The Present Actor: A Practical and Spiritual Guideline to Help You Enjoy the Ride

by Marci Phillips

Many actors are hungry for guidance. You're in a profession that offers no promise of recognition, fulfillment or even steady employment despite your talent, training or degrees. A great actor can be passed over for a lesser one; a year of booking wonderful roles can be followed by two years of unemployment; a successful actor can be left spiritually empty in the midst of adulation. Performers must deal with the unique circumstance of having their face, body, mind and emotions on display for judgment every day. Consequently, there's an overwhelming desire to obtain some emotional grounding and inner peace within a very uncertain profession. The Present Actor was written specifically to address the challenges that you face every day, whether you're just starting out or have already acquired some measure of success. This book speaks specifically to the performer on an all-encompassing emotional, spiritual and practical level. As a casting executive for a major television network, understanding an actor's ego, heart, intellect and imagination is my job. Finding your way requires time, patience and love. I can't reach all of you personally, but I can hope to make my knowledge available to you through this book.
“I was truly moved by what Marci wrote. I kept on saying, 'yes, yes, yes', I discuss these ideas with my clients all the time! It’s more than taking class and breaking down a scene.. She captures the sum of the parts in such a comprehensive manner yet with so much compassion. It’s the actor's self-help book for anyone who dares to dream. I LOVE it!”
- Rhonda Price, Partner - The Gersh Agency

107 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2012

Reviews

[Rachel Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell that Marci cares about actors, her readers, and all of us in the universe with this book. She provides a rare, holistic, & spiritual perspective on navigating life as an actor (and life in general) and, distilled: encourages us to remember the long view, all the cosmic happenings that lead us to be ready or not ready for things in life, and...gratitude. It's a lovely breath of fresh air in an industry that can drive you into the ground with indifference or worse, people who believe their positions of power make others less than. There are also some practical elements that I will take with me into future auditions - for example, how to approach casting for series regular roles.

Marci is my mentor, so I may be biased (though this review is unsolicited!), but I am just so glad she, and this work of hers, are in the industry and in the universe. Actors and non-actors alike, read!

[Mariette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second time reading this book after a friend gave it to me eight years ago. This is an excellent book for beginning actors to working commercial, co-star, under five, series regular actors. Also, like my friend wrote in the book to me: "Read this when you want to pack it up. I'll help you turn the car around and unpack." Although I, or my friend (KJ), might not be able to personally help you, Marci Phillip's advice will! Remember, "People show up in your life for various reasons, but ultimately everyone is there to teach you something!" BTW, if in NYC take one of Marci's classes too!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is incredibly insightful and i will definitely be referring back to it when i am not feeling like enough in this industry 🫶🏻 marci’s way of validating, understanding, and showing compassion for actors is so lovely. thank you to marci for gifting me this book and definitely take a class with her if you get the chance! 🤍

[Aleksandar Ristov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Great overall book for all actors. Highly recommend for actors of all levels. A must read. It should be available to students in every acting school

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marci Phillips... whom I've had the pleasure of meeting, has a comfortability in her writing that makes you feel she's an aunt at your kitchen table. A quick read that every actor who's serious about their career should complete.

A perfect combo of spiritual positivity and enhancement and the drive to continue on this unpredictable journey.