New edition of Ken Rea’s THE OUTSTANDING ACTOR: Seven Keys to Success published –with foreword by Lily James
Professor of Theatre at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Ken Rea’s best-selling book The Outstanding Actor: Seven Keys to Success has had a second edition published, including a foreword by former student Lily James.
This new edition incorporates up to date interviews with actors and creatives, and for the first time, Rea shares some of his key techniques with HD video recordings.
Lily James said: “Ken’s lessons were like a treasure chest full of knowledge, provocations, and challenges to be met. Throughout this wonderful book we have been given the map to the treasure and the keys to what lies within.”
The book draws on Rea’s four decades of teaching experience and research, along with interviews with top actors and directors. The Outstanding Actor identifies seven key qualities that the most successful actors manifest, along with practical exercises that help nurture those qualities.
In addition to new contributions and insights from former students Orlando Bloom, Paapa Essiedu, Lily James, Lesley Sharp, Jodie Whittaker, Daniel Craig and many more, the second edition has been revised to reflect the impact of developments across society and the industry, including the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements.
The Outstanding Actor gives techniques that actors can immediately put into practice in rehearsals, classes or private preparation, to consciously develop the qualities needed to step up to the next level of success. Rea has also used the techniques to train thousands of senior executives throughout Europe to develop their presence and charisma.
Rea said: “There’s never been a more crucial time for actors to develop their skills. The Covid crisis won’t last forever, and when the theatres do re-open, opportunities will come very quickly. This means that actors need to be match-fit now, so they’re ready to go. As I show in the book, this is not just about being physically ready; it’s also about having that winning mindset that will get you the job in the first place, that makes a director say, “Yes, this is the kind of energy I want in my cast!”
