The Persuasive Actor: Rhetorical Power on the Contemporary Stage

Description

'A must-have for all actors who encounter speeches that are longer than three sentences. On the surface, that would be classic works from Sophocles through Shakespeare - with the 17th and 18th centuries thrown in. Dig deeper and the book's value to actors of modern and contemporary drama is inescapable. Ibsen, Shaw, Williams, Miller, Shepard, Wilson, Kushner, and Suzan-Lori Parks all wrote plays that are filled with powerful rhetorical devices that demand lively, thorough, and specific consideration. This book is a guide that unfolds the mysteries of classical rhetoric in a clear, concise, and effective manner, a book for speakers who want to move their audiences. It is aimed at actors, but also belongs on the shelf of lawyers, advertising copywriters, and, of course, public officials. I will use it in my classes and workshops and enthusiastically recommended it to all actors and actor trainers.' - Leslie Reidel, Department of Theatre, University of Delaware

Milan Dragicevich is Associate Professor of Theatre, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

"No book can teach anyone how to speak, but the lessons herein, practically applied, will help everyone who reads it become a better actor, speaker, and communicator. This is an exciting, invigorating book which will be required reading for all my acting students. I predict it will become a celebrated text of great worth to educators and students." Murray McGibbon, Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance, Indiana University, Bloomington "Milan Dragicevich is a godsend to the American theatre. In his new book for actors, The Persuasive Actor , he eloquently articulates with brilliant clarity the tools every serious actor needs to become a master of his craft . I rejoice in Milan's vision. I wish it had been part of my own training. It will invigorate and inspire the American actor to new heights." Apollo Dukakis, actor, director, teacher, and Resident Artist with the acclaimed A Noise Within Theater Company of Los Angeles "In a time when language seems to be shrinking, this book is a must-read for all actors. Milan's enthusiasm for language is positively infectious. He is the Mick Jagger of classical rhetoric !" Susan Angelo, actress, director " An essential new manual for actors, poets, singers, and public speakers ." Yannis Simonides, Artistic Director, Elliniko Theatro of New York and Athens "For generations, actors were trained in the rhetorical power of communication. Today, perhaps more than ever, the strategic choices of captivating stage speech can deeply touch the hearts and minds of an audience. In just a few chapters, Dragicevich provides the keys to unlocking this incredible resource for the actor." Mike Moreno, Host, The Actor CEO Podcast "Dragicevich makes a compelling argument that actors should study rhetorical structures in plays in order to make their use of language active and vibrant. As he boldly states, the 'art of crafted speaking will not steal your soul, robbing you of spontaneity. Quite the contrary, it will give you more impulses and freedom to chooseamong a wide range of optionshow best to detonate the charges within the text.' This is an energizing, useful read." Erika Bailey, Head of Voice and Speech at American Repertory Theater (ART) and Lecturer at Harvard University, in Voice and Speech Review