Synopses & Reviews
Provides the expert advice you need to get your big break!
Jump-start your career and land that paying part
From preparing for auditions to finding an agent, the acting business is a challenging and competitive field. This indispensable guide is what every aspiring actor needs to get a foot in the door. Discover how to market yourself, choose a dynamic head shot, create a stellar acting resume, join unions, and pay the bills while you pursue your acting dreams.
The Dummies Way
- Explanations in plain English
- "Get in, get out" information
- Icons and other navigational aids
- Tear-out cheat sheet
- Top ten lists
- A dash of humor and fun
About the Author
Larry Garrison is a producer and has worked as an actor in both film and television. Wallace Wang is a successful stand-up comedian and the author of numerous bestselling For Dummies books.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Part I: Figuring Out the Business of Acting.
Chapter 1: Opening the Door to Show Business.
Chapter 2: Discovering How Show Business Really Works.
Chapter 3: From Agents to Unions: Introducing the Movers and Shakers of Show Business.
Part II: Packaging and Marketing Yourself.
Chapter 4: Making a Great First Impression with a Head Shot.
Chapter 5: Creating a Five-Star Acting Resume.
Chapter 6: Training to Improve Your Acting Skills.
Part III: Taking Your First Steps into Show Business.
Chapter 7: Getting Seen by the Industry: Promoting Yourself.
Chapter 8: Finding and Working with an Agent.
Chapter 9: Auditioning.
Part IV: Scoping Out the Markets.
Chapter 10: Acting in Film and Television.
Chapter 11: Acting in Commercials.
Chapter 12: Acting in Theater.
Chapter 13: Performing Without Being Seen: Voice-Over Acting.
Chapter 14: Working as an Extra.
Chapter 15: Getting Your Kid into Show Biz.
Part V: Managing Your Money as an Actor.
Chapter 16: Don't Get Ripped Off! Avoiding Con Games, Scams, and Self-Destruction.
Chapter 17: Working to Pay Your Bills Until You Hit It Big.
Chapter 18: Managing Your Finances.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 19: Ten Myths of Show Business.
Chapter 20: Ten Traits of Successful Actors.
Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Improving as an Actor.
Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Act Just for the Fun of It.
Index.