The legendary acting coach shares his inspirational philosophy and effective techniques--including case studies, exercises, and professional insights--designed to help actors connect personally with a script, develop a character from the inside out, overcome fear and inhibitions, hone technical skills, and more. Reprint. 17,500 first printing. I call this book The Intent to Live because great actors don't seem to be acting, they seem to be actually living.”-Larry Moss, from the IntroductionWhen Oscar-winning actors Helen Hunt and Hilary Swank accepted their Academy Awards, each credited Larry Moss's guidance as key to their career-making performances. There is a two-year waiting list for his advanced acting classes. But now everyone-professionals and amateurs alike-can discover Moss's passionate, in-depth teaching.Inviting you to join him in the classroom and onstage, Moss shares the techniques he has developed over thirty years to help actors set their emotions, imagination, and behavior on fire, showing how the hard work of preparation pays off in performances that are spontaneous, fresh, and authentic. From the foundations of script analysis to the nuances of physicalization and sensory work, here are the case studies, exercises, and insights that enable you to connect personally with a script, develop your character from the inside out, overcome fear and inhibition, and master the technical skills required for success in the theater, television, and movies.Far more than a handbook, The Intent to Live is the personal credo of a master teacher. Moss's respect for actors and love of the actor's craft enliven every page, together with examples from a wealth of plays and films, both current and classic, and vivid appreciations of great performances. Whether you act for a living or simply want a deeper understanding of acting greatness, The Intent to Live will move, instruct, and inspire you. Introduction: Discovering the Dream Given Circumstances: Building from the Ground Up 7(12) Superobjective and Objective: What Do You Want? 19(12) My System of Wants Exercise 30(1) Obstacle and Intention: How Will You Get It? 31(17) Stakes: What Is It Worth to You? 48(9) Inner Imagery: The Life Within 57(13) Battling Acting Teachers: Don't Get Caught in a Senseless War 70(8) Emotion on Demand: Finding Your Triggers 78(12) Memories of Home Exercise 82(8) The Actor's Choice: Creating Your Interpretation 90(15) Defining and Redefining Your Relationships 105(16) In-Character Improvisation 111(10) Destination, Business, and Gesture Creating Physical Life for Your Character 121(15) Back Story and Biography: Believing Your Character's Life 136(5) The Animal Exercise: Expanding Your Behavioral Choices 141(4) Place: The Richness of Where You Are 145(10) Cold, Drunk, Hot, Sexy: Using Sensory Work for Character 155(14) The Physical Sensation Exercise 160(9) Endowing Objects, Places, Persons, and Events 169(12) The Personal Object Exercise 169(12) The Moment Before: Starting the Scene with Life 181(5) Moment to Moment: It's Always Improvisation 186(10) The Repeat Exercise 189(7) Relaxation and Overcoming Fear 196(13) The Release Exercise 199(10) Voice, Accents, and Blood Memory 209(9) An Actor's Tipsheet for Comedy 218(18) Stage, Screen, and TV: Similarities, Differences, Traps 236(17) How to Work with a Director or Be Your Own Director 253(9) The Power of Yes 262(5) When Race, Racial Stereotypes, Class, Ethnicity, and Sexuality Become Issues 267(8) The Story Exercise: Becoming the Writer and Star of Your Own Play 275(10) Confidence Versus Arrogance and the Work Ethic 285(6) On Being Cool: A Rant 291(2) Breaking in and Breaking Out: How I Learned Not to Be a Demented Puppy 293(10) For Further Study Essential Questions for Working on a Part 303(2) A Case Study 305(34) Lobby Hero Part I: The Scene Part II: The Process The Monologue Workout Program 339(10) Acknowledgments 349(1) Index 350