Customer Reviews

Auditioning: An Actor-Friendly Guide

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I've read dozens of books on acting, and Audition is one of the best. Ms. Merlin, who originated the role of the mother in Fiddler on the Roof, packs a great deal of useful advice taken from her decades as a professional (read: paid) actor and casting director, and her thorough knowledge of the industry (both film and theater) comes through on every page. More than a book about auditioning, Audition covers all aspects of the acting profession. Most valuable to me was the chapter on acting choices, which outlines in the clearest terms I've ever seen how to analyze a scene for acting by using Merlin's nine steps. Also welcome is her firm but loving admonishments that we actors need to hear. It's like having the perfect Jewish mother give you advice on your acting career. Nu?

As a professional, working actor, I found this book inspiring. Whether you are a beginner, or someone who in a slump, or just someone wanting to keep her edge while waiting for the next auditon call, this book can help. There are sections on auditioning for stage, film and musical theatre...and there are definitely differences in those auditons.

Before I read this, I had a big problem with my confidence as well as with everything else. But this book really helped me believe in myself, believe it or not.

This is a great book to read for actors! It tells you how to deal with nervousness and, turn it into a positive feeling for you to work with. This book has helped me out a lot. And, now, I know what to expect and, how to get through my next audition, with flying colors!

The subtitle is no joke: Joanna Merlin's book is certainly Actor-Friendly. Auditioning is a terrible process for all parties involved. Auditors and auditioners both know that an actor cannot truly demonstrate the breadth and depth of their skill in a five minute general audition, nor a callback. But this is the process by which we cast shows, and until someone figures out a better way to do it, it's the one we're stuck with.

Joanna rightly points this out in her opening, and goes to great lengths to get the actor to relax and take a positive (and more psychologically healthy) perspective towards the audition process. Her tips help bolster self-confidence, relaxation, acceptance of not getting a part, and a spirit of playing. She also gives several anecdotal stories from her own experiences in the business, supporting her advice with real-world examples.

The meat and potatoes of the book is her actual advice on what to do in order to prepare and deliver an audition and callback, with chapters on general advice, advice for camera, and advice for musicals. She gives solid advice for monologue selection, the key points to hit for swift text analysis, making your characterization distinct (here her training in the Michael Chekhov technique shows), and later a more practical walkthrough of the event itself.

This text is not a magical cure-all, nor a guarantee that you're going to land your next role. I'll be honest and tell you that I didn't. This book, however, did certainly helped me prepare and understand what was going on during the callback, and how to approach and understand why I might not have gotten the part (which, when I later talked to the director, turned out to be accurate). If you're an actor who is consistently anxious about auditioning, and gets terribly discourage or even depressed by not getting the role, absolutely read this book. Its biggest value is in shifting your perspective. If you're an actor who is comfortable with auditioning, then you've probably got a system that lets you deal with the stress, anxiety, and nerves already, but this book may be worth it for you to read Joanna's recommendations and anecdotes.

This is a very helpful book for most anyone who is new to the process of auditioning for the world of professional theater written by an experienced casting director who is also an actress. There are several books out on this subject. This one was recommended to me by the casting director of a regional theater company. The first chapter, which covers the emotional baggage that actors bring to auditions was especially helpful to me. The following chapters give a good overview of the audition process, so you know what to expect, and much good advice about preparing material for presentation.

This book is a great tool for the auditioning Actor, it puts everything into perspective. An easy quick read with tons of great advice and information you always should have known.

I was lucky to have worked with Joanna Merlin this past summer, 2001, at the International Michael Chekhov Workshop. Joanna is as genuine in person as she comes across in her book. She truly cares for the actor-for the actor at work. Joanna cares about the process of acting...how refreshing!

Joanna Merlin inspired me, and I have been acting, directing and producing for thirty years! AUDITIONING is an excellent book. It should be filed just to the right of Chekhov's TO THE ACTOR and LESSONS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ACTOR. It should be in every actor's library.

I really enjoyed this book . The audition tips are very useful. I also just read a new book. Twelve Step Plan To Becoming An Actor by Dawn Lerman. If you have really studied, buy these two books and head to LA
and make your mark .

Jean Harris
NY