“It is good to dream, but it is better to dream and work. Faith is mighty, but action with faith is mightier. Desiring is helpful, but work and desire are invincible.” ~ Thomas Robert Gaines

THE BIZ

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ACTING IS EVERYTHING – by Judy Kerr (September Publishing) is the most aptly titled book out there. A massive work of research and writing, it deserves to be called “The Actor’s Encyclopedia.” There is no subject that relates to an actor’s life which is not covered in this huge book. So many resources – it is hard to imagine that there isn’t something included in this book that covers every conceivable piece of information an actor needs.  The book is subtitled “An Actor’s Guidebook For A Successful Career in Los Angeles.” This is a most perfect description of the book. If you are in Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, then, in my humble opinion, this is a book you must have in your library.


ACTING Q’S by Bonnie Gillespie and Blake Robbins (Cricket Feet Publishing) 2 dozen interviews with some of today’s most interesting and thoughtful performers. Listening to the likes of James Hong, Joy Behar, Tom Everett Scott, Bonnie Dennison, Danny Pino and James Rebhorn (plus 23 other troupers) openly discuss their careers, their challenges and lives – is very helpful and revealing. If you want to discover how these actors you know have faced the struggle, used their own personal methods and means to achieve success, and managed to land on their feet in a business of famed for treacherous footing – then this books is a must have for your acting library.


SELF-MANAGEMENT FOR ACTORS: Getting Down to (Show) Business - by Bonnie Gillespie (Cricket Feet Publishing) An excellent resource for actors who want to take control of their own careers. As usual, Bonnie’s writing is impeccable, which makes this book very easy to read and understand. If you’re an actor with ‘self-starting’ skills, this is an absolute ‘must have’ volume. A guidebook to taking control of your career and taking the critical steps necessary to become a professional actor. Her advice on pictures, resumes, training, demo-reels, web presence, and promotion are spot on and up-to-date – and will serve any actor well for years to come.


TRUE AND FALSE Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor – by David Mamet  (Vintage Books) Mamet cuts right to the chase in this amazing book. It is not a tome, but rather a short, blunt treatise on the craft of acting – and I recommend it without reservations. Before you run out and get a copy though, I have do have one caveat: This is not a book for the beginning actor. Until you’ve spent some time on the boards, plying your craft, much of what Mamet says might be confusing and perhaps even misleading. The reason is simple; The book was written for the employed actor, who is looking for a useable method to build and sustain a performance in a professional setting.


THE COMMERCIAL ACTOR’S GUIDE All You Need to Start, Build, and Maintain a Career – by Steve Carlson (Heinemann Drama) Written by a friend of mine from high school – who has had a long and successful career in both TV shows and commercials. Although this book is ostensibly about acting in commercials, in reality it is a step-by-step guide to successfully pursuing your acting career as a business – you know, where there’s a paycheck (and residuals) at the end of a shoot. In a way, I’m sorry that the word ‘commercial’ is in the title – since it may escape the notice of actors who aren’t interested in that particular niche. Why? Because this is a book that will help you become a successful actor – on any career path.


HOW TO GET ARRESTED™ A Motivational Story For Actors – by Michael J. Wallach (Authorhouse) The best thing about this book is that it speaks the truth about the combination of skills, assets, business acumen, and psychological preparation that is really necessary to make that trip to the red carpet. In this very clever book, Mr. Wallach (a lawyer and talent manager) tells actors the truth in a simple and powerful way – by relating the adventures of Dick and Jane. Dick and Jane are actors. In other words, this is a primer for the acting business. If you pay close attention to the adventures of Dick and Jane, you will come away with the kind of knowledge you must have – to have any hope of success in Show Biz.


WINNING AUDITIONS 101 Strategies For Actors – by Mark Brandon (Limelight Editions) This is a short, to-the-point volume of ideas, suggestions, tactics, quotes, and crucial reminders – that can ease the pain and improve the outcome of this dreaded chore. One we all face in our acting careers. Jam-packed with solid advice, gentle reminders and powerful techniques – all of which can do a lot to improve your auditioning skills – step by step. From the planning, discipline and attitude going into the room – to the body language, clothing and headshots that will sell you to casting directors, directors and producers – this delightful book always gets right to the point and renders critical reality-based advice in a no-nonsense, yet positive way.


