The aim of the IPA is to promote the scientific study of phonetics and the various practical applications of that science.
Useful IPA books for the actor
Singing and Communicating in English by Kathryn LaBouff"Offers clear, concise explanations with pertinent examples. The author's vast experience as a diction coach is evident on every page. The linked website augments the text's usefulness. Singers, voice teachers, and coaches will find Singing and Communicating in English an excellent resource." --Journal of Singing
Alfred's IPA Made Easy by Anna WentlentThis handy guidebook is an easy reference for the symbols used in IPA: what they look like and how they are pronounced. Example words for every symbol are included in English, Latin, Italian, German, French, and Spanish. And an online resource includes recorded demonstrations of every sound