THE PROCESS the secret of truthful acting

'The Process' is the best acting book I’ve read in a very long time. It takes a journey of what an actor needs to do in order to bring a fully rounded and fleshed out character to life. It is a process that cuts to the chase, that simplifies what can sometimes be unclear and draws on the influence of the great discoveries of acting; from Stanislavski to Adler & Meisner to James Bowden’s own findings and beyond.This book says there’s not just one approach but many and combines what’s useful, enabling you to create a personal approach. What I love is that James Bowden makes the different stages of what is head work, heart work, body work and what part of the process lies where in a very clear format.This book gives a clear understanding that imagination is stronger and safer than any method of diving into your past. And the importance of an emotional prep and how to set one up correctly so you can enter a scene with a full inner life. This book really is a must for every actor. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It might be a small book but it packs a very big punch.

Essential for acting aspirants, a must to read.

Best Acting book I've read for a long time. It's practical idiot proof approach is perfect for an instinctive actor like myself who puts the pressure on for perfection all the time. I have a tendency to over complicate things and this book reminded me to take things back to basics, and to play in rehearsal. Use the process to create real truth and use what works you. With heaps of practical exercises this really is a top read.

As much as I do dislike the cliche sub-title of the book "the secret of truthful acting". I can't recommend this book enough. This book does for you what many people have tried to do unsuccessfully. I've spent 8 years trying to combine the techniques found here in this book. I wish it was released back then.

I found this book to be an Excellent and straight forward guide to acting- I thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in acting at any stage of their career.

I meet James in an actor's training. I found his tools really handy on a day to day actor's job. This book should be a "must" for every actor. Hightly recommended!!

A very insightful and enjoyable read. Straight to the point and the right amount of detail. A refreshing way to truthful acting that saves the actor a very intellectual process. Enjoy!

For a total none actor, it was very well presented, well written and I loved the flow of it, it made a lot of sense in how it was laid out. Second, It was so easy to understand. I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I loved the diagrams written out by hand, made the whole feel real and personal, like a journal someone had given me. Thirdly, the exercises were very much in line with the type of things we do in play therapy, they were so creative and structured and really brought your point back to the truth of who we are and the PROCESS of how we gain truth. Life gives us so many barriers to truth and self acceptance of the things we can, and cannot do. You truly have written something quite superb, yet smile and direct. Loved it.