The Actor Uncovered

Starred review from February 1, 2017

Howard's illuminating treatise on acting is an alternately practical, theoretical, and philosophical distillation of a 70-plus year career in professional American theater as an esteemed actor, director, and, especially, master teacher. The fundamental leitmotif, crystallized in the title, is the imperative of revelation: that the actor, in a metaphor he borrows from sculpture, set free the figure already in the marble. The text is methodically arranged, first placing the actor in the world and covering such nuts-and-bolts chapters as various techniques and styles in different mediums, the nature of truth in the theater, auditioning, and the triumvirate of relaxation, concentration, and breath. The second part covers the rehearsal process and all its attendant actor-director and character exploration elements. Performance constitutes the third section with an astute analysis of both internal and external preparation. The final chapters are a coda on the commitment to ongoing training, work, and the importance of acting schools. VERDICT Howard's gravitas as a significant figure in contemporary American theater is undeniable. This important text will be useful to actors and students at all levels.--Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX

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