Acting Skills looks at the practicalities of acting, covering the various techniques and how they can be developed and improved upon. The author discusses in a lively style the various disciplines: voice and speech, the voice in action, movement and body language, imagination and creativeness. Examples and exercises are given to help actors to understand and improve their craft.

The chapter on the special requirements of acting in Shakespeare's plays has been updated in this 3rd edition with a strong emphasis on the influence of directors such as Barton and Hall. There is a special section on drama at GCSE level, invaluable for teachers and students, plus a chapter on small-scale touring companies.