The Actor's Art and Craft

William Esper Teaches the Meisner Technique

By: William Esper, Damon Dimarco, David Mamet

Narrated by: Michael Esper, Damon Dimarco

William Esper, one of the leading acting teachers of our time, explains and extends Sanford Meisner's legendary technique, offering a clear, concrete, step-by-step approach to becoming a truly creative actor.

Esper worked closely with Meisner for 17 years and has spent decades developing his famous program for actor's training. The result is a rigorous system of exercises that builds a solid foundation of acting skills from the ground up, and that is flexible enough to be applied to any challenge an actor faces, from soap operas to Shakespeare. Co-writer Damon DiMarco, a former student of Esper's, spent over a year observing his mentor teaching first-year acting students. In this book, he recreates that experience for us, allowing us to see how the progression of exercises works in practice. The Actor's Art and Craft vividly demonstrates that good training does not constrain actors' instincts - it frees them to create characters with truthful and compelling inner lives.

©2008 William Esper and Damon Dimarco (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Utterly inspirational.... The best book on the craft of acting that I have ever read." (Mary Steenburgen)

"As far as I'm concerned, there is only way to learn the craft of acting, and that is through the Meisner technique. And there is only one person to learn that technique from, and that is William Esper." (Patricia Heaton)

"The essence of this book is like William Esper himself: kind/clear, caring/generous, passionate/graceful, brilliant/profound. Inspiring. Invaluable." (Jeff Goldblum)

Thoroughly Enjoyed

Great tips, practice exercises, and examples. This was my first acting book and I really enjoyed the simplicity and stories.

Great book for actors

I listened to this audiobook after studying Meisner technique and reading Sanford Meisner’s amazing book many times, and I liked Esper’s teaching and involvement. It’s not as good as being there in the class room, but a nice refresher for meisner students, and a great intro for people considering studying this technique. Didn’t like the narrator at all with his fake accents and voices trying to depict the different students, this was almost unbearable to listen to, and completely not necessary. However, great book!

Game changer

This is one of the best acting books I have ever had the pleasure to listen to. I have both the audio version and the text version. This book will serve me for years to come.

Brilliant book bad narrator.

A staple for actors. However I do not like the wispy voice narrator. He ends his sentences like he's whispering. Like bro come on say the full sentence at a consistent volume. It was very annoying he'd start off full volume and then end on a lull like it's part lullaby. And this is a book where you don't want to miss details.

Required reading for the actor!

The finest book on the Meisner technique available. A must read for anyone who is serious about the craft of acting.

A beautiful, touching, immersive experience

The content was beautiful and incredibly useful, the narration and performance was brilliant and I felt as if I was attending the class with them. A beautiful experience

Very Good Book

I dont reccomend on over the other when comparing to Miesners Sanford Miesner on Acting. Both should be read and both will offer you something of value that play well with one another.

The best actor is your true self

I love this book I wish I could meet the author and learn even more and participate in person.

Excellently Done! I got the feeling of being there

The voices were perfect. Just enough character to keep it clear. The notes and office conversations with the writer and Esper are extremely helpful and clear.

5 Stars

You have opened my eyes & even more important...my mind & imagination. God Bless You.