An Actors Research: Investigating Choices for Practice and Performance

In this review of An Actors Research: Investigating Choices for Practice and Performance the bottom line is straightforward: this is a practical, studio-focused handbook for actors who want to tighten the research behind their choices. Written as an accessible guide, the book's single biggest selling point is its emphasis on research as practice rather than abstract study, making it useful for performers who need actionable methods to develop character, relationships and context. The review finds it particularly valuable for actors developing a repeatable, personal research practice.

Key Features

• Practical research approach: Presents research activities that are driven by studio practice so actors can apply methods directly to rehearsal and performance.
• Focused chapter structure: Breaks down research into areas such as self, character, relationships, circumstance and context to make development manageable.
• Accessible guidance: Uses clear, straightforward language so emerging and experienced actors can adopt the methods without specialist theory overload.
• Skillset development: Enables actors to evolve a multifaceted research skillset that supports consistent, rigorous craft work.
• Practice over study: Emphasises exercises and hints that keep the work actionable rather than purely academic, encouraging habitual research routines.

Who It's For

The book is aimed at actors, drama students and teacher-practitioners who need practical tools to inform choices in rehearsal and performance, particularly those who prefer learning through doing. It is well suited to performers seeking to bring more precision and rigour to character development and relational work.

Those looking for exhaustive academic theory on acting research or a purely historical survey of methodologies should look elsewhere, as the book privileges practice and usable exercises over theoretical exposition.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, actionable exercises that bridge studio practice and performance work.
• Logical chapter focus on self, character, relationships, circumstance and context for stepwise development.
• Accessible tone that makes complex research ideas usable for everyday rehearsal.

Cons

• Limited deep theoretical background for readers seeking an academic treatment of research methods.

Specifications

Title	An Actors Research: Investigating Choices for Practice and Performance
Authors	Philippa Strandberg-Long, Tamsin Stanley
Focus	Practical research methods for actors
Key areas covered	Self, character, relationships, circumstance, context
Approach	Practice-led, studio exercises and hints
Audience	Actors, drama students, teacher-practitioners

Our Verdict

For actors who want to turn research into reliable rehearsal practice, this book offers good value: it translates broad research concerns into specific studio tasks that sharpen choices in performance. While not a substitute for detailed academic study, its practical focus and clear chapter structure make it a useful working handbook for performers and teachers who prioritise applied methods and consistency of craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. The accessible, practice-led approach makes it suitable for early-career actors and students who want usable research methods.

Does it include exercises to use in the studio?
Yes. The book emphasises practice and offers exercises, hints and procedures to apply directly in rehearsal and training.

Will it replace theoretical textbooks on acting research?
No. It is focused on applied practice and complements rather than replaces more theoretical or historical studies.