2022 Facsimile of the 1936 Edition.  This work is the first volume of Stanislavski's trilogy on the art of acting; it explains the art of acting in semi-fiction form. Fusing psychological realism and expressionism, his exploratory exercises teach actors to evoke past emotions that draw out their vulnerability. Stanislavski here introduces such concepts as the "magic if, " "emotion memory, " the "unbroken line" and many more now famous rehearsal aids. This classic manual is written from the viewpoint of fictional actors taking lessons from a director (based on Stanislavski). Through the student's mistakes, questions, revelations, and struggles, Stanislavski teaches the actor about the stage, truth, and life itself.  Contents:  The first test -- When acting is an art -- Action -- Imagination -- Concentration of attention -- Relaxation of muscles -- Units and objectives -- Faith and a sense of truth -- Emotion memory -- Communion -- Adaptation -- Inner motive forces -- The unbroken line -- The inner creative state -- The super-objective -- On the threshold of the subconscious.