This comprehensive guide has been revised and expanded to include new information on enhancing your image; finding jobs in emerging markets; updated union rules and payscales; current living expenses; and an entirely new chapter on “Cyberbiz,” exploring the ways that the Internet has opened new doors for actors and enabled entirely new approaches to promotion.

Establishing your acting career entails developing all aspects of your performing skills, but more than that, it means learning how to manage your career as an ongoing business. Plenty of schools and books teach you how to hone specific areas of your talent, but only How to Be a Working Actor shows you the whole picture, from improving your image and your audition abilities to finding an agent and landing the roles; from surviving a screen test to making it through your first day on the set; from making your way around the big city to finding regional work.

Cowritten by a leading casting director/agent and a seasoned actress/author, How to Be a Working Actor is still the bible of The Biz, with an insider’s viewpoint on all the essentials: assembling a dynamic resume, taking the perfect headshot, understanding the unions, finding a “day job” to supplement your income, learning how to live on a budget in New York or Los Angeles, networking, and much more. Countless tips on wardrobe, makeup, interview skills, and character analysis demonstrate how you can look and act your best for any audition or acting situation. Dozens of industry professionals offer authoritative advice gleaned from decades of experience. Anyone seeking to become—or remain—a working actor needs a copy of this indispensable book.

About the Author

Mari Lyn Henry is a partner at Henry Downey Talent Management LLC and is nationally known for her workshops on audition techniques, cold reading skills, script analysis, and marketing strategies.

Lynne Rogers' extensive career on stage, in film, and on television includes a leading role on Guiding Light. She has been the voice for many nationally advertised products, and her other books include The Love of Their Lives, a behind-the-scenes look at the soap opera industry.

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4.1 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars a good start, Sep 23 2003

"aaroneous" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Ce commentaire est de: How to Be a Working Actor: The Insider's Guide to Finding Jobs in Theater, Film, and Television (Paperback)

I read this book when I first decided to risk a career in acting several years ago. It was very helpful in that it covered all the basics (and not-so-basics) that I would need to learn: terminology, career steps, pitfalls, different industries and cities. I still occasionally refer to it.

Yes, it is a little outdated now, and I would imagine it's more useful to those in LA or NYC with its heavy focus on TV and film, but I appreciated the little section on acting in Chicago. All in all, its breadth makes it a good investment.

FYI, for Chicago actors (bless your hearts), be sure to pick up "The Book," published by the trade paper PerformInk. A great (and necessary) resource guide to acting in Chicago.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Good, Dec 27 2002

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Ce commentaire est de: How to Be a Working Actor: "The Insider's Guide to Finding Jobs in Theater, Film and Television" (Paperback)

I like this book but is has been around for a while.
There are a couple of new books out there that are as good or better,
depending on where you are in your career.
Check our Twelve Step Plan To Beciming an Actor in LA.
It is a fabulous guide for anyone breaking in the business.

Sam Hammel
LA

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3.0 out of 5 stars Great book, Oct 12 2002

dasn0wman "dasn0wman" (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Ce commentaire est de: How to Be a Working Actor: "The Insider's Guide to Finding Jobs in Theater, Film and Television" (Paperback)

I bought this book because I heard it was "the bible" for actors. I read it and what do ya know, it was pretty darn good. Lots of info and stuff you need as an actor. Resume tips, unions, audition prep, the works. But really, all you need to know is to get a good agent. And if you have a great look and you are Caucasian, your chances are looking better than ever. That's it, this is the secret. No need to spend days reading this [junk].

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource and Must-Have
A very straight-forward resource for any aspiring actor. Novice or otherwise, this book gives the inside scoop and is honest about it. Lisez davantage

Published on Sep 20 2002 by mic_productions

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Updated Edition
This book was instrumental in helping me find acting work, especially the new chapters on the Internet.

Highly recommended.