"Introduction. Why are you reading this book?"

   

          After a long and merciless two hours spent scrounging around Borders for a decent book, I finally decided to read Sanford Meisner On Acting for our Blog Project assignment. I was drawn to this book for several reasons. First of all, one of my close friends just returned from a summer theater program at Brown University, and after six weeks of learning and utilizing the Meisner Technique he now swears by it. Additionally, while scanning the back cover I was intrigued by the fact that this book follows the story of an acting class of eight men and eight women over the course of fifteen months as they hone their craft under the guidance of "Sandy" Meisner. This appealed to me because rather than just a straightforward how-to book filled with diagrams and dry instructions, this book is written almost like a diary, with dated entries spanning the duration of the actors' journeys. I have no doubt that this book will grasp hold of my attention and keep me interested, which is a challenge within itself.

        Finally, I chose this book because it was different. Throughout my entire "acting career", I feel like I've only been exposed to a certain type or method of acting that, to be honest, has left me a little unsatisfied. I feel that by expanding my horizons and opening myself up to new techniques and approaches, I will be able to grow leaps and bounds in regards to acting.

        As I skimmed through the first couple pages, something caught my eye - one of the opening quotes in the book chosen by Meisner, which reads:

        "I wish the stage were as narrow as the wire of a tightrope dancer, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it."

        I think me and Sandy will get along just fine.