Working Actor

Working Actor PDF Author: David Dean Bottrell
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
ISBN: 0399581901
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description
Veteran character actor David Dean Bottrell draws on his 35+ tumultuous years of work in the entertainment industry to offer a guide to breaking in, making a living, and making a life in the fabulous trenches of show business. Covers every facet of the business, including: - Capturing the perfect headshot - Starting (and maintaining) your network - Picking an agent - Audition do’s and don’ts - Joining the union(s): SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association (AEA) - On stage vs on screen - Paying the bills - Self-promotion - Late bloomers - When to get out David Dean Bottrell has worn many different hats during his decades in showbiz: television actor with appearances on Boston Legal, Modern Family, The Blacklist, Mad Men, True Blood, NCIS, and Days of Our Lives; screenwriter for Paramount and Disney; respected acting teacher at UCLA and AADA; and regular expert columnist for esteemed acting site Backstage. In Working Actor, Bottrell offers a how-to manual jammed with practical information and insider advice, essential reading for any artist (aspiring or established) in need of insight or inspiration. Mixing prescriptive advice ("Getting Started," "Learning Your Craft," "Finding an Agent") with wisdom drawn from Bottrell's own professional highs and lows and those of his acting compatriots, this book's humorous, tell-it-like-it-is tone is a must-have guide for anyone hoping to successfully navigate show business.

Working Actor

Working Actor PDF Author: David Dean Bottrell
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
ISBN: 0399581901
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 242

Get Book

Book Description
Veteran character actor David Dean Bottrell draws on his 35+ tumultuous years of work in the entertainment industry to offer a guide to breaking in, making a living, and making a life in the fabulous trenches of show business. Covers every facet of the business, including: - Capturing the perfect headshot - Starting (and maintaining) your network - Picking an agent - Audition do’s and don’ts - Joining the union(s): SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association (AEA) - On stage vs on screen - Paying the bills - Self-promotion - Late bloomers - When to get out David Dean Bottrell has worn many different hats during his decades in showbiz: television actor with appearances on Boston Legal, Modern Family, The Blacklist, Mad Men, True Blood, NCIS, and Days of Our Lives; screenwriter for Paramount and Disney; respected acting teacher at UCLA and AADA; and regular expert columnist for esteemed acting site Backstage. In Working Actor, Bottrell offers a how-to manual jammed with practical information and insider advice, essential reading for any artist (aspiring or established) in need of insight or inspiration. Mixing prescriptive advice ("Getting Started," "Learning Your Craft," "Finding an Agent") with wisdom drawn from Bottrell's own professional highs and lows and those of his acting compatriots, this book's humorous, tell-it-like-it-is tone is a must-have guide for anyone hoping to successfully navigate show business.

An Actor's Companion

An Actor's Companion PDF Author: Seth Barrish
Publisher: Theatre Communications Group
ISBN: 1559367970
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
"I was totally unprepared for the transformation that Seth's technique created in me. . . . I realized that what I thought I knew about acting up to that point was largely misguided . . . but I now had a great, talented, dedicated teacher who generously wanted to share his tools with everyone. There is muscularity, not to mention wisdom and truth to Seth's techniques. He is a wonderful teacher, and I know that having him as my first guide is one of the luckiest things to have happened to me in my career and life. And when I can't get back to class with him, I am so grateful I have this book to turn to."—Anne Hathaway "This book is truly unlike anything else I know—these pieces are haikus on specific elements of performance and character building."—Philip Himberg, executive director, Sundance Theatre Institute A collection of practical acting tips, tools, and exercises, An Actor's Companion is ideal for both the seasoned professionals and actors-in-training. The tips—all simple, direct, and useful—are easy to understand and even easier to apply, in both rehearsal and in performance. Seth Barrish is an actor, teacher, and the co-artistic director of The Barrow Group in New York City. In his thirty-year career, he has directed the award-winning shows My Girlfriend's Boyfriend (Lucille Lortel Award for Best Solo Show, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for Best Solo Show), Sleepwalk With Me (Nightlife Award for Outstanding Comedian in a Major Performance), The Tricky Part (Obie Award, Drama Desk nominations for Best Play and Best Solo Show), Pentecost (Drama Desk nomination for Best Play), Old Wicked Songs (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award and Garland Award for Best Direction), and Good (Straw Hat Award for Best Direction), among dozens of others.

