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RULES OF ACTING, THE
Luvvies. Tyrannical directors. Useless agents. Less job security than an England football manager. Who’d be an actor?
Michael Simkins isn’t sure, even though he’s been one himself for over thirty years. Join him backstage as he examines that business called showbusiness, from am dram to Hollywood, and from Shakespeare to ads for flatulence pills.
In a career that started as a plump teenager in ballet tights at RADA, Michael has appeared in countless West End plays and musicals, presented safety training workshops for sewage workers, and when resting, worked as a crate smasher at a car factory. He’s done movies, soaps, ads, and voice-overs, and worked with everyone from Meryl Streep to Kelly Osbourne. As the ultimate jobbing actor he’s flirted with triumph and oblivion without ever quite managing either.
InThe Rules of Acting he shares his hard-won wisdom. Covering everything from learning your lines to tilting for Oscar success in Hollywood, surviving a flop, to why it’s advisable to read the whole script if you wish to avoid improper relations with a pig, it’s the ultimate survival guide for anyone contemplating a life in showbiz.
'Throw out An Actor Prepares! Michael Simkins' book tells actors all they need to know about the realities of the acting profession; the passion, the struggle, the noble idealism and the heartache.'
-- HELEN MIRREN
'It is thrilling that Micahel Simkins is having such success as a writer - anything to keep him off the stage'
-- IAN McKELLEN
Michael Simkins isn’t sure, even though he’s been one himself for over thirty years. Join him backstage as he examines that business called showbusiness, from am dram to Hollywood, and from Shakespeare to ads for flatulence pills.
In a career that started as a plump teenager in ballet tights at RADA, Michael has appeared in countless West End plays and musicals, presented safety training workshops for sewage workers, and when resting, worked as a crate smasher at a car factory. He’s done movies, soaps, ads, and voice-overs, and worked with everyone from Meryl Streep to Kelly Osbourne. As the ultimate jobbing actor he’s flirted with triumph and oblivion without ever quite managing either.
InThe Rules of Acting he shares his hard-won wisdom. Covering everything from learning your lines to tilting for Oscar success in Hollywood, surviving a flop, to why it’s advisable to read the whole script if you wish to avoid improper relations with a pig, it’s the ultimate survival guide for anyone contemplating a life in showbiz.
'Throw out An Actor Prepares! Michael Simkins' book tells actors all they need to know about the realities of the acting profession; the passion, the struggle, the noble idealism and the heartache.'
-- HELEN MIRREN
'It is thrilling that Micahel Simkins is having such success as a writer - anything to keep him off the stage'
-- IAN McKELLEN
- GenresNonfictionTheatre
342 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 9, 2023
One of those occasions when the book title should be taken literally, this is indeed a guidebook on acting with somewhat insular humour, but genuinely funny at times at a PG level. Looking at other reviews I can see that this is a great book for aspiring actors and actresses, so I can't dog it. Notice title and make sure that you need to read, what is technically a very entertaining text book for aspiring actors and actresses. A specific for the intended audience 6 out of 12, Three Star read.
2023 read
2023 read
July 14, 2014
If only this book had been written when I started out in the business. Not only is this book hilarious - partly because it is terrifyingly accurate, but it also contains so much valuable advice. Follow it and you will know how to behave with aplomb in situations such as your first audition, through to changing your agent and negotiating the pitfalls of networking. This book should be read by everyone thinking about becoming an actor. In fact read it before you even apply to drama school and keep a copy with you from there on in.
October 2, 2013
"...one man in his time plays many parts."
Michael Simkins describes himself as a 'jobbing actor' who has worked in theatre, TV and film for over thirty years. UK based, he may not be familiar to an overseas audience although he has appeared in many series which have been exported - Midsomer Murders, Foyle's War etc., etc. In fact his name may not even be familiar to Brits, but his face almost certainly will be.
Ostensibly, the book is a guide to people wishing to start a showbiz career, and it does contain a lot of useful advice on drama schools, auditions, theatre work, TV etc. But really all of this is just an excuse for Simkins to share some reminiscences and anecdotes about the weird and wonderful world of the luvvie. And he does so with a gusto that frequently took me way beyond giggling to howling with laughter.
Some of the stories are clearly true, some apocryphal, some possibly embroidered (or dare I say it) perhaps even made up, but they build up to a picture of someone who has thoroughly enjoyed his career - the lows as well as the highs. Simkins has worked alongside some of the true greats of British theatre and TV, and generously praises many of them. The ones he's less polite about he tends not to name, but mostly it's quite possible to make a good guess about who he means, which adds a whole other element of fun. There's a lot of swearing and jokes of a sexual nature, so perhaps not for the over-sensitive - I could have done with less of the extremes of swearing myself in places - but overall the book is so good-natured it would be hard to take offence.
