Actioning - and How to Do It

A clear, practical and empowering guide to Actioning — one of the most widely used rehearsal techniques for actors.

The indispensable companion to Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus, offering the first in‑depth exploration of how to apply Actioning in rehearsal and performance.

About the Ebook

Actioning – and How to Do It is the essential guide to one of the actor’s most powerful rehearsal tools. Actioning helps bring clarity, intention and energy to every moment in the text, transforming rehearsals and bringing performances vividly to life.

This step‑by‑step handbook shows you how to interrogate the text, choose effective action verbs, play those actions physically and vocally, and maintain an imaginative and emotional connection with each moment. It also explores how to signpost thoughts to your scene partner — a key part of truthful, responsive acting.

Actioning will help you unlock:

• Newfound energy, range and variety in performance
• Clear, playable actions for every beat of text
• Stronger emotional and imaginative connection
• Greater clarity of body, voice and intention

Drawing on Stanislavsky’s principles, the book includes sample scenes from The Seagull, The Importance of Being Earnest and contemporary plays, along with practical exercises demonstrating the technique at work.

From the publishers of the internationally successful Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus, this is the first comprehensive exploration of Actioning for students, teachers and professionals — whether brand new to the technique or refining years of practice.

Critical Praise

"Clear, logical and explained well throughout."
— Drama Magazine

"An indispensable toolkit for anyone interested in developing as a performer… a fascinating exploration of Actioning."
— Word Matters

"A most welcome addition to the training armoury… practical, easy to approach… a must for all acting students."
— ReviewsGate

"Impressively practical… Moseley convincingly demonstrates the ways in which Actioning enhances performance."
— Teaching Drama

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• The first full guide dedicated entirely to Actioning.
• Step‑by‑step techniques you can apply immediately in rehearsal.
• Perfect for actors, directors and teachers working with text.
• Transforms line delivery into active, intentional performance.
• A Nick Hern Books essential for every actor’s toolkit.

About the Author

Nick Moseley is an experienced actor, director and teacher specialising in practical rehearsal techniques. His work focuses on helping actors develop clarity, intention and emotional truth through accessible, actionable tools. He has trained generations of performers in Actioning and text‑based technique.

Bundle Option

Get this ebook together with Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus in the Complete Actions Bundle.

Also Available

• Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus — the essential companion vocabulary for the Actioning process.

Publication Details

Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Publication Date: 14 April 2016

Print Length: 160 pages

ISBN (Ebook): 9781780017334

Format: Ebook

Language: English

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