Acting Professionally: Raw Facts About Careers in Acting - Softcover

Cohen; Robert; Professor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0230217249 ISBN 13: 9780230217249

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009

Synopsis

'Everybody wants to get into the act' said the old-time comic Jimmy Durante, but the fact is that becoming a professional actor requires a lot more than just the desire to break into the business. A clear understanding of how acting careers are built and the specific way that actors must position themselves in a professional environment overseen by directors, agents, casting directors and acting unions is essential to all would-be actors. Acting Professionally will steer you through this hugely competitive industry, offering wise advice on everything from writing a successful resume to finding yourself an agent. The leading book in its field since its first edition in 1972, Acting Professionally 7th Edition is now fully updated, with the addition of co-author James Calleri (of Calleri Casting), and a new section on digital and web-based casting procedures.

About this title

Review:

'Of all the books on the subject, Acting Professionally is by far the most comprehensive and thorough.' - Daniel Yurgaitis, Director of Theatre, Northern University, USA

 

'It is the leading book of its kind, and certainly the best available resource for young actors who wish to begin their professional careers.' - Harold Dixon, University Distinguished Professor, University of Arizona, USA

 

Praise for Previous Editions:

'This is the book that every mother should stick in her son's or daughter's bag next to the chocolate chip cookies as she packs them off form Fort Wayne on their way to the wicked city - on either coast - to be an actor (or just off to college to major in the arts)...Cohen has updated his info, but maintained his devotion to the nitty gritty...his approach is eminently business like and realistic.' - Jill Charles, Regional Theatre Directory, 1990

 

'The most straightforward, accurate, and honest description of what the acting business is like in the United States and what it takes to break into it.' - Roger Ellis, An Audition Handbook for Student Actors, Nelson Hall Publishers, 1986

 

'Cohen performs a magnificent service both to aspiring actors and to the theatre by presenting the profession of acting in its myriad, unadorned aspects.' - Eric Forsythe, Dartmouth Alumni Magazine

 

'I recently read an excellent book entitled Acting Professionally by Robert Cohen.  This book will help steer you in the right direction with its pragmatic advice and realistic picture of showbiz survival.' - Thomas Mills, "Tombudsman", in Back Stage West, 1997

 

'Where Acting Professionally differs from other texts on the market today is that it provides the most current statistics and information covering every aspect of the profession, coupled with the author's invaluably honest description of the business.' - Lori Talley, Back Stage West, 2001

From the Publisher:

The most up-to-date and complete coverage of the realities of the acting marketplace. Having acted and directed from coast to coast, in academic and regional theatres as well as Shakespeare festivals, Cohen provides the most current information on how to find opportunities in film, theatre, and television - from stand-up comedy to Shakespeare festivals to performing on cruise ships to doing voice-overs.
Abundant information on auditioning, including specific addresses for the major auditioners and a point-by-point list of how to prepare for an audition.
Examples of model resumes and photos (both head shots and composites).
An appendix that lists trade papers, listing books, and union office addresses to provide students with the right sources for accessing additional information on acting and actors.
A writing style that conveys considerable wit, warmth, and practicality. Cohen's personality comes through the practical information he provides, making this primer on acting careers an easy book to read.
Updated statistics and information covering every aspect of the acting profession, including the SAG and AFTRA merger; changing gender, age, and ethnic casting ratios; and using the Internet to seek out casting opportunities.
New sections on performing opportunities on cruise ships, in voice-overs, student films, and CD-ROMS, and on "Getting the Second Job."
Significantly expanded coverage of opportunities in regional theatre and in the rapidly growing film/video field.
An index that helps readers find material more easily.

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0230217249
• ISBN 13: 9780230217249
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256