Practical Aesthetics is an acting technique developed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross, Oleanna) and Academy Award-nominated actor William H. Macy (Fargo, Magnolia). In 1983 they began teaching acting workshops in Practical Aesthetics at New York University.

Practical Aesthetics de-mystifies the process of acting by offering the actor a clear set of analytical and physical tools. Emotions are explored through the use of the actor's imagination and the pursuit of physical actions. The philosophy behind the technique has been influenced by such diverse sources as Aristotle, Stanislavski, Freud and Joseph Campbell. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue the disciplines of vocal and physical training.

The technique of Practical Aesthetics is outlined and explained in A Practical Handbook for the Actor, written by members of the Atlantic Theater Co, Melissa Bruder et al.