Acting

198758m

A series of workshops led by leading actors on the techniques of acting in film, opera, and on stage

Production

Logo for BBC Entertainment

Seasons

5 Episodes • Premiered 1987

Still image for Acting season 1 episode 1: Michael Caine: On Acting in Film

1. Michael Caine: On Acting in Film

Michael Caine teaches the art of movie acting to five young actors, who perform scenes from Alfie (1966), Deathtrap (1982) and Educating Rita (1983). He talks about how to perform in close-ups and extreme close-ups. He warns about the continuity dangers of smoking cigarettes or fiddling with props. He talks about screen tests, special effects men who are cavalier about your safety and speaking to someone who is off camera. The movie camera is your best friend and most attentive lover, he says, even though you invariably ignore her. The art of movie acting can be summed up in one word: relax!

Still image for Acting season 1 episode 2: Jonathan Miller: On Acting in Opera

2. Jonathan Miller: On Acting in Opera

Still image for Acting season 1 episode 3: Simon Callow: On Acting in Restoration Comedy

3. Simon Callow: On Acting in Restoration Comedy

Still image for Acting season 1 episode 4: Brian Cox: On Acting in Shakespearean Tragedy

4. Brian Cox: On Acting in Shakespearean Tragedy

Brian Cox leads a group of young actors in a workshop exploring techniques in performing Shakesperean tragedy, using Macbeth and Titus Andronicus as example texts.

Still image for Acting season 1 episode 5: Janet Suzman: On Acting in Shakespearean Comedy

5. Janet Suzman: On Acting in Shakespearean Comedy

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