After decades of teaching acting with his unique and successful emphasis on layers of preparation at the same time as he emphasizes freedom of the moment, Paul Austin has gathered his teaching into a comprehensive why-to, how-to, what-to-do. At some early point while reading Spontaneous Behavior, you will experience what his students like myself felt and would carry within them going forward. Pursuing acting can be a conduit to resources inside yourself that will draw you deeper into the guidance of good literature and the joy of discovering the layered nuances of behavior.

-Bill Pullman



As insightful and inspiring as it is practical, Paul Austin's Spontaneous Behavior should be required reading for any actor interested in creating a character, shaping a performance and navigating a dramatic text. But don't be fooled, Spontaneous Behavior isn't just for actors. It's also an invaluable resource for artists and storyteller of all stripes - playwrights, educators, directors and anyone else hoping to create, interpret or embody authentic and dimensional characters. Paul Austin looks at the art and craft of acting from several different angles, integrating and articulating everything he's learned in a way that's both accessible and illuminating to anyone lucky enough to read his wondrous book.

A unique exploration of the craft of acting with creative exercises that guide the actor from preparation to performance. A must for the dedicated actor."

-Rob Decina, VP Casting, NY, CBS Studios