Stanislavsky in America explores the extraordinary legacy that Constantin Stanislavsky's system of actor-training has left on acting in the US.

Mel Gordon outlines the journey of Stanislavsky's theories through twentieth century American history, from the early US tours of the Moscow Art Theatre to the ongoing impact of The System on modern American acting.

This fascinating study by a leading theatre critic and practitioner provides hundreds of original acting exercises, used by the pivotal US figures who developed his teachings, such as Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler and Bobby Lewis. By going back to these primary sources, Gordon cuts through the myths and misapprehensions which have built up over time.

Part memoir and part practical guide, Stanislavsky in America is an essential resource for anyone wanting to understand Stanislavsky's work and his relationship with American theatre.

Mel Gordon is professor of Dramatic Art at UC Berkeley. He is author of a dozen books and ninety articles and entries on American, French, Russian, German, Italian, and Yiddish theatre and cinema. He has also directed productions in Frankfurt, Houston, New York City, Paris, and Zurich and has taught at Lee Strasberg Institute and Michael Chekhov Studio.

Dedication, Acknowledgments, Contents .......... i-iii Preface .......................................................... 1-7 Chapter One: The Stanislavsky System ............. 9-25 Chapter Two: American Lab Theatre: Richard Boleslavsky and Maria Ouspenskaya ........ 26-55 Chapter Three: The Group Theatre .................... 57-103 Chapter Four: Russian Êmigré Teachers ............ 105-145 Chapter Five: The Actors Lab in Hollywood ....... 147-159 Chapter Six: Lee Strasberg and The Actors Studio............................................................. 161-189 Chapter Seven: Stella Adler .............................. 191-208 Chapter Eight: Bobby Lewis ............................. 209-222 Chapter Nine: Sandy Meisner ........................... 223-232 Appendix: Studio Programs .............................. 233-234 Bibliography .................................................... 235-239 Index .............................................................. 241-250