"Any student of acting must begin by reawakening his or her ability to play like a child. The Natural Actor focuses on stimulating this ability using simple, natural, easily understood techniques. First, students train their instruments: body, voice, mind, and spirit. The trained instrument is then used to practice the craft of acting through games, improvisation, and open scenes. Journal prompts encourage critical thinking about the learning process. Physical training is integrated into activities that develop the imagination and strengthen the ability to work with others. Aristotle observed that acting is an innate part of human nature. The Natural Actor gives students the emotional guidance and practical tools needed to rediscover that innate ability. The book is ideal for college-level performing arts classes. Written from a position of emotional sensitivity and abundance, The Natural Actor will help any student who wishes to release the actor within and explore the creative self." Mary Kate Caffrey received her MA in theatre from Northwestern University. She has taught undergraduate acting at a number of universities, community colleges, and conservatories on the East Coast. She is currently Professor of Communicative Arts at Massasoit Community College and Lecturer in Performing Arts at The University of Massachusetts, Boston. She has directed productions at numerous theatres in the New England area. Before becoming a founding member and Co-Artistic Director of Threshold Theatre, she was Artistic Director at the Triangle Theater and Education Director at the New Theater, both in Boston, MA.
