing on work from a wide range of playwrights, including William Shakespeare, Tanika Gupta, Duncan Macmillan, Caryl Churchill, Penelope Skinner, Oscar Wilde, Harold Pinter and David Mamet.

Throughout, readers can expect to gain a methodical, but intuitive, approach to acting and a foundational understanding of a dynamic new method that helps in truthful character creation.