ACTORS WORKING  An Actor’s Guide To Marketing Success  – by Clair Sinnett (Georgia Publishing) This is a perfect example of a book written by an author with credentials, passing along good information. Sinnett has been an actor herself. But, perhaps more importantly, she’s also been an agent and a casting director. She hands over “the real deal” in this book, explaining the need for marketing, the impact of “typing,"training, image and packaging, and basic skills such as how to format a resume, how to use your headshots, how to dress for success, talking to agents and casting directors, etc. Dozens of gems for the actor who wants to be an actor working.

 
THE THEATRICAL JUGGERNAUT The Psyche of the Star – by Monroe Mann is a wonderful resource for any actor who wants to build a real career in this business. There’s some controversial advice in here that may cause the timorous to quake – and the overly cautious to question – but I can tell you from direct experience that Mann’s message is one that every actor should take to heart. This is a business. If you hope to be successful you must become a business-person. Mann’s urgings regarding this oft-neglected part of your acting career are sometimes explosive and probably a little off-putting – but they are rarely far off the mark. A book every professional actor should read.


HOLLYWOOD CREATIVE DIRECTORY – 64th Edition (Hollywood Creative Directory) They call this Hollywood’s phone book. If you are in the entertainment industry, whether as an actor, director, writer, producer, filmmaker, casting director, agent, crew person, etc. – this is the best directory to have. It comes out annually and is carefully updated with the latest important contact information in many categories. It is well worth the price (discounted on Amazon) if you want to have the ability to contact almost anyone in the business in Hollywood. HCD is the most trusted resource in the industry – and can be found in the offices of every mover and shaker in the biz.


HOLLYWOOD REPRESENTATION DIRECTORY – 35th Edition (Hollywood Creative Directory)  This is the most reliable directory of agencies, agents, entertainment attorneys, etc. If you are looking for an agent, this is the directory you will want to use. Imporant resource if you are looking for industry representation as talent or for literary purposes. Whether you are looking for legal representation – from experts who specialize in the entertainment industry (including literary), casting directors, agents, this is the most reliable resource around (deeply discounted on Amazon). The contact info is meticulously updated and is truly essential if you are looking for any kind of representation in the industry.


THE NEW YORK AGENT BOOK: Get the Agent You Need for the Career You Want – by K. Callen  (Sweden Press) From basic contact information to background on the agents and agencies, this book is meticulously researched and filled with a lot of information. Profiles of nearly 75 New York theatrical agents – including their contact information, background, size of their client lists, etc.. This easy-to-read guide explains what agents do, the clients they are looking for, how to evaluate agents, how to be your own first agent. Learn what actors have the right to expect of an agent – how to contact an agent – how to dress and how to behave in the meeting – how and when to leave an agent – and a whole list of resources; teachers, photographers, web addresses. schools, internships and other show biz information.


THE LOS ANGELES AGENT BOOK: Get the Agent You Need for the Career You Want – by K. Callan (Sweden Press) For actors who take their business seriously, this book contains basic contact information, background on the agents and agencies. Profiles nearly 100 Los Angeles agents – including their contact information, background, and size of their client lists. This easy-to-read guide explains what agents do, the clients they are looking for, how to evaluate agents, how to be your own first agent. Learn what actors have the right to expect of an agent – how to contact an agent – how to dress and behave in the meeting – how and when to leave an agent – plus a list of class resources, teachers, photographers, web addresses, theater schools, internships and other show business information.


HOW TO SELL YOURSELF AS AN ACTOR From New York to Los Angeles and Everywhere in Between – by K. Callan (Sweden Press) For beginning and veteran actors in big cities or small towns, this new, expanded 5th Edition offers organized nuts and bolts information vital to success. How to make yourself more saleable to casting people, agents, producers and directors. How to take your career in your own hands. How to get a realistic perspective on the business. New material on the wisdom of having a manager, internet job resources, showbiz internships, and international job possibilities and study. An excellent book for planning your acting business and taking the steps necessary to see it happen.


