Customer Reviews

Act Right: Everything you need to know that they didn't teach you in acting class

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a professional Director of Photography for "Friends," "Mad About You," and at least thirty other Sit-Coms (but whose counting?), I've seen it ALL from behind the camera. I can tell immediately who knows their way around a set - and who doesn't. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to work with an actor who may know his or her lines - but doesn't know how to hit their mark! You don't want to make your mistakes here - on a professional set. If I can tell you don't know what you're doing, so can the producers - the ones who hire you. Do your homework! The only way a new actor starting out can get an advantage, is to read "Act Right" by Erin Gray and Mara Purl. If you're serious about working in this business - as a beginner, or as a returning pro - this book is a MUST READ. Got it? Get it!!

All I can say is "Wow!" I had no idea actors had this much stuff to think about in addition to acting! An awful lot of what Ms. Gray and Ms. Purl had to say never would have occurred to me. Of course, I am not an actor and am not aspiring to be an actor, but I do find that I am fascinated by all that actors have to do and put up with. The call sheet alone... holy cow! I can see a good 16 hour course on that piece of paper alone! Like I said, I'm no actor, but I can see "Act Right" should be mandatory reading for anyone who wants to act. Anyone who does will only save themselves a lot of embarrassment and keep from looking too much like a newbie on the set. I guess what I'm taking too long to try to say is: "GREAT BOOK!"

Whether you are just starting in the business or have been around, this book is a must read! It contains everything you would ever want to know about acting but were afraid to ask. Mara and Erin have captured a way of sharing their knowledge and experience in this book that will become every actor's must-have manual! A must read!!!

"Act Right" is a wonderful guide for anyone wanting to break into the industry and I applaud you for giving today's generation and those to come a source of aid and inspiration while following their dreams. Bravo!

"What I like the most about this book is the anecdotal and real-life knowledge it provides. In acting school I was taught how to hit a mark but not how to relate to a crew."

As an actor who did a recurring role in "Gunsmoke" year after year, I learned a lot the hard way. If only I could have read "Act Right" by Mara Purl and Erin Gray, I think I would have been much more successful, much faster! When an actor goes on an interview, he has to know what he's doing, and the only thing he has to do is read "Act Right." I'm only sorry that it just came out but...what an advantage for actors today!

As the founder of the Theatre Department at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, I highly recommend "Act Right" by Mara Purl and Erin Gray. It's exceptionally well written, and the most practical book on the technical aspect of an actor's work. It's invaluable for anyone going into professional acting work in TV or film.

As a professional director, I found the "Shooting" chapter was so complete and well written, that I have nothing to add -- except my endorsment of "Act Right": a must-read.

Even though I've directed over a hundred theatrical productions, I learned some things from "Act Right." I think every young person trying to get into the business should have it, digest it, refer to it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Act Right! I must say, watching TV has turned into a completely different experience for me. I'm watching with a much more discerning eye. I found a new respect for all TV and film actors, and it was wonderful to get a sense of the controlled chaos of a set.