Acting A to Z: The Young Person's Guide to a Stage or Screen Career (Paperback)

by Katherine Mayfield (Author) "WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF ACTING!..." (more)
Key Phrases: one young actor, casting person, casting people, New York, Los Angeles, Back Stage Books (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Acting A to Z" is a comprehensive nuts-and-bolts acting encyclopedia. It addresses aspects of acting not usually written about, such as conservatory theater education, how to make a living while acting, and what to expect if you make it big -- Daily Hampshire Gazette, February 17, 1999

Mayfield has written a helpful book jammed with information. Concepts are clearly explained and reinforced with examples. Her final analysis is positive and optimistic. She cares about her readers. . . .It's a book worth reading for the basics, the essentials, of the business side of acting -- Bravo, the Performing and Visual Arts Newspaper, March 1999

One of the best things about Mayfield's title, besides its ease of use and quality design, is its comprehensiveness. Well-conceived and packaged, this slim, eye-catching paperback does just what the title implies: it explores the profession of acting from the general (career overview) to the specific (monthly expense budgets), from the nuts and bolts (resumes and headshots) to the esoteric (trusting your instincts). Including practical advice on networking, casting, education, self-esteem, self-promotion, and preparation, this above-average work . . . tells it like it really is. It is an ideal offering for that star-struck kid who wants to be the next Leonardo DiCaprio, but has no idea of the work involved [in] getting there -- Voice of Youth Advocates, June 1999

Product Description
"Acting A to Z" is a complete guide to acting and the acting business, written for young actors by an actress with over 20 years' experience. It offers a complete overview of every aspect of the acting business, and is designed to give young people a clear understanding of what it's like to pursue a professional career, as well as helping them make an informed decision about becoming a professional actor. It also includes practical advice on every aspect of marketing for the actor, from photos and resumes to contacting casting directors and agents. Young actors will find a wealth of information on beginning a career in "Acting A to Z".

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Back Stage Books (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823088014
• ISBN-13: 978-0823088010
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #273,433 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top-notch advice and tips on the world of acting!!, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

I felt this book answered all the different questions dramatically inclined teens ask about acting as a career. As well, several teens were actually interviewed in the making of this book. A great addition to any actor or drama teacher's collection!!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book for aspiring actors, January 18, 2001

By	"sixnkotz" (United States) - See all my reviews

This book is pretty good. Some of the chapters were a little off the subject, but for the most part this is a must-have.

This book takes you step by step, through the whole process. It tells you how to present your resume, what type of photo's you should have made of yourself, and how much it will cost to be a working actor.

The second chapter, "BASIC TOOLS OF THE ACTOR" tells how you can use your body as your tools. The book lists warm up exercises that you can do to prepare yourself for an audition or play. There are vocal exercises and more.

In the tenth chapter it tells how some agents and casting directors like to scam amuater actors. It tells how to avoid them and how to get out of a situation like that. It says to trust your feelings when you feel uncomfortable about something. You should get this book if you want to know how to begin acting.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for students, March 20, 2000

By A Customer

Any one who is contemplating acting professionally should read this book. It tells you in an honest way what you are getting into and how you would be living.