The Working Actor's Guide to Los Angeles (2003)

The Working Actor's Guide to Los Angeles (2003) PDF Author: Kristi Callan
Publisher: Aaron Blake Publishers
ISBN: 9780937609200
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 472

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Book Description


The Working Actor

The Working Actor PDF Author: Paul Clayton
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781848424364
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
'You are an actor. You have worked hard to be an actor. You have made a considerable outlay, financially or emotionally, and often both, to do this. So do it. Do it with style. Do it wholeheartedly. Do it every day. Be a working actor.' Being a working actor isn't just about the days you spend rehearsing or performing. It's about approaching your chosen occupation with dedication, energy and focus, so that you always think of yourself as an actor - especially on those days when you're not acting - and that every single day you do something, however small, to help further your career. Written by the Chairman of the Actors Centre, with over forty years' experience as an actor himself, The Working Actor is the essential guide to putting yourself in the best possible position to get work, to keep getting it, and to make a living from it. It covers a comprehensive range of topics including: Finding work: the types of jobs on offer, how to track them down, working with your agent Landing the job: nailing auditions and meetings (and how they can go wrong), writing a winning letter Promoting yourself: compiling a showreel, building your website, choosing (and resembling!) your headshots, networking both on- and offline Supporting yourself: choosing a suitable day job, joining Equity, staying positive, avoiding feeling isolated Each chapter features a work task to inspire you to reflect on what you've learned and to put your knowledge into practice. By the end of the book, armed with your own personal Working Actor Plan, you'll be ready to find your path in the industry, manage your career, and maximise your potential. The Working Actor is an inspiring, reassuring book for actors of all ages and backgrounds - from recent graduates, to more experienced professionals - who want to take their career to the next level. It won't teach you how to act - but it will teach you how to be an actor. 'Paul Clayton's great experience as a working actor shines through these pages. His passion for our profession remains undimmed, but he doesn't disguise the pitfalls and doldrums that are an inevitable part of an actor's life. Paul's book is an essential companion to anyone starting out, and pretty damn useful to those already out there. I only wish he'd written it forty years ago.' Alex Jennings 'The most comprehensive, informed and practical advice on the job of acting you are likely to find.' Paul Clarkson, Head of Acting, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 'If you need advice as an aspiring actor, Paul Clayton is the man to go to. A must-have - and a good read too!' Anita Dobson

Acting -- Make It Your Business

Acting -- Make It Your Business PDF Author: Paul Russell
Publisher: Back Stage Books
ISBN: 030787527X
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 321

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Book Description
Acting: Make It Your Business, written by an award-winning, veteran casting director, puts the power to land jobs and thrive in any medium - stage, film, TV, or the Internet - directly into the hands of the actor. This blunt, wise, and often hilarious guide overflows with cutting-edge audition, marketing, and networking strategies, combining traditional techniques with those best suited for the digital age. Well-known actors and powerful agents make cameos throughout, offering newcombers and working professionals alike a clear-eyed, uncensored perspective on survival and advancement within the entertainment industry. "Huorous and witty . . . Actors everywhere who are trying to succeed in the business, young or old, on stage or on camera, in New York or anywhere in the world, take note: This is your road map." - Bernard Telsey, casting director (Rent, Sex & The City: The Movie, Wicked) "All the right questions asked and answered . . . and with a generous portion of good humor." - Suzanne Ryan, casting director (Law & Order) "Paul's book made me proud to be a part of the acting community in this business we call 'show.'" - Karen Ziemba, actress, Tony and Drama Desk Award Winner From the Trade Paperback edition.

Acting in LA

Acting in LA PDF Author: Kristina Sexton
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1621536238
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 169

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Book Description
Each year, hundreds of aspiring and experienced actors head to LA hoping to make it big in Hollywood. While many of them have their acting chops in shape, few realize what it actually takes to survive in Tinseltown. Even if they happen to make it onto a set, many are clueless about what’s expected of them and how they should behave. Acting in LA: How to Become a Working Actor in Hollywood is exactly what these actors need: a handbook to arriving, surviving, and thriving on- and off-set in LA. Written by veteran Hollywood actor, acting coach, and acting teacher Kristina Sexton, this comprehensive guide takes no prisoners. With just enough snark to keep readers entertained—and on their toes—Acting in LA delivers solid advice on such topics as: Headshots, resumes, and reels How to find your “image” and market it The SAG/AFTRA debate Networking Agents and managers The importance of creating your own opportunities Maintaining a life outside of acting Setiquette On-set terminology And much more A comprehensive guide that can be utilized by actors either inside or outside Hollywood, Acting in LA relies on Kristina’s real-life experience as a working actress and exposes the pleasures, pitfalls, and practicalities of pursuing a career in acting.

