Working Actor: Breaking in, Making a Living, and Making a Life in the Fabulous Trenches of ShowBusiness

by David Dean Bottrell

Veteran character actor David Dean Bottrell draws on his 35+ tumultuous years of work in the entertainment industry to offer a guide to breaking in, making a living, and making a life in the fabulous trenches of show business.

David Dean Bottrell has worn many different hats during his decades in showbiz: television actor with appearances on Boston Legal, Modern Family, The Blacklist, Mad Men, True Blood, NCIS, and Days of Our Lives; screenwriter for Paramount and Disney; respected acting teacher at UCLA and AADA; and regular expert columnist for esteemed acting site Backstage. In Working Actor, Bottrell offers a how-to manual jammed with practical information and insider advice, essential reading for any artist (aspiring or established) in need of insight or inspiration. Mixing prescriptive advice ("Getting Started," "Learning Your Craft," "Finding an Agent") with wisdom drawn from Bottrell's own professional highs and lows and those of his acting compatriots, this book's humorous, tell-it-like-it-is tone provides career advice in a modern form perfect for today's up-and-coming actors.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 19, 2019

Reviews

[Armand Rosamilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not an actor. I have no intention of being one. Why did I read this book? Because my nephew wants to become an actor and make a living at it. I know it's a one in a million shot for the kid, but after reading this book and then giving it to him, I know he has a better shot. The information is concise, funny and insightful.

Plus, as a full-time author myself (crime thrillers, horror) I found quite a few interesting things I can use for my career as well!

[Sparkie Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a giveaway.
Actor/ Author David Dean Cottrell has written an entertaining guide to life in show business. Whether you're interested in a career as an actor or any other part of the entertainment industry this is a great read. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect to consider with questions to help you sort through what it is you're looking to do and points to consider. This book isn't just about David's career. It is about thinking ahead, making good choices and loving what you do. You will enjoy this fun read.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not only instructional; it's very entertaining. David Dean Bottrell knows his stuff and if you want to be a professional actor, you really need to get this book.

I'm not pursuing a career in acting, but I enjoyed reading about David Dean Bottrell's journey. He's a terrific writer, as well as a fantastic actor, and his book is a fun read.

[Tl Wagener · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sorely needed book for all aspiring actors. it is not about craft or imagination or anchoring or emotional recall or any other of the acting tricks. It's about how to survive in today's market. The difference between New York and Los Angeles. How to network. When to walk. Remaining sane. Polishing your resume. Keeping the faith. And more.

I read this quickly and felt like I had just finished a lunch with a dear and encouraging friend. A very funny dear and encouraging friend who had terrific stories to share. All that was missing was the hug at the end.

If acting classes had textbooks (and I've never heard of an acting class that did), it should be this one. And then lots of brainstorming and discussion. There are so many aspiring actors -- many who are naturals, who have never taken an acting class and never needed one. But everyone who wants to make a life in the business of acting begins knowing nothing. This book will give you a headstart.

[Steve Worsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so good when talented artists also have the ability to teach and communicate about their creative pathway. The anonymous insights from the author's colleagues also added a lot of value to the book.

Some things I noted:
1. In every scene ever written, somebody wants something and something goes wrong.
2. Be prepared to write rubbish in order that through the process of writing you can find the gold and refine it. 'Bad theatre provides the manure from which good theatre can grow'. 'Wherever there's a pile of crap, there must be a pony nearby.'
3. Assume that the world needs your art until you're told otherwise. In fact, even after being told otherwise, do your thing anyway. Only you can bring forth what's already alive inside your imagination and heart. So get started we're all waiting for you!
4. I think I'm in the mental health industry. Artists are the teachers and mediums of the world. We reflect life back to our audience.

I loved the humour, honesty, compassion and down to earth quality of this book. I also really liked the unexpected chapter on entering the acting profession late in life.

I will recommend this book to others.

[Jonée Shady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for any person wanting to pursue acting and/or contemplating making a big move to either LA or NY. It's a very honest and insightful accounting of what one needs to do and how to navigate the business of acting. It is structured in a way that one has to ask themselves questions as to why they desire to be in this business. Each chapter focuses on one specific thing and then at the end of the chapter there are bullet points that guide the reader so that they can move forward in their journey.