Simkins takes us through his career from his days at RADA in the 1970s, his apprenticeship in the provincial theatres, on to the West End and the National Theatre. He explains how different TV and film work is to theatre, and it comes over fairly clearly I think that theatre is his real love. If I was being critical, I could comment on some sloppy grammar, but honestly this is like listening to a great raconteur doing a lengthy after-dinner speech, so I stuck my pedantry back in its box for once. Simkins is endearingly self-deprecating - he mentions his many successes but revels in the stories of panto and provincial theatre just as much as in his major roles on some of the great stages of the world. And for someone who has mingled with the stars, he seems to have managed to keep his feet on the ground. A very, very entertaining read - highly recommended.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
Michael Simkins describes himself as a 'jobbing actor' who has worked in theatre, TV and film for over thirty years. UK based, he may not be familiar to an overseas audience although he has appeared in many series which have been exported - Midsomer Murders, Foyle's War etc., etc. In fact his name may not even be familiar to Brits, but his face almost certainly will be.
Ostensibly, the book is a guide to people wishing to start a showbiz career, and it does contain a lot of useful advice on drama schools, auditions, theatre work, TV etc. But really all of this is just an excuse for Simkins to share some reminiscences and anecdotes about the weird and wonderful world of the luvvie. And he does so with a gusto that frequently took me way beyond giggling to howling with laughter.
Some of the stories are clearly true, some apocryphal, some possibly embroidered (or dare I say it) perhaps even made up, but they build up to a picture of someone who has thoroughly enjoyed his career - the lows as well as the highs. Simkins has worked alongside some of the true greats of British theatre and TV, and generously praises many of them. The ones he's less polite about he tends not to name, but mostly it's quite possible to make a good guess about who he means, which adds a whole other element of fun. There's a lot of swearing and jokes of a sexual nature, so perhaps not for the over-sensitive - I could have done with less of the extremes of swearing myself in places - but overall the book is so good-natured it would be hard to take offence.
Simkins takes us through his career from his days at RADA in the 1970s, his apprenticeship in the provincial theatres, on to the West End and the National Theatre. He explains how different TV and film work is to theatre, and it comes over fairly clearly I think that theatre is his real love. If I was being critical, I could comment on some sloppy grammar, but honestly this is like listening to a great raconteur doing a lengthy after-dinner speech, so I stuck my pedantry back in its box for once. Simkins is endearingly self-deprecating - he mentions his many successes but revels in the stories of panto and provincial theatre just as much as in his major roles on some of the great stages of the world. And for someone who has mingled with the stars, he seems to have managed to keep his feet on the ground. A very, very entertaining read - highly recommended.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
July 16, 2013
Laugh out loud funny and surprisingly moving at times. The fact that we were at school together (I was Viola to his Sir Toby Belch) makes this doubly painful to acknowledge.
March 26, 2024
There's so much to enjoy about this book. Michael Simkins is an excellent writer and shares a wonderful collection of anecdotes, some funny, some poignant, about the acting industry. Breaking the life of an actor down into five relevant periods is a nice framing devise and allows Simkins to share advise to people trying to break into the industry, whilst highlighting how frankly ridiculous it all is.
My main gripe with the book, is that it falls into the trap of a lot of acitng memoirs of making it all seem so simple. The industry is hard and complex, and yet a lot of the time, the narrative is all about when not if. Odd exceptions like Simkins pointing out that of his graduating class only 4 are still in the business do point to the harsh realities of the industry, but so much of it feels rose-tinted.
That's not to say that that's necessarily terrible. As mentioned the anecdotes are lovely, and Simkins wry humour gives the book a charm that its content doesn't necessarily deserve. I wouldn't read this thinking it'll teach you to be an actor- it won't. Do read it to get a sense of what the industry can be, and how it can be a success if you're one of the lucky ones.
My main gripe with the book, is that it falls into the trap of a lot of acitng memoirs of making it all seem so simple. The industry is hard and complex, and yet a lot of the time, the narrative is all about when not if. Odd exceptions like Simkins pointing out that of his graduating class only 4 are still in the business do point to the harsh realities of the industry, but so much of it feels rose-tinted.
That's not to say that that's necessarily terrible. As mentioned the anecdotes are lovely, and Simkins wry humour gives the book a charm that its content doesn't necessarily deserve. I wouldn't read this thinking it'll teach you to be an actor- it won't. Do read it to get a sense of what the industry can be, and how it can be a success if you're one of the lucky ones.
May 31, 2026
This is a re-read and I enjoyed it as much the second time around. Although I have several books I should be cracking on with, I picked this off my shelf, started reading and just carried on. It's funny, gossipy and full of good advice. Even if you have no interest in being an actor, some of the wisdom can be applied to other careers too.
July 16, 2024
An interesting memoir details the vagaries of being a job actor. The author is whimsical, and the narrative never descends into self-pity. The book is separated with various subtitles that make reading the book too disjointed. A helpful insight into the life of an actor
July 4, 2018
Painfully true and often hilarious. More like a memoir with a few tips thrown in.
March 18, 2019
Really funny, I also loved the structure as I often don't have the time to read huge chapters. I couldn't put it down and was sad to finish it.
September 20, 2020
Proof that variety is the spice of an actor's life. Full of wonderful advice and even more terrific anedcotes. A fine follow-up to What's My Motivation?
April 1, 2021
This book is my bible.
April 14, 2023
No rules required
As expected from Mr Simkins, a very funny read, full of insight from a difficult profession, and it almost stopped me from coughing......
