VOICE
Finding Your Voice- Barbara Houseman. A simple, step-by-step manual which offers everything an actor needs to work on their voice.
The Vocal Arts Workbook- David Carey and Rebecca- Clark Carey. A practical workbook which helps actors to fully develop expressive voice skills to communicate thoughts and feelings with precision and power.
The Need for Words – Patsy Rodenberg. How we speak and what we speak and its impact on the spoken word.
Voice Work: Art and Science in Changing Voices – Christina Shewell. Addresses the theoretical and experiential aspects common to the practical vocal work of the three major voice practitioner professions.
Basics of Vocal Pedagogy – Clifton Ware. For college and university level plus, a great training manual and general reference book.
Voice and the Alexander Technique Active Explorations for Speaking and Singing – Jane Ruby Heirich. Active exploration for speaking and singing.
WRITING
The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield. A short book about battling distraction and creative blocks, a great motivator.
Into the Woods by John York. Breaks down story, how they work and why we tell them.
ACTING
True & False by David Mamet. A straight-talking, no-nonsense book about acting and the industry.
Truth 24 times a second by Mel Churcher. Breaking down transitioning from Stage to Screen acting with tonnes of practical tips.
Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen. A classic!
DIRECTING
Mainly on Directing: Gypsy, West Side Story, Other Musicals by Arthur Laurents. A unique close-up look at American musical theatre and the challenges and surprise’s that come up along the way to making these shows.
Making Movies by Sidney Lumet. All about how movies are made and what exactly a director does.
WELLBEING
The Artists Way, Julia Cameroon. A twelve-week course that guides you through the process of recovering your creative self. It aims to dispel the ‘I’m not talented enough’ conditioning that holds many people back and helps you to unleash your own inner artist.
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp. An inspiring and encouraging guid to help each of us achieve our fullest creative potential.
AUTO-BIOGRAPHICAL
A life in parts by Bryan Cranston. A funny and inspiring look at how he made it and meditation on creativity, devotion, and craft.
