The Gonsalves Method
Meisner Updated for the Modern Actor
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Description
The Gonsalves Method is an inspiring, comprehensive and replicable theatre process that builds skills, develops trust and opens hearts in any rehearsal room. It offers a systematic approach to acting and directing that builds on the techniques developed by Sanford Meisner and updates them for the pressures and contexts of the modern world.
Five Conditions – As, If, Prep, Objectives, Stakes and Entitlement – offer a clear, relatable performance language and a simple step-by-step guide to practicable and powerful ways to breathe life into the words of any playwright.
Five Rehearsal Stages work alongside the Five Conditions in offering a clear path to performance that showcases both ensemble practice and the uniqueness of each performer.
Rehearsal exercises are detailed throughout, illustrated through work by a wide range of playwrights, including Tanika Gupta, Duncan Macmillan, Caryl Churchill and William Shakespeare.
A wealth of practical tips are woven through the process, including for casting, line learning, auditions, self-tapes and direct address. For whatever stage in your career, this book offers actors, directors and theatre teachers insights and exercises to develop alive, responsive, authentic performances that meet Meisner's instruction that actors should 'live truthfully under a given set of circumstances'.
Table of Contents
What is the Gonsalves Method?
How has it evolved from Meisner?
What benefits does it offer today's actors, directors and teachers?
Preparation
Chapter 1: Getting connected to each other
Chapter 2: Getting to know the world of the play
Chapter 3: Getting to know your character's point of view
Chapter 4: Getting to know your lines
The Five Conditions
Chapter 5: As Ifs and Preps
Chapter 6: Objectives, Stakes and Entitlement
The Five Rehearsal Stages
Chapter 7: Testing Conditions
Chapter 8: Bringing in Text
Chapter 9: Paraphrasing and Listening
Chapter 10: Using your Words to get your Objective
Chapter 11: Physical Externals and Staging
Performance
Chapter 12: Moment to Moment
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index
Product details
| Published | Dec 10 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Hardback |
| Edition | 1st |
| Pages | 192 |
| ISBN | 9781350461390 |
| Imprint | Methuen Drama |
| Illustrations | 5 bw illus |
| Dimensions | 9 x 5 inches |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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