Auditioning: An Actor-Friendly Guide (Paperback)

~ (Author), Harold Prince (Foreword) "Most people go to work in the same office, store, or factory every day; they can anticipate who will be there, what the workplace will..." (more)
Key Phrases: actable choices, auditioning event, auditioning for the camera, New York, Hal Prince, Little Night Music (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Experienced acting teacher and casting director Merlin, who has worked with such luminaries as James Ivory, Bernardo Bertolucci, and Stephen Sondheim, provides comprehensive instruction here on how actors can improve their auditions. The author's writing style is friendly and straightforward while still being technically focused. She takes a variety of dramatic scenes and breaks them down to show how an actor can use a short section of a play to make a big impression. She includes special advice for auditioning for film, TV, and musicals. Merlin also goes through the actual auditioning event step by step, with advice on how to handle props, costumes, positioning, lights, and other potential problems. One chapter includes comments from directors on what they would like to see in an actor's audition. A gem of a book for every library that serves aspiring actors and we all do, don't we? For all libraries. J. Sara Paulk, Coastal Plain Regional Lib., Tifton, GA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Joanna Merlin [is] one of the top casting directors in the country and a formidable actress?. Her compassion and understanding toward actors is matched by her sensitivity and generosity in teaching this unusual craft."?Kevin Kline -- Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; 1st Vintage Books ed edition (May 8, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375725377
• ISBN-13: 978-0375725371
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #339,898 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real-life tips from a working pro, August 26, 2001

By	Adam Schwartz (Bloomington, IN United States) - See all my reviews

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?

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A useful book for serious actors, November 7, 2001

By	Karen K. Kirschenbauer (Middleburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews

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.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's great for auditioning Actors, October 23, 2005

By	Kaitlin R. Mercurio - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.