Act Now!: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Become a Working Actor [Paperback]

Peter Jazwinski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 2003

So, you want to be an actor . . . but you have no idea how to get started. In the pages of Act Now!, you’ll find a step-by-step process to show you not only how to get started, but also how to become a working actor. It will take time and commitment, but if you follow these steps you will find success. Author and acting teacher Peter Jazwinski explains every aspect of becoming an actor from start to finish. You’ll learn about:

• Improving Your Acting Skills
• How Actors Get Cast
• Finding Auditions on Your Own
• Working with an Agent or Manager—and What the Difference Is
• The Importance of Networking
• And More!

A frank and encouraging game plan for success, Act Now! will empower those who have the drive to stop dreaming and start making a living—as an actor.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anyone can tell you that becoming an actor is a long, hard road. But Jazwinski, who runs the acting Web site MyActingAgent.com, insists "you can make it." In this chatty, uplifting guide, he explains how to get your acting career off the ground in an eight-step approach, from taking acting tests and learning how to act, to finding auditions, contacting agents and networking. His book is realistic and motivating, counseling "the only way you fail is by not trying" and advising readers to have a daily goal. Unorthodox suggestions abound, on finding an acting class (avoid six-week courses; ongoing workshops are better), places to gain experience (try the local church or a reality television show), fostering relationships (talk to people at acting classes and filmmaking schools) and more. This is not a book on perfecting the art of acting, so neophytes and those unfamiliar with the industry would do well to pick it up.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

So, you want to be an actor . . . but you have no idea how to get started. In the pages of Act Now!, you?ll find a step-by-step process to show you not only how to get started, but also how to become a working actor. It will take time and commitment, but if you follow these steps you will find success. Author and acting teacher Peter Jazwinski explains every aspect of becoming an actor from start to finish. You?ll learn about:

? Improving Your Acting Skills
? How Actors Get Cast
? Finding Auditions on Your Own
? Working with an Agent or Manager?and What the Difference Is
? The Importance of Networking
? And More!

A frank and encouraging game plan for success, Act Now! will empower those who have the drive to stop dreaming and start making a living?as an actor.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 1 edition (September 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400048621
• ISBN-13: 978-1400048625
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #519,201 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed Feelings, December 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Act Now!: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Become a Working Actor (Paperback)

I have read many promoting your acting career books and I feel I have mixed feelings about "Act Now". I don't find all of the author's advise as wise. Jaswinski seems to think that if you want to be an actor you should work a simple job, starve, and devot your life to acting. Jason Alexander once said it is very important to have a life outside of acting and always learn new skills. Alexander is a sucessful actor. Jaswinski's claim to fame was playing the cop who frisked Jim Carrey in "The Mask" so take it from where its coming from. There are some facts in the book which I know are innacurate which I won't get into. There are better books out on this subject such as "Promoting Your Acting Career" and "Secrets of Successful Actors". However these books were written in the ninetie's and do not include Jaswinski's information on the Internet which I did find useful. Jaswinski does give important information to the newcomer about avoiding scams and not expecting to be a star overnight. He also gives mailing tips and some other useful tips such as networking, etc. Should you buy this book? Yes, for the information on the Internet, but I would think twice about following some of his advice. If you buy this book, I suggest you read other books on promoting your acting career as well.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "What have you done today...", February 21, 2004

By 

shoegalCB (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Act Now!: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Become a Working Actor (Paperback)

I have dreamed of becoming an actor all my life, but i wasn't sure how to go about starting a career other than school plays. When I got this book I began reading it right away...and I did not put it down until the last page. This book is a goldmine for anyone who wants to get into the acting industry. Peter's advice and his steps are realistic and after reading it I was inspired to really go for it. now I ask myself everyday..."What have you done today to advance your acting career?"

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally something really helpful!, October 1, 2003

By 

Taylor Rusk (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Act Now!: A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Become a Working Actor (Paperback)

Finally I found an acting book with more than 1 or 2 good chapters. I've been getting Pete's newsletter for a while so it does't surprise me that the book is so useful, but wow, it's really a lot of good stuff.

What I didn't expect was all the encouragement. I like that he doesn't belittle people by saying that you have to do this or have to do that. Even though he gives a ton of "real" information in his steps, he never stops saying "It's up to you to go do it." It's so encouraging. I think it would help anyone achieve any kind of career or business goal. Not just acting. It's that good.