THE BUSINESS OF ACTING: Learn the Skills You Need to Build the Career You Want – by Brad Lemack Foreword by Isabel Sanford (Ingenuity Press) Teaches actors the critical skills they need for a successful, fulfilling and professional career. Talent is not the deciding factor for acting success – because talent can’t be acquired, but the skills to propel an actor forward can be. An actor’s first and lifelong job is to generate professional opportunities and here are the necessary skills; the transition from student to professional performing artist, choosing the right representation, understanding casting directors, art of the head shot, unions, publicity, marketing and PR, creating personal business plans and setting realistic goals.


HOLLYWOOD 101: THE FILM INDUSTRY – by Frederick Levy  (Renaissance Books) An informative book about getting in, and successfully staying in the film industry. It’s detailed yet casual, with wonderful stories and effective comments and quotes. Hollywood from A-to-Z – especially C – for Career. A good resource for anyone seeking work in the film business. This book breaks it down into steps – everything a person needs to know to approach and achieve their dream job in the entertainment industry. A very good guide to the ins and outs of the film industry and how it works. Not just for actors but for anyone who wants to work in the film and television industry in some capacity.


AN ACTOR’S GUIDE Your First Year in Hollywood – by Michael Saint Nicholas (Allworth Press) A pep talk – and a warning for the novice actor intent on finding employment in the performing-arts mecca of the world. An actor himself, he provides personal tips and insight. He includes advice from casting directors, photographers, agents, other actors – as well as a writer/producer, a publicist, a manager, and an acting coach. He teaches how to become an extra, what is required to get started, what the requirements for membership in the Screen Actors Guild are, and how to audition. Focused on the importance of headshots, resumes, and, especially perseverance. Encouraging, but mostly realistic.


ROADMAP TO STARDOM How to Break into Acting in Hollywood – by Rif K. Haffar (Ameera Publishing) Introduction to the professional world of Hollywood ... and how to secure work as an actor. A comprehensive and user-friendly body of practical advice and insider information on how to become an actor in any sort of project – from small independent productions to big budget studio projects. It offers aspiring actors sound and essential information on such aspects of the industry as TV, film, features, shorts, commercials, industrial films – for union, and non-union productions. Useful for those who are planning to work in the Los Angeles market. Based on the author’s personal experience.


BOOK THE JOB: 143 Things Actors Need to Know to Make It Happen – by Doug Warhit (Dau Publishing) For those who don’t live in Los Angeles and have the opportunity to study with Doug Warhit in person, this book offers a chance to benefit from the tremendous amount of useful, helpful and extremely accurate information that he has to offer. Filled with great advice on wide range of topics and infused with a wonderful sense of compassion and humor, this book is a quick and fun read that will lead to immediate improvements in your acting work. For beginners and veterans who need to have this information and viewpoint whether just starting or simply as a reminder of what needs to be done.


SO YOU WANT TO BE IN SHOW BUSINESS: A Hollywood Agent Shares The Secrets Of Getting Ahead Without Getting Ripped Off – by Steve Stevens with John D. Cady (Cumberland House Publishing) Sprinkled amply with practical, helpful do’s and don’ts throughout, the book presents the basic information of how Hollywood works. In Stevens' view, “making it” involves more than finding oneself in front of a camera. It also means finding one’s true self, one’s happiness and place in the world. Stevens says, “The knowledge I am sharing with you is intended to help you avoid the mistakes I see people in the business making every day ... particularly beginning actors.” A good overview of what an agent believes an actor needs to know.


