The Gonsalves Method

Working with Aileen and her Method brought greater focus, detail and freedom to my work. I’ve no doubt this book will be a hugely valuable and inspiring resource for any actor or performer. * Jacob Fortune - Lloyd, Stage and screen actor (Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker , Wolf Hall, The Queen’s Gambit and The Midas Man) *
Aileen has been a dedicated enthusiast for actors, directors and drama tutors for many years. I have found her insights incredibly helpful. Her new book will undoubtedly enthuse and inspire a whole new generation of dramatists. * Alrick Riley -BAFTA award winning director (Spooks, Hustle, Silent Witness, Once Upon a Time) *
A welcome and much needed addition to the contemporary actor-training canon - fresh, accessible and effective. If you are looking for a book to help you find freedom and spontaneity in your acting, this is not to be missed. * Paul Harvard, Founder: Collective Acting Studio and author *
Do you want to see clearly and respond from your point of view? This brilliant book will give you the skills to help you be more present and listen with more attention. * Zack Polanski, Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales *
This book is not just a wonderful resource for actors, but for directors and all teachers of theatre.It stems from Gonsalves 'passion for keeping actors work personal, intensely rooted in the world, and above all, responsive.. * Scott Handy, Stage and Screen actor (Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, and Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children) and ex-director of Drama at Eton College *
The Gonsalves Method has enabled me to achieve new levels of specificity and presence in both stage and screen. It is an absolute essential for the modern working actor as so much is demanded of us outside the rehearsal room and off set. I cannot recommend it enough to actors starting their journey or those currently in the industry wishing to deepen their work. * Fiona Button stage and screen actor (Lip Seance, The Split, Arcadia) *
I was head of an acting course in a drama school and Aileen was part of a team teaching the students about the craft of acting. Aileen’s dedication and enthusiasm was very exciting for the students and they really enjoyed her classes. Her teaching style was unique, and I have to say, rather mysterious, but it brought special quality to their acting which made their performances riveting to watch. There was something real going when they played a scene and you could see that they were properly prepared to become part of the profession. * Jane Harrison - former Principal at ArtsEd Drama School *
Aileen Gonsalves and Tracy Irish have created something truly special in this book a method that feels both deeply personal and powerfully practical. Rooted in the legacy of Meisner yet beautifully adapted for the modern actor, The Gonsalves Method offers a clear, compassionate and accessible approach to truthful performance. What stands out most is its emphasis on connection connection to self, to scene partners, and to the shared human experience that lies at the heart of all great storytelling. This is more than just an acting technique; it is a way of working that encourages honesty, intuition and emotional depth, while remaining grounded in a simple, usable process. Aileen’s voice, generosity and years of experience shine through on every page, making this an invaluable guide not only for actors, but for anyone seeking to communicate with authenticity and purpose. * Rameet Rauli – Stage and Screen actor (Little English, Find Me in Paris, Ride) *
Having trained with Aileen over 25 years ago, I have experienced first hand her desire for truth in performance. This book is rooted in the truth seeking Meisner Technique. It brings performance back to instinct, presence and emotional honesty. It will aid and assist the actor to find ‘their’ interpretation of character and move beyond surface performance into something real and deeply human. It is a brilliant practical guide for those seeking depth, connection and the joy in craft. The truth is always more interesting than pretending. This book will get you right to the heart of it. It won’t just change you as actor but what you are capable of. Devour it. * Kacey Ainworth is a stage and screen actor (EastEnders, Grantchester) *
This book felt like reliving the last twelve years of my life. Aileen captures exactly what’s needed at every stage—from class to rehearsals to performance—and presents it in a way that’s both practical and inspiring. These are tools I still use to this day. I can’t recommend it highly enough. * Stuart Vincent - stage and screen actor (The Kite Runner, When the Screaming Starts) *
I taught acting to first year students at the same Drama School where Aileen was teaching acting to the second year students. I taught them how to explore a script; analyse text; and create characters, and they all got pretty good at that. But when Aileen started working with them in the second year something magical happened. The quality of their acting suddenly moved into a new dimension. They were really listening to each other. They were sharing the scene and responding to the subtle changes within the scene and it was marvellous. Their acting was fresh, exhilarating and alive. * John Abbott - former Head of Acting at ArtsEd Drama School and author *
To experience Aileen’s method is to be given tools for life. It’s no exaggeration to say that she is one of the foremost performing arts innovators of our age. * Chris Laoutaris, Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham, UK *