The Power of the Actor (Revised and Updated)

The Chubbuck Technique: The 12-Step Acting Method for Creating Dynamic Characters

By: Ivana Chubbuck

Narrated by: Ivana Chubbuck

In this completely updated edition of her bestselling book, renowned acting coach Ivana Chubbuck shares her cutting-edge technique that has launched some of the most successful and lauded acting careers in Hollywood

Let the instructor who taught Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Jim Carrey, Aubrey Plaza, Travis Fimmel, Gal Gadot, Beyoncé Knowles, Judith Light, Sylvester Stallone, Eva Mendes, Morris Chestnut, Shia LaBeouf, and Jake Gyllenhaal guide you to dynamic and effective results. With new stories from notable stars she’s worked with since the first edition of The Power of the Actor and fresh exercises she’s incorporated to upgrade her time-tested 12 step program, this revised edition is a must-have for anyone looking to hone their craft.

The Chubbuck Technique takes the theories of acting masters such as Stanislavski, Strasberg, and Hagen to the next level by utilizing inner pain and emotions, not as an end in itself, but as a way to empower and fuel one’s ability to overcome and win and therefore drive a unique and powerful performance. The Power of the Actor is filled with fascinating and inspiring behind-the-scenes accounts of how actors, writers, and directors have mastered their craft and accomplished success in such a difficult and competitive field.

*This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of scripts, emotional diary examples, and the Practical Application section from the book

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Ivana Chubbuck (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Outstanding. She is a Power-House!!

I have heard of Ivana for decades. I was turned on to her book by friends who were actors. I never realized that the actor in a film or television series that has all the power. More than the directors producers or even writers. They are the final element that tells the story to the audience and who the audience is invested in. Ivana has crafted a method and a practical application to making sure that the performance is a winning performance in every scene down to the smallest moments. And better yet, it’s so simple. She gives clear tools for the actor to use as simple as a hammer on a tool belt. You can Google her and see the unbelievable list of Academy Award winners that she mentored through the process and result. This is a must read for any actor, writer, director, or even anyone struggling to get their power back in their life. Ivana sees the matrix and guides you through it seamlessly.

Useful Acting Tool

This book was not the most thrilling; however, it contained many useful acting techniques to create powerful characters.
The author’s main focus was on her 12 step Chubbuck technique, broken down into chapters and spiced up with many examples from her celebrity students. Essentially, decide upon your character’s overarching and scene objective, what your character wants from other characters (like “really” wants), and use personal substitutions to better relate to your characters. She also included some useful exercises to imitate difficult states of being, like losing consciousness or being intoxicated.
I feel like this book would be best in written format, as a slow study, for actors to practice and apply the techniques.

Ivana is SO down to earth!

Hearing her method spoken and taught straight from the source gives this technique a matter-of-fact confidence in its effectiveness for actors. If you couldn’t tell by the litany of stars that have worked with Ivana, listening to The Power of the Actor will make it obvious how great this system is for the actor!

HIGHLY RECCOMEND

This is a profoundly practical approach to the art and science of constructing a nuanced performance with depth and gravitas. The narration feels intimate and easy to digest and the tools described here demystify the often illusive process of discovery in creating a compelling performance that is meaningful not only for the audience but also the actor playing the role. Very empowering. Highly recommend!

Life Changing Principles for Actors and Non-Actors

Training with Ivana and being a part of her masterclass for years has changed me as an actor and as a person. The most profound principle that I’ve gleaned from Ivana: using your pain and trauma as fuel to win and prosper, rather than self-destruction. Thank you for listening to your calling, Ivana!