Acting One
Robert Cohen's widely adopted introductory acting textbook for academic programs
Overview
Acting One by Robert Cohen is one of the most widely used introductory acting textbooks in college and university programs across the country. It provides a comprehensive overview of acting fundamentals, from relaxation and concentration to scene study and audition technique.
The textbook covers a broad range of approaches and techniques, giving students exposure to multiple methodologies rather than advocating for a single system. Exercises and assignments are integrated throughout.
How It Works
Best for acting students in formal academic programs or anyone who wants a thorough, structured introduction to acting fundamentals. The textbook format makes it ideal for self-study alongside class work.
Available in paperback from academic booksellers, typically priced between $40-60 as a college textbook. Used copies are often available at a significant discount.
Who Uses It
Recommended as a foundational textbook for students beginning formal acting training. The breadth of topics covered provides an excellent survey of the field before specializing in a particular technique. Cohen's inclusive approach — drawing from Stanislavski, Meisner, viewpoints, physical theater, and other traditions without declaring allegiance to any single method — makes this an ideal starting point for students who have not yet discovered their preferred approach. The book has been adopted by hundreds of programs across the country, which means that many actors share a common foundational vocabulary from having studied it. Cohen's own background as both a practitioner and academic gives the text a balance of theoretical understanding and practical application that is uncommon in acting textbooks.
Pricing & Plans
Acting One is published by McGraw-Hill and priced as an academic textbook, typically ranging from $40 to $60 for a new copy of the most recent edition. However, because the book has been through multiple editions and is widely used in college courses, used copies of recent editions are frequently available for $15 to $25, and older editions can be found for under $10. Digital rental options through platforms like Chegg and VitalSource may be available for around $20 to $30 per semester. The textbook pricing is significantly higher than most acting books on the market, but this reflects the academic publishing model rather than unusual content costs. For students enrolled in programs that require the book, the institutional bookstore or rental options are typically the most cost-effective route.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Acting One's greatest strength is its comprehensive, balanced survey of acting fundamentals that exposes students to multiple methodologies rather than indoctrinating them into a single approach, giving them the vocabulary and framework to make informed choices about their future training. The textbook format is well-designed for classroom use, with exercises, discussion questions, and assignments built into each chapter that facilitate both individual practice and group exploration. Cohen's writing is clear, engaging, and accessible to students with no prior acting experience, avoiding the jargon and assumed knowledge that can make other acting texts intimidating. The book covers practical topics like audition technique and career preparation alongside theoretical and craft-focused chapters, providing a holistic view of the acting profession. The inclusion of diverse performance traditions and contemporary approaches keeps the content relevant and avoids the trap of treating acting as a purely Western, text-based art form. Regular edition updates ensure that the content reflects current industry practices and thinking.
What Could Be Better
The textbook pricing places Acting One significantly above most acting books in cost, which can be a barrier for students purchasing it independently outside of a course requirement. As a survey text, the book necessarily covers each topic at an introductory level, and students who want depth in any particular technique will need to move quickly to specialized texts. The academic tone and textbook formatting may feel dry or institutional compared to more narrative or memoir-style acting books, which can affect engagement for readers who are not in a structured classroom setting. Some exercises and activities are designed for classroom settings with an instructor present and do not translate well to independent self-study. Because the book tries to cover such a broad range of topics, individual chapters can feel rushed, leaving students wanting more depth in areas that interest them most. The frequent edition changes, while keeping content current, can create confusion about which version is required for a particular course and make older used copies less useful.
Our Recommendation
Acting One is the ideal first acting textbook for students entering formal academic programs — if your professor assigns it, trust that it will provide a solid foundation across all the fundamental areas of the craft. It is also a valuable self-study resource for actors who want a structured, comprehensive introduction to acting and are willing to work through the exercises systematically. If you are already trained or experienced and looking to deepen your work in a specific technique, this survey text is not the right choice — go directly to specialized books on Stanislavski, Meisner, or whatever method interests you. For a comparable textbook that takes a more specific methodological approach, consider Uta Hagen's Respect for Acting or Stella Adler's The Art of Acting. Save money by purchasing a used copy of a recent edition rather than buying new — the core content does not change dramatically between editions.
Pro Tips
If you are using this book for a class, read each chapter before the corresponding class session so you can engage more deeply with the exercises and discussions — passive reading after the fact captures far less of the value. Work through every exercise in the book, even the ones that feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar — the survey format is designed to push you outside your comfort zone and expose you to approaches you might otherwise never try. Keep notes on which methodologies and exercises resonate with you most strongly, as this will guide your future training choices after the introductory course. Form a study group with other students to practice the partner exercises and scene work that the book assigns — acting is fundamentally a collaborative art and cannot be fully learned in isolation. Do not sell the book back at the end of the semester; keep it as a reference that you will return to as your training deepens and you want to revisit fundamentals. If the textbook price is a concern, check your school library, as most academic libraries carry copies of required texts.