Actors and Acting in Shakespeare's Time

The Art of Stage Playing

By John H. Astington | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

John Astington brings the acting style of the Shakespearean period to life, describing and analysing the art of the player in the English professional theatre between Richard Tarlton and Thomas Betterton. The book pays close attention to the cultural context of stage playing, the critical language used about it, and the kinds of training and professional practice employed in the theatre at various times over the course of roughly one hundred years - 1558-1660. Perfect for courses, this survey takes into account recent discoveries about actors and their social networks, about apprenticeship and company affiliations, and about playing outside the major centre of theatre, London. Astington considers the educational tradition of playing, in schools, universities, legal inns, and choral communities, in comparison to the work of the professional players. A comprehensive biographical dictionary of all major professional players of the Shakespearean period is included as a handy reference guide.

Editions of Actors and Acting in Shakespeare's Time

Hardcover
ISBN 9780521192507
Paperback
ISBN 9780521140775

Read an Excerpt

John Astington brings the acting style of the Shakespearean period to life, describing and analysing the art of the player in the English professional theatre between Richard Tarlton and Thomas Betterton. The book pays close attention to the cultural context of stage playing, the critical language used about it, and the kinds of training and professional practice employed in the theatre at various times over the course of roughly one hundred years - 1558-1660. Perfect for courses, this survey takes into account recent discoveries about actors and their social networks, about apprenticeship and company affiliations, and about playing outside the major centre of theatre, London. Astington considers the educational tradition of playing, in schools, universities, legal inns, and choral communities, in comparison to the work of the professional players. A comprehensive biographical dictionary of all major professional players of the Shakespearean period is included as a handy reference guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Actors and Acting in Shakespeare's Time about?

John Astington brings the acting style of the Shakespearean period to life, describing and analysing the art of the player in the English professional theatre between Richard Tarlton and Thomas Betterton. The book pays close attention to the cultural context of stage playing, the critical language used about it, and the kinds of training and professional practice employed in the theatre at various times over the course of roughly one hundred years - 1558-1660. Perfect for courses, this survey takes into account recent discoveries about actors and their social networks, about apprenticeship and company affiliations, and about playing outside the major centre of theatre, London. Astington considers the educational tradition of playing, in schools, universities, legal inns, and choral communities, in comparison to the work of the professional players. A comprehensive biographical dictionary of all major professional players of the Shakespearean period is included as a handy reference guide.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Actors and Acting in Shakespeare's Time?

The Arts > Performing arts > Theatre studies > Acting techniques

Where can I read a sample of Actors and Acting in Shakespeare's Time?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780521192507

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Actors and Acting in Shakespeare's Time?

John H. Astington

Who is the Publisher of the book Actors and Acting in Shakespeare's Time?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Actors and Acting in Shakespeare's Time is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780521192507) and paperback(ISBN 9780521140775)