Standing naked in the wings - Lynda Mason Green

This collection brings together first-hand stories from Canada's acting community. Funny, shocking, embarrassing and poignant, these are the stories actors tell each other, providing an intimate glimpse into the world behind the camera and beyond the footlights. Arranged thematically, it starts with a chapter that focuses on early acting experiences ranging from William Shatner's first stage appearance and the evolution of Martin Short's "Ed Grimley" character, to Wayne and Schuster's initial meeting with Ed Sullivan.;Other chapters look at mentors, directors and producers, working with kids and animals, missed cues and lines, touring, audiences, fans, pranks and escapades and live radio and TV performances. The next chapter contains anecdotes starring names like Paul Newman, Henry Fonda, Sir John Gielgud and Julie Andrews. Included are many stories from the Stratford Festival: Scott Wentworth cracking up during "Richard III", an actor on stage catching fire during a production of "Othello", and William Hutt's dying in an unconventional manner when Christopher Plummer's Hamlet could not get his sword out of his scabard.