The Work of an Actor

The Work of an Actor PDF Author: Michael Woolson
Publisher: Drama Pub
ISBN: 9780896762640
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 290

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Book Description
The Work of an Actor sets a new industry standard that provides reference tools like no other. As a result, it delivers a wealth of clear, detailed instructions and inspiration for giving unforgettably captivating performances for actors of all levels. With more than twenty years of experience in acting, coaching, and directing, Michael Woolson not only shares the essential foundation and mechanics of acting in a clear and concise manner but he also demystifies sitcom technique, playing a killer, creating authentic fear, making sense of bad direction, how to audition effectively, and building layered character work.

The Working Actor's Toolkit

The Working Actor's Toolkit PDF Author: Jean Schiffman
Publisher: Heinemann Drama
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 164

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Book Description
How does an actor handle the challenge of performing under heavy make-up? What are the special requirements of acting in a docudrama? How does a nonsmoking actor tackle smoking for a role? How do actors deal with the director from hell? And what about nudity? Jean Schiffman knows. In The Working Actor's Toolkit, she amasses the information she garnered after years of interviewing professional actors, master teachers, and directors. Each of her chapters explores a clearly defined craft topic. Because there is neither one way to act nor one approach that works for every actor, each topic is discussed from a variety of perspectives-in often humorous ways. Together, Schiffman's chapters offer a nontraditional set of techniques to fill the gaps left by more academic acting primers. Her approach is eccentric, her range of subjects eclectic, her bottom line indisputable: there are certain truths about the elements of acting-the need to dig deep and personalize, to be specific, to avoid cliche, to take risks, and to remember that, in most cases, less is more. For beginning, mid-career, or longtime professional actors-or devoted fans who are curious about "How do they do it?"-Schiffman provides lively and provocative prose, but most of all practical ways for actors to hone their craft, solve unexpected acting problems, and make themselves marketable.

The Lyndon Technique

The Lyndon Technique PDF Author: Amy Lyndon
Publisher: Amy Lyndon
ISBN: 0615275281
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 67

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Book Description
Amy Lyndon is Hollywood's Premiere Booking Coach and creator of the revolutionary Lyndon Technique: The 15 Guideline Map To Booking Handbook. Besides being a Coach and Mentor, she is also an Actress, Award Winning Director, Producer, Casting Director, and was a CEO of a successful Personal Management Company for 9 years. Her clients are Series Regulars, Guest Leads and Starring in Feature Films around the globe. Some of her Clients include: Nadine Velazquez (My Name is Earl), Adam Brody (The OC), Christel Khalil (The Young and the Restless), Hosea Chanchez (The Game), Sterling Knight (Sonny with a Chance), Kenton Duty (Shake It Up), Matthew J. Evans (Bad Teacher) and Raini Rodriquez (Austin and Ally). Lyndon won one of the Best Cold Reading Teachers in Los Angeles Backstage Magazine 2010, 2011 and 2012! The Lyndon Technique proves to be a practical approach to auditioning and booking the job on the first take. Each chapter provides detailed insight into each of Lyndon's 15 Guideline Map to Booking Technique. Lyndon travels Internationally to teach the principles of Booking, Marketing and running a successful business as an Actor. The information is applicable no matter where you live or where you are in your career.

How to Be a Working Actor, 5th Edition

How to Be a Working Actor, 5th Edition PDF Author: Mari Lyn Henry
Publisher: Back Stage Books
ISBN: 0823088952
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 434

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Book Description
The celebrated survival guide for the working actor - now completely updated and expanded with a foreword by Tony award-winning actor Joe Mantegna! Renowned for more than two decades as the most comprehensive resource for actors, How to Be a Working Actor is a must-read for achieving success in The Business. Now this "Bible of the Biz" has been completely revised and greatly expanded to address new markets, ever-changing opportunities, and the many new ways today's actors find work. Talent manager, teacher, and career coach Mari Lyn Henry and actress, author, and spokeswoman Lynne Rogers combine their extensive skills and years of experience to cover all the essentials of how to market yourself, land roles, and manage a successful career. They also include expert advice from scores of other industry experts - well-known actors, agents, managers, casting directors, and teachers. How to Be a Working Actor is loaded with advice on how to: - put together a professional wardrobe - get a head shot that brings out the real you - create a resume that really works - find the training to develop your talents - communicate effectively with agents and managers - use the internet to promote your business and explore new opportunities - get the most value out of union membership - excel at auditions and screen tests - discover how to get work in regional markets - cope with success How to Be a Working Actor takes a no-nonsense approach to the whole business of being a working actor, with detailed information on how to live on a budget in New York and Los Angeles, what the acting jobs are and what they pay, even how to find a survival strategy that will augment your career. And an extensive section on script analysis shows you how to investigate the depth of a character to create a memorable audition for roles in theatre, film, and television.