Whether you’re busy with festive acting projects or looking forward to some downtime, this month’s article is all about staying motivated and inspired.
I’ve curated a “12 Days of Actmas” list featuring my top 12 acting and performing books. These selections will help you dive into the wisdom of some of the industry’s most esteemed practitioners and leave you eager to hit the stage or screen.
Add these to your Christmas list or purchase them for some fantastic holiday reading or for the special actor in your family!
12 Days of Actmas
On the 1st day of Actmas my true love sent to me…An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski.
A foundational text that covers everything you need to know about Stanislavski’s methods.
On the 2nd day of Actmas my true love sent to me…Sanford Meisner on Acting by Dennis Longwell & Sanford Meisner.
Meisner may not resonate with everyone, but his genius shines through. He inspired me with his idea that “Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.”
On the 3rd day of Actmas my true love sent to me…True & False by David Mamet.
An honest, no-nonsense guide that addresses what actors really need to know.
On the 4th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…Practical Handbook for the Actor by Melissa Bruder et al.
This book addresses the frustrations of unclear acting classes and provides a strong set of tools, all rooted in Mamet’s advice: “Always tell the truth; it’s the easiest thing to remember.”
On the 5th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…Different Every Night: Freeing the Actor by Mike Alfreds.
Packed with practical advice and techniques for bringing text to life, this book is essential for both rehearsal and performance.
On the 6th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…The Complete Brecht Toolkit by Stephen Unwin.
Explore Brecht’s sometimes contradictory ideas with exercises to create your own Brecht toolkit—perfect for students!
On the 7th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…Stella Adler: The Art of Acting by Stella Adler.
This book offers twenty-two lessons—why not try some?
On the 8th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…Year of the King by Anthony Sher.
A truly inspiring read, this memoir captures the legendary Sher’s experience portraying Richard III.
On the 9th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…Acting in Film: An Actor's Take on Moviemaking by Michael Caine.
For those interested in screen acting, this book is invaluable. Check out Michael’s YouTube videos that complement the text.
On the 10th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle.
Coyle’s philosophy—“Greatness isn’t born, it’s grown”—is backed by science and essential for anyone looking to improve.
On the 11th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…The Actor and the Target by Declan Donnellan.
Recommended by my acting coach, this book is packed with incredible information and is a must-have for all actors.
On the 12th day of Actmas my true love sent to me…Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus by Maggie Lloyd-Williams.
This was the first acting book I ever bought, and it remains my favorite. Just read the first 15 pages—it might change your life!
I hope you find these recommendations useful and enjoy exploring different methods and techniques, as well as stories from other practitioners’ perspectives. Each book offers something unique, so I hope you discover one that resonates with you.
If you read any of these and would like to share your thoughts with me, feel free to DM me on Instagram—I’d love to hear your feedback! You can find me @maddentheatrearts or alternatively book a free 30 minute call with me to discuss whether our coaching could be right for you calendly.com/maddentheatrearts
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2025!
Have a delightful December.
Savanna x
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