Acting for Young Actors: The Ultimate Teen Guide (Paperback)

by Mary Lou Belli (Author), Dinah Lenney (Author) "But a name can't tell us everything about a person-haven't we all known people whose names don't suit them at all? So your name is..." (more)
Key Phrases: acting for money, scene partner, Los Angeles, New York, Joan of Arc (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
• Written by an Emmy Award–winning director and longtime teacher and actor • Information on unions, recommended classes, a glossary of terminology, television network contact information, bibliography, recommended plays and online resources are included • Aimed at teens age 12–18 and written in a fully accessible style and printed in a handy format

Do you know a teen that's been bitten by the acting bug? Here's just the book they need! Acting for Young Actors, aimed at teens and tweens, lets kids hone their skills and develop their craft. It begins with the five W’s: WHO am I? WHAT do I want? WHY do I want it? WHERE am I? WHEN does this event take place? Sounds basic—but many young child actors are told simply to "get up there and act." This book explores each of these questions, using helpful exercises to allow young actors to work through problems of character identity and motivation. With comprehensive chapters on auditioning, rehearsal, and improvisation, plus a primer on how young actors can break into film, theater, and television, Acting for Young Actors is every kid’s ticket to the big time.

About the Author
Mary Lou Belli is the coauthor of The Sitcom Career Book, published by Back Stage Books. An Emmy Award–winning director, she has worked on Girlfriends, The Hughleys, Major Dad, and Charles in Charge, among many other shows. She is the mother of two children who act professionally. She lives in Los Angeles.

Dinah Lenney is an adjunct professor at UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television. An actor as well as an acting teacher, she is currently appearing on ER as the no-nonsense nurse Shirley. She lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Back Stage Books; illustrated edition edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823049477
• ISBN-13: 978-0823049479
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #173,236 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a GREAT book!, September 17, 2006

By	Leah (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This book is a fantastic investment for anyone with any interest in acting. Whether you're an experienced actor or one just starting out, this is a GREAT book--so good, after just one chapter of it, I felt like I had been taking acting classes for years. Written with young adults in mind, this book shows what it means to act and all the things you need to know to become a good actor in a way that is both simple and sophisticated, so it's appropriate for any age. It's a book that you can easily pick up and just read a part of when you need help (but it is fun to read all the way through!) I've learned so much from this book and I can't wait to put it all to use!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book, January 24, 2009

By	D. Mattis "the person" (Atglen) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great book for all beginning actors. It tells the ins and outs of acting and how to be the person you are acting. It gives great advice on different acting unions and how to select an agent. This is truly a must have for all actors.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Young Actors, August 31, 2008

By	TWEB "TWEB" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This book and Theater For Young Actors: The Definitive Teen Guideby Walter Williamson have helped me a lot in beggining my acting career. The book will help lead you to become an actor.