Customer Reviews

An Actor's Guide--Making It in New York City

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

 

 

While I didn't move to New York specifically to become an actor, I've sort of found myself happily "in the business" now. I randomly stumbled onto this book while looking for new wisdom to add onto must-reads by Uta Hagen, Michael Shurtleff, Stanislavski, etc. After having done a lot of research on how to be a successful actor in NY the "hard way", I think I agree with most of Alterman's suggestions - just wish I'd had this book in the beginning =)

An actor should always be reading, attending a lecture or workshop - you know, doing *something* to learn. New York has its particular nuances, and this book simplifies some of the hassles that a newcomer might find overwhelming. It gives some useful advice on dealing with the three most important things you'll have do when you get here:

*finding a place to live
*finding a job you like ('cos you have to eat)
*finding acting work, any and all kinds of work

Having a thicker-than-average skin here is an absolute must, for rejections run a-plenty, and they have your name on them. But this place is also (in my view) the most exciting, rewarding endeavour you'll make in your performance career.

This book has got lots of juicy info on auditioning, headshots, unions, different sorts of acting jobs (such as voiceover work), casting directors, agents, useful internet urls, etc. There are several interviews with casting agents & directors on dos-and-donts for actors - nothing beats knowledge from the professionals.

Good luck, and welcome to the greatest theatre city in the world...

A good book with great advice for any actor- whether you're from a sprawling Metropolis or from Dahlgren, Illinois! It definitely caters more to the aspiring New York Actor (like myself), but there are some good lessons in here for anyone looking to make a career in this exciting yet intimidating field. i recommend, as this was one of the very first books that I read when i was thinking of making acting a full time career.

I stumbled on this book by accident and boy am i glad i did! This book tells you step by step how to make it out there as an actor. If you're a actor and is not quite sure on how or where to start this book is your key.

I like this book alot. I can't say this is better than "How to be a Working Actor", but you actually need both books because some information that is found in one book is not found in the other. Like regular acting guides, you get tips on resumes, auditions, and unions. One useful tip for actors is to not over-rehearse a scene or monologue. This will make it stale. You should actually "forget" it and let it "happen". This is what you called acting. If you are familiar with Mr. Alterman's books, he always include interviews with industry people. I find them very helpful especially the interviews with several New York actors. This book is just as good as "Working Actor" and thinner too for faster reading.

I had no idea when I received this book as a gift from my friend that it was going to be the most important and influential book I've ever read on the business of acting. Mr Alterman should win awards for the gift he's given to actors thinking of coming to New York. I live in Atlanta, but have thought of moving to New York to be an actor for years. This INCREDIBLE book has given me the courage to make the move. EVERYTHING is spelled out for you. The who, what, where, and even why. He writes in a supportive, knowledgeable style. This book is now my ACTING BUSINESS BIBLE. If you have any desire to move to the Big Apple to be an actor, BUY THIS BOOK. Even if you don't, the chapters on the Internet, strategies, networking, etc are well worth the price. I've given this book to 3 friends who all agree-- it's the BEST BOOK ON THE BUSINESS OF BEING AN ACTOR. I rest my case.

Although this book may not be quite up to date, the information provided is helpful for someone just starting out.
It lets you know what you'll need to begin your acting career "soup to nuts". Even if you want to make it somewhere else (not just NY), the book will give you an idea of
how to organize your career plan and important pointers on how to present and market yourself as an actor.