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A Must Read for Classical Actors	Customer Rating:
This book is an excellent investment. For anyone that is interested in performing Shakespeare, it is essential to learn to the First Folio Technique. John Basil is a master teacher and his book compiles his many years of experience into an easy-to-read series of chapters on what he teaches.

Shakespeare Decoded

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I used to think Shakespeare's plays were difficult to read and really challenging to act. It turns out that Shakespeare gave his actors the tools they needed to act his words right there in his text (stage directions, etc.) After reading WILL POWER I have a greater appreciation for Shakespeare's writing and I have the tools I need to interpret and perform his works. John Basil knows his stuff. I've seen actors perform Shakespeare scenes before applying Basil's concepts and after and it's like seeing 2 different works performed. I've also used them to work on scenes from Chekhov and Ibsen. Shakespeare is a lot more fun with Basil's approach (for actor and audience alike). I recommend this book to anyone studying Shakespeare whether in an English class or an acting class. In my opinion this is required reading for ALL teachers of Shakespeare and Shakespearian actors!!

Teaches the many opportunities and avenues available for exploring Shakespeare's plays

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WILL POWER: HOW TO ACT SHAKESPEARE IN 21 DAYS guides actors through the three-week rehearsal process which leads to an understanding of performance options of Shakespeare's plays, and comes from a teacher of the First Folio approach to Shakespearean directing and acting. His techniques have been developed for all kinds of performances: any high school to adult Shakespearean drama group must have this: it teaches the many opportunities and avenues available for exploring Shakespeare's plays, relating these opportunities to acting development as a hwole. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Excellent Book!

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I am a Sophomore at Montclair State University, and I am currently enrolled in John Basil's Acting Class. The book is the required reading, and I am not in the least bit displeased! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it helped me a lot with my Shakespeare scene in class. John Basil is an amazing professor, and I only hope I get to work with him again in the future! I would recommend this book to anyone who is entering the world of theatre or acting!

Get Invigorated

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John Basil is a fantastic acting teacher and I am thrilled with his book Will Power. This is a wonderful articulation of his style, focus, and gift for teaching Shakespeare. The lessons in this book will help actors discover the layers of meaning in Shakespeare's language, and then use that knowledge to put bold character choices into action. These skills work wonderfully with Shakespeare and can also be applied to other plays written in heightened language. Sophocles, Sheridan, and Shaw, as well as Shakespeare, will feel invigorating rather than intimidating for the actor equipped with Basil's techniques. I use many of these same techniques when auditioning for or acting in commercials. After working through Shakespeare, making sense of medical jargon is easy. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student, if you work through this book and apply these techniques consistently and courageously, you will learn to act Shakespeare in a realized and compelling way. This book would also be an excellent text for a university acting course focusing on Shakespeare. Over the years I have introduced my college students to Basil's techniques. Now that Basil's written this book, I can't wait to guide them through Will Power.