Description
The Actor and the Target by Declan Donnellan is a groundbreaking and influential guide to acting that challenges traditional assumptions about performance. Written by one of the world’s most respected theatre directors, this revised and updated edition presents a fresh, practical, and psychologically insightful approach to the craft of acting.
Rather than focusing on abstract theory, Donnellan introduces a highly practical system centered on the concept of the “target”—helping actors move beyond self-consciousness and creative blocks by shifting focus outward. His method provides actors with clear tools to overcome fear, doubt, and technical obstacles in performance.
Praised internationally by leading theatre critics and directors, the book has been described as:
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A radical rethinking of acting technique
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A psychologically sharp exploration of performance
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Deeply rooted in modern theatre and contemporary reality
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Practical, direct, and accessible to working actors
Why This Book Matters:
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Offers a clear alternative to traditional inward-focused acting methods
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Helps actors deal with stage fright, creative paralysis, and emotional barriers
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Bridges theatre practice and modern psychology
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Widely used in drama schools and professional theatre training
Ideal for actors, drama students, directors, and performing arts educators, The Actor and the Target remains one of the most influential modern books on acting technique.
Whether you are training professionally or refining your craft, this book provides powerful insights into truthful performance and effective stage presence.