As expected from Mr Simkins, a very funny read, full of insight from a difficult profession, and it almost stopped me from coughing......
March 29, 2014
Being one of those people who can never remember names; who is who; or who played what, I never expected to enjoy this book as much as I did and rate it a good 4 stars. I enjoy all things theatrical and read it because the title took my fancy, but also because of a friend who is involved in local theatre stage management, secretly would love to be on stage, and want to understand this desire.
Not only is Michael Simpkins talented as an actor, he is also a talented writer. This is a book full of real information about the world of acting. All the questions a budding young thespian could have are answered in a humorous and accurate way. Each step from which drama school, the do’s and don’ts of auditions, theatrical etiquette, the highs and lows, successes and failures and reaching Hollywood, is covered in a logical progression by Simpkins. I think The Rules of Acting is a real guidance about the industry covering small details that can only be given from the inside. As Simpkins shares the details directly with the reader, I found it a humorous book making me laugh out loud.
If you seriously have a desire to join the industry then you must read this book. It is honest, and encouraging to those wishing to do so.
Not only is Michael Simpkins talented as an actor, he is also a talented writer. This is a book full of real information about the world of acting. All the questions a budding young thespian could have are answered in a humorous and accurate way. Each step from which drama school, the do’s and don’ts of auditions, theatrical etiquette, the highs and lows, successes and failures and reaching Hollywood, is covered in a logical progression by Simpkins. I think The Rules of Acting is a real guidance about the industry covering small details that can only be given from the inside. As Simpkins shares the details directly with the reader, I found it a humorous book making me laugh out loud.
If you seriously have a desire to join the industry then you must read this book. It is honest, and encouraging to those wishing to do so.
July 12, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyable journey through the life of an actor, explaining the hazards, temptations and diversions along the way. The stages of an actor's lie (Who is Michael Simkins? Who is this Michael Simkins? Get me Michael Simkins! Get me a young Michael Simkins! Who was Michael Simkins) are explained with humour and many anecdotes, many of which had me blurting out with laughter, although few beat the indignities suffered by the unnamed actor in the preface, who paid for not reading a screenplay through to its conclusion by having to simulate sex with an 18-stone pig. As Simkins says: Don't try your luck in the profession unless you're prepared to earn your rent by having sex with a pig.
June 3, 2015
Very enjoyable, with some laugh out loud stories and anecdotes (and a few crude moments). For anyone who's been an actor (amateur or pro) or who's aspiring to the vocation, this will be not only an eye-opener, but a dream-buster...but in the best of ways. Simkins tells it like it is: acting's a great profession, but one in which you have to take the crazy jobs with the brilliant ones. And don't even get started on Hollywood.
August 3, 2013
Desperate to get this book for all the tap dancing jazz handed kids I know. But they will have to wait until they can deal with the pretend pig sex in the first chapter and the hideous reality of trying to make a living in the acting game.
September 11, 2016
Great fun, a good read for actors, actors in training, and anyone who loves the stage. Made me laugh out loud plenty. There's a good balance between inspiring, humorous stories and cold reality, all nicely written an a charm to read.
July 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this book which was chock-a-block full of LOL-worthy anecdotes, along with some wise and honest advice. Simmo has a great voice as a writer ... and all I could wish for is a little extra proofing.
Recommended if you're interested in actors and acting.
Recommended if you're interested in actors and acting.
March 9, 2016
Amusing for actors and non-actors alike. As an Anglophile, I enjoyed a look into the world of the West End and references to "Corrie." Simmo is extremely likable and engaging, and the book is well organized.
March 8, 2014
An amazing book. Loved all the anecdotes, the way it was worded. Truly a terrific book.
Must read for any Actor.
Must read for any Actor.
October 6, 2016
Very amusing account about the life of an actor and all the ups and downs and hard work that comes with it. A nice read for people with acting ambitions or who are curious what the fuss is all about.
April 30, 2017
A fun and insightful look into the world of acting by someone who had been there, bought the T-Shirt and wrote the book.
Actor, Michael writes in a very easy to read style and pulls no punches when he tells it like it is, but because of his affable style, the thumps don't hurt that much or bruise, but the injuries handed out by showbiz are worth noting. There are some very intresting, and in some cases, laugh out loud acting anecdotes, with my favourite coming from Sir Ralph Richardon who described acting as a means of 'Keeping a large number of people from coughing!'
This is a must read for all those who tread, have trod or taking their first tenative steps on the boards. Fellow actor Nicholas Hytner said the book was 'The Hilarious Truth' and he's not wrong.
Actor, Michael writes in a very easy to read style and pulls no punches when he tells it like it is, but because of his affable style, the thumps don't hurt that much or bruise, but the injuries handed out by showbiz are worth noting. There are some very intresting, and in some cases, laugh out loud acting anecdotes, with my favourite coming from Sir Ralph Richardon who described acting as a means of 'Keeping a large number of people from coughing!'
This is a must read for all those who tread, have trod or taking their first tenative steps on the boards. Fellow actor Nicholas Hytner said the book was 'The Hilarious Truth' and he's not wrong.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews