Acting as a Business: Strategies for Success

by Brian O'Neil

An essential handbook for actors–a modern classic–in a newly updated edition.Since its original publication, Acting as a Business has earned a reputation as an indispensable tool for working and aspiring actors. Avoiding the usual advice about persistence and luck, Brian O’Neil provides clear-cut guidelines that will give actors a solid knowledge of the business behind their art. It’s packed with practical information–on everything from what to say in a cover letter to where to stand when performing in agent’s office–•How to craft a winning theatrical résumé•The most effective ways to join the performer’s unions•Tactics for getting an agent•Strategies for finding work in the theater, on daytime television, and in independent films•Navigating the different customs and cultures of New York and Los AngelesO’Neil has updated Acting as a Business to keep up with the latest show-business trends, including how best to use the Internet, making this new edition no actor should be without.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction, Self Help, Art, Business

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 1993

Reviews

[Amanda Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book full of useful information for those that need it. Not all of it is applicable if you are outside of New York or LA, but there is a lot of great advise from someone who has been a part of a lot of different aspects of the performing world. He's been there, done that, and knows what it takes to make a living.

[Mariah Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided a lot more information than I initially thought! O’Neil covers both LA and New York Acting and provides good business tactics to get your start

[Bobby Claude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really great for anyone looking at how to get into the acting business. Of course nothing will work all the time, but the advice that Brian O'Neil gives in his book should definitely improve an actor's chances of at least being seen for an audition.

[Lluvia Almanza · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for all actors. Most of the information applies mainly to actors living in Atlanta, LA and New York, but the information can be applied to smaller markets as well. O’Neill began his career as an actor and then agent and now he offers career counseling.

[Bt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book that taught me so much about the business side of theatre and film and how to get jobs. I will definitely refer to it later; it is a great resource!

[Mike Sause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for any actor in the industry, wish I'd read it sooner.

[molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

rather outdated but still extremely helpful!

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had the brilliant gift of hearing Mr. O'Neil discuss the tactics in this book for our class in grad school. He has an infectious optimism that is just a joy to be around. Followed up with this book and found it very useful after graduating. Healthy realistic advice. Very useful.

[José Arturo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro práctico con tips sobre cómo llevar la empresa de actuar y no morir en el intento.
Da lo que promete: estrategias.

Sería muy útil un libro con el mismo contenido aplicado al contexto mexicano.

[flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise, straight to the point information.

[Keith Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delivers on everything you could ask of it. It’s a little old, but for its time, offers the best advice.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian O'Neil's, Acting As a Business, should be an actor's bible for career starting. Amazingly useful on how to land an agent and start your career off in a productive manner. He teaches how you can create your own opportunities instead of waiting for something to fall in your lap, which probably won't happen too often in this business. A must have for actors.

[Kanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to be a NYC actor? Read this book and you are ready to get started? Make sure you pick up the latest addition of this book, it has been updated several times to accomodate change in the business.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit out-dated, but definitely worth the read

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last edition in 2009, so there seems to be info out of date. But I found enough info to take different actions and found areas in my marketing that needed a fine tooth comb.