As a working actor myself, it validated many of the choices and detours I have taken over my career and has inspired me to keep on doing what I am doing with the understanding of where I stand in this career. I appreciated every page of this book.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Working Actor online a few weeks ago, and I’ve honestly been thinking about it ever since. David Dean Bottrell writes with a kind of honesty you rarely find in books about the industry. He doesn’t hide the rejection, the fear, or the slow years he faces them head on, but always with humor and grace.
There were moments that made me laugh, others that hit really close to home. I loved how he talked about redefining success and finding peace in the process, not just the outcome. It made me look at my own goals differently. Whether you’re an actor or not, there’s something deeply human about this book.

[Liana Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re an actor who’s ever felt tired or invisible, building a life around the career chapter hit me in a way I didn’t expect. There’s a gentleness in how Bottrell writes about the emotional side of being an actor, the loneliness, the disappointments, the small wins that come when you least expect them.

This wasn’t about technique; it was about survival. And somehow, he makes you feel seen. He speaks openly about doubt, burnout, and those awful moments where you question your worth. But he also talks about rediscovering joy in the work, and that part stayed with me long after I finished the book.

[Hellen Vibrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audition chapter honestly made me laugh out loud. Not because auditions are funny they usually aren’t but because Bottrell describes the chaos so perfectly you can’t help but see yourself in it. The bizarre waiting rooms, the rigid directions, the “can you do it again but… different?”

He writes about audition disasters with such humor and self-awareness that you end up feeling less alone in your own mess. It’s the first time I’ve read audition advice that didn’t feel like pressure, but like someone saying, Hey, we’ve all made a fool of ourselves. It’s fine.

This chapter is the emotional equivalent of a comedy break in the middle of a stressful week. Every actor needs that.

[Lizzie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been listening to this book on my train journeys in and out of the city to a job where I’m very much not a working actor. I loved this book. It was inspiring and encouraging while still being honest about the harsh realities of this business. David addresses the question of “who is he to write this book?” since he’s not exactly a household name. He answers it directly: why shouldn’t someone like him write this book? By the time I finished the book I agreed with him. Highly recommend to someone who wants to act but is scared about where to even start and if it’s worth it.

[Vernon Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book and should definitely be on every new and dare I say experienced actors book shelf. A lot of things an experienced actor should have realized, but a good refresher nonetheless. The moment to moment stories, of the ups and downs of the business. Actually mirrored my career. Good story telling, enough to keep anyone interested. A step by step lecture to give you some of the ins and outs of the business. Good Luck...

[Lou Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working Actor puts the emphasis on "working"

A funny, inspiring, realistic and wise "how to" manual for those wanting to act and expand their craft in the
world of entertainment. Read this now--you won't be sorry!

[Mati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide injected with personal anecdotes makes for very interesting reading - even if you don't plan to work in the entertainment industry. I highly recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in working in stage, film or TV.

[Samantha Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, Inspiring, Incredible!

I always enjoying hearing from inside the industry and this was one of the most insightful, candid books. It felt like I was having a conversation with David Bottrell…definitely recommend!

[Lauren Silberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I’m not in the entertainment business, I still found inspiration in this book. I listened on audible, and it was a pleasure. Would recommend.

[Taylor Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for any and all Actors

[Megan]

I read Working Actor online after hearing about it from a friend, and it turned out to be one of the most downto earth books I’ve read in a while. Bottrell has this rare mix of humor and honesty that keeps you engaged the whole time.
It’s not a typical “acting guide.” It’s more of a personal story that happens to be full of wisdom. I liked that he didn’t pretend to have all the answers he just shared what he’s learned through experience. Some parts made me laugh, others made me think about how we define success and failure. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful new book by my lovely, witty, smart, charming friend, David Dean Bottrell, is about the labor of love that is acting. The book is as lovely, witty, smart and charming as he is. It is by turns profound and profoundly hilarious. And very informative. Read it if you’re new to acting and the biz or if you’re a veteran in need of inspiration. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s excellent.

[marissa di vita · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book in bits and pieces over the span of a couple years. i want to be an actress more than anything in the whole entire world. it is my dream. this book has given me amazing advice and motivation. if you want to enter the