Brief description: The textbook is based on my THR121 Fundamentals of Acting classes, which is indicated in its title -- dual basic introduction to Method Acting and Theatre Biomechanics. Both techniques were establish by two great Russian directors, Stanislavsky and Meyerhold; one is for psychological realism, another -- for physical action.

I teach Biomechanics in THR221 Intermediate Acting and Method Acting in THR321 Advanced Acting, but presentaing two contrasting approaches in Acting One proved to be effective in developing the fundations of craft of acting. I am teaching acting full-time since 1986 and believe that the systematic view of acting theatre is very important for American students.

Outstanding features: Biomechanics are known mostly to theatre scholars and it's about time to bring the technique to classroom. I have summaries and questions sections in every chapter. I use the scenes and monologues for in-class exercises, in addition, I use The Importance of Being Earnest (Wilde), the show I directed as the case-study (plot, scenes, character's analysis and etc.) Samples of tests and exams are from the previous classes.

Supplements: on act.vtheatre.net webpages I have special sections for students (homework, actor's journals, resume, portfolio) and for instructors.

Supplementary material -- a teacher's manual, study guide, lab manual, solutions manual.

Level: the book intended for begginers. The material been class-tested for several years at University of Alaska Fairbanks and web-supported (a href=http://act.vtheatre.net/index.html>act.vtheatre.net.