A handbook for the actor or aspiring actor who wants to learn the art of acting and how to develop their skills. The author stresses the importance of technique and discusses how voice and speech, linguistic ability, body language, analysis of text and creation of character can all be learnt. Each of these areas is comprehensively covered: there are exercises for voice and body, analysis of excerpts from plays, notes on learning lines and what to expect in rehearsals. There is also a chapter on Shakespeare and the particular requirements of acting in his plays. In addition, there is a chapter which looks closely at "A Streetcar Named Desire", analyzing the play from the actor's point of view. There is also a chapter on teaching acting in schools at GCSE level. Hugh Morrison has taught acting at various institutions, including RADA and LAMDA and is the author of "Directing in the Theatre".