HOW TO BE A WORKING ACTOR The Insider’s Guide to Finding Jobs in Theater, Film, and Television – by Mari Lyn Henry and Lynne Rogers (Watson-Guptill Publications)  This guide for actors on the business of acting is informed by an inside view of how casting decisions are actually made. It has been updated and expanded to cover new ways actors can promote their picture, resume and video clips - online. Includes interviewing and auditioning tips for the new crop of young actors – enhancing one’s image; and finding jobs in emerging markets. It draws from dozens of industry professionals for advice on financial survival, networking, meeting agents and casting directors, selecting a wardrobe, studying a role, and other essential information.


AN ACTOR’S GUIDE Making It in New York City – by Glenn Alterman (Allworth Press) New York has its particular nuances, and this book simplifies some of the hassles that a newcomer might find overwhelming. It gives some useful advice on dealing with the three most important things you’ll have do when you get here – finding a place to live – finding a job you like – finding acting work. It also has lots of juicy info on auditioning, headshots, unions, different sorts of acting jobs (such as voiceover work), casting directors, agents, useful internet addresses, etc. There are several interviews with casting agents and directors on the many 'do’s-and-don’t’s' actors need to know before the audition.


HOLLYWOOD DRIVE What it Takes to Break in, Hang on and Make it in the Entertainment Industry – by Eve Light Honthaner (Focal Press) is a guide to starting and succeeding at a career in film and TV. This Hollywood insider’s experience and advice will give those who are attempting to enter – and become successful in the entertainment industry – the edge they need to stand out. It offers the tools, attitude, philosophy and road map needed to have a fighting chance at success – whether you’re looking for your very first job or for a strategy to move your career to the next level. It explores the realities of the industry, various career options, and job search strategies.


CONTRACTS FOR THE FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY by Mark Litwak (Silman-James Press) This is the best book available on film and TV contracts. A no nonsense guide to the complex world of contractual law for the industry. Litwak is an advocate for the rights of artists, writers, actors, etc., and his contracts are a good basis for negotiations and deals in the industry. Even if you hire your own attorney, this book will help you understand the structure of your deal and alert you to details and the potential booby traps in all that fine print. Of course, direct experience is the best teacher, but every neophyte in film or television must own this book – and it’s a handy reference for seasoned professionals and part-timers.


ACTORS TALK ABOUT ACTING – Edited by Lewis Funke & John E. Booth This is a book which was put together back in the late 50’s featuring in-depth interviews with some of the greatest performers alive at the time. Since 14 actors are interviewed in depth, it would be folly to try to summarize here. But If you’d like to  know what some of the ‘greats’ think about the process – this book is your meat. It features Helen Hayes, Lunt and Fontanne, Katherine Cornell, Paul Muni, John Gielgud, Sidney Poitier, Shelley Winters, Bert Lahr, Maureen Stapleton, Jose Ferrer, Vivien Liegh, Anne Bancroft & Morris Carnovsky. This is a masters’ class in acting. Hard to find.


IN CHARACTER: ACTORS ACTING – by Howard Schatz (Bulfinch) If you are the least bit interested in actors and acting, this large book of photogaphs is an absolute must have. Never have we seen actors looking like this – we are so used to seeing them posing and looking beautiful. In this book, Schatz captures actors doing what they do best: Acting, instead of merely having their picture taken. We see every pore and every filling – of some of the finest actors in the country today. Howard Schatz is one of the most talented photographers around and he was able to round-up 100 top actors for this ambitious project.


PROMOTING YOUR ACTING CAREER A Step-By-Step Guide To Opening The Right Doors – by Glenn Alterman (Allworth Press) An insider’s guide to getting ahead in the worlds of theater, film, and commercials. Packed with both innovative strategies and practical advice – how to obtain the perfect headshot – prepare for interviews and auditions – select flattering monologues – professional looking resumes and cover letters; compose promotional mailings and videos – produce an original play, video or film; launch a theater company and much more. Includes information on actor training; voice, speech and voiceovers, using the net for self-promotion, daytime serials, and many  interviews with working professionals from every realm of entertainment.


THE HOLLYWOOD RULES by Anonymous (Fade In:Books) They say that the one rule in Hollywood is there are no rules. There are, however, a series of “conventions,” that if properly adhered to, will significantly smooth an otherwise rocky road to a career in film and television. While there is no substitute for talent and just plain old perseverance, there’s also no excuse for handling yourself naively in a pitch meeting – or acting like a jerk when meeting a star. A great way to get 'inside' in the industry is to know what’s expected of you in the way of behavior. This easy to grasp book lays out most of the acceptable behaviors of Tinseltown. "The Rules” would probably take you ten years to master on your own.


AN AGENT TELLS ALL by Tony Martinez (Hit Team Publishing) Martinez refreshingly holds nothing back as he sets out to define not only the agent’s job, but the actor’s job as well. Ultimately the business all boils down to building relationships and being completely committed to constantly evolving as both an artist and as a person. Cutting through all the empty “positive-think” self-help posings of so many other similar authors, he rightfully portrays acting as a capitalist venture based upon the laws of supply and demand. If an actor has never thought of themselves as a product, it is time they did.  (It) deserves to become a dog-eared personal reference for all who dare to enter the world’s most noblest profession.


HOW TO AGENT YOUR AGENT by Nancy Rainford (Lone Eagle) It should be required reading for every actor in Hollywood. The book is not just a primer on the Hollywood protocol and pecking order, but this book goes into such detail that it demystifies how an actor should handle his/her agent. Whether you are looking to hire a new agent - or get rid of a tired agent ... so many actors are in a quandary about how to handle a situation with their agents, or they are downright dissatisfied with their agents. This book helps an actor to define what you have control over and what you can change. Years of experience to help keep actors from making mistakes when it comes representation.


THE FILM ACTOR’S COMPLETE CAREER GUIDE A Step-By-Step Checklist of All the Things Actors Seeking Film Careers Can and Should Do ... and When – by Lawrence Parke (Acting World Books) This is one of the most comprehensive works available for people starting out in film acting. Parke literally takes your hand and tells you word for word what to do. This is a great book for getting started. A lot of the information is common sense – however, Parke also shows different sides of the industry you may not know or would be able to experience first hand. It provides you with basic information that will certainly be helpful. The rest, of course, depends on you.

“It’s not the work that’s hard, it’s the discipline.”

THE CRAFT

AN ACTOR PREPARES – by Konstantin Stanislavsky (Theatre Arts Books) Given its status as a seminal work about the craft of acting, it's surprising how conversational, commonsensical, and even at times funny – this legendary book is. After many productions with the Moscow Arts Company, Stanislavski sought a way to introduce his new style of acting to the world outside of his rehearsal hall. The book is a ‘diary’ of an actor describing a series of exercises and rehearsals in which he participates. He details his own emotional and intellectual reactions to each effort, and how his superficial tricks and mannerisms begin to disappear as he increasingly gives over his conscious ego to a faith in the creative power of his subconscious. 


BUILDING A CHARACTER – by Konstantin Stanislavsky (Theatre Arts Books) In this book Stanislavski, discusses, with mastery and insight, the actor’s physical means of expression for realizing character on stage, such as the use of body, movement, voice, tempo, expression, make-up and costume. This is the second volume of Stanislaviski’s enduring trilogy on the art of acting. The “System” which he describes is a means both of mastering the craft of acting and of stimulating the actor’s individual creativeness and imagination. It has become the central idea determining almost every performance we see on stage or screen today - and still the only comprehensive theory of acting we possess. Also a great read.


CREATING A ROLE – by Konstantin Stanislavsky (Theatre Arts Books) describes the elaborate preparation that precedes actual performance. Stanislavski relates the techniques he describes in his preceding books – to analyzing specific plays and their roles. The pattern of disciplined development of character is examined, from the actor’s viewpoint, in three widely contrasting plays. For the actor in need of nourishment for his gifts and guidance for his enthusiasm, this book is extremely important. For anyone with an interest in the craft of acting it is also terrific entertainment. Introduces of such concepts as ‘the unbroken line,’ ‘the magic if,’ and emotional memory which laid the groundwork for much of the great acting of the last century.


SANFORD MEISNER ON ACTING – by Sanford Meisner and Dennis Longwell, Foreword by Sydney Pollack (Vintage) This book gives some insight into what techniques the hugely influential drama teacher used, in his 50 plus years of work. Meisner has been called ‘the theater’s best-kept secret.' He was one of the founding members of the Actors Studio and developed his own lessons based upon his understandings of the great Russian teacher, Stanislavsky. Turning away from the sense-memory exercises common among his colleagues, his training focused on a realistic approach to imagination and creativity. Meisner had little tolerance for self-absorption – or striving after strong emotional effect – instead preaching that clarity of purpose and efficient use of the psyche are the actor’s greatest tools.


RESPECT FOR ACTING – by Uta Hagen (Wiley) In her brief introduction, Uta Hagen talks about a time when she herself had no respect for the art of acting. “I used to accept opinions such as: ‘You’re just born to be an actor’ ‘Acting is just instinct, it can’t be taught.’”  But this attitude of ‘you got it or you don’t’ is one that denigrates the craft – as she points out. Great actors do not perform effortlessly, or through learning the appropriate tricks and cheats to manipulate an audience. Acting is about the difficult fusion of intellect and action – about sincerely and truthfully connecting to the moment – your fellow actors and the audience – and Hagen’s thoughtful and profound book contains a series of observations and exercises to help an actor do just that.


A CHALLENGE FOR THE ACTOR – by Uta Hagen (Scribner) This fascinating and detailed book about acting is Miss Hagen’s credo, the accumulated wisdom of her years spent in intimate communion with her art. It is at once the voicing of her exacting standards for herself and those she teaches, and an explanation of the means to the end. Her principal asset in this treatment is her imagination. Her “object exercises” display a wealth of detail with which to stimulate the student preparing a scene for presentation. A simple, lucid, and sympathetic statement of actors problems in the theatre and basic tenets for their training wrought from the personal experience of a fine actress and teacher of acting. Her gift is a passion to communicate the mysteries of the craft to which she has given her life.
 

ACTING: THE FIRST SIX LESSONS – by Richard Boleslavsky (Routledge)  For actors – by an actor of rare subtlety and imagination and for directors – by a brilliant and versatile director. Richard Boleslavsky’s knowledge of the theatre was based on wide experience with the Moscow Art Theatre, director of its First Studio, he worked as actor, director and teacher. On Broadway, he produced plays and musical comedies and he was a leading Hollywood director. Under their apparent simplicity and light-heartedness, these six 'lessons' are profound and to the point. Both beginners and established actors, who take their work seriously, will find much to like in this book. It does more to explore the art of acting than any single volume for years.


ACTING FOR THE CAMERA – by Tony Barr (Harper) This is a book that is truly about acting in general, with more than the first half of it devoted to that. Barr’s thoughts on acting are actually quite good and there are many excellent insights here. When you get to the ‘camera’ section of the book, you will realize that the reason he spends so much time with the acting material is because the most important part of ‘acting for the camera’is the acting, not the camera. The groundwork and advice on acting that he gives is excellent all-around and seems appropriate to apply to any type of acting – not just camera acting. You will discover the terminology and technical means by which actors' performances are captured and know this sort of thing can be helpful.


THE ART OF FILM ACTING: A Guide For Actors And Directors – by Jeremiah Comey (Focal Press) The author draws on more than 25 years of experience in teaching film acting – including the several years he spent acting in feature films, television sitcoms, soap operas, commercials, etc. Aspiring actors will learn how to manifest honest and believable emotions before the camera and relate to other actors and the their circumstances, as those cameras roll. Enhanced throughout with exercises and script examples, students of acting are provided with easily accessible resources designed for practicing the outlined principles – as they pursue the mastery of their craft. Excellent companion to the next book by Michael Caine.


MICHAEL CAINE – ACTING IN FILM An Actor’s Take on Movie Making – by Michael Caine (Applause Books) Michael Caine delivers a direct and useful how-to book for aspiring film actors. He doesn’t delve into the psychological underpinnings of acting – there are hundreds of books that already do that. He assumes that you’ve taken classes, appeared in plays, and understand the artistic aspects of creating a character. He also understands the psychological leap required for the actor to learn how to deal with the camera, and the complex interrelationship between actor, director, and crew. For the performer about to step onto a soundstage for the first time, this volume is a must. The best book on how to bring your acting to the camera.


ADVICE TO THE PLAYERS by Robert Lewis (Theatre Communications Group) Mr. Lewis states in his preface that one cannot teach acting any more than one can teach singing or dancing. If the talent and equipment exist, then a teacher may help the actor to hone his innate abilities. As one of Stanislavsky’s heirs, Lewis has an eclectic approach to his advice. The book consists mostly of acting exercises. The exercises are presented as transcriptions of actual classes. The exercises are excellent – organized into chapters that concentrate on techniques that actors must master to improve their craft: relaxation, body work, concentration, sensory perception, intention – and Lewis presents these lessons with clarity and directness.


STELLA ADLER: THE ART OF ACTING – Preface by Marlon Brando, compiled and edited by Howard Kissel (Applause Books) This great book has an enthusiastic introduction by former student, Marlon Brando, and consists solely of transcripts of cogent and thought-provoking lectures of the legendary and revered acting teacher Stella Adler. As a young actress, Adler traveled to Paris in order to study with Konstantin Stanislavsky, founder of 'method' acting. There are 22 classes in the book – each ‘class’ forms a chapter (“Acting is Doing,” “Developing Imagination,” “Building a Vocabulary of Actions,” “Understanding the Text,” “Instant and Inner Justifications,” etc.) Each class is clear, thoughtful and thought-provoking, and stimulating. Adler focuses on meaning and the soul of the thing at all times.
 

THE ACTOR AT WORK by Robert Benedetti (Allyn & Bacon) This is the text that is used in a great majority of college level acting courses. This book is an excellent overview of all principles required for the beginning actor with the potential to transform the novice actor to a working professional. The language is just sophisticated enough to make the subject matter feel important and yet not so complex or abstract that it becomes tiresome or overwhelming. The exercises are terrific and support the text very well. A foundational work that will be helpful to any actor wanting to pursue a professional career. Written at college level and generally easy to use for the beginning actor.


THE ART OF VOICE ACTING The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over – by James Alburger (Focal Press) Newly updated, this book is an excellent introduction to this acting niche. This edition features contributions from professional voice artists and voice-acting coaches. It also covers job opportunities in the field and career management tips. Including an expanded appendix of Internet resources and a new companion CD-ROM – complete with audio examples – this is a modern manual to getting established in the voice acting industry. Includes performance techniques and many useful tips, it takes the reader step-by-step through a recording session, a review of equipment set-up, and some of the difficulties encountered when recording and performing.


ACCENTS: A Manual for Actors – by Robert Blumenfeld (Limelight Editions) Not only does the text provide important sounds, stress and pitch and mouth/tongue positions for more than 80 accents of English, as spoken all over the globe, but the author illustrates them with great versatility on the accompanying CD. Learn the difference between several Irish accents, Cockney, Yiddish, and many others. Hear the same phrase spoken in several regions of the American South. It is an invaluable book for the actor. Includes examples of recordings and films in which you can hear fine examples of English spoken with a particular accent. This book is a gift for any actor in theater or film.


THE ULTIMATE SCENE AND MONOLOGUE SOURCEBOOK: An Actor’s Guide to over 1000 Monologues and Scenes from More Than 300 Contemporary Plays – by Ed Hooks (BackStage Books) The best book an actor can use to find monologues. Hooks gives a synopsis of the scene or monologue in the play, and tells you where to find the play. Many actors find a monologue in a collection, memorize and perform it, without understanding the subtext behind the scene. This book encourages the actor to read the play and get a strong concept of the character. He also mentions a few monologues and scenes which are heavily performed - which should probably be avoided. A valuable resource, with 300 plays featured, this book can keep a dedicated actor very well occupied.

MORE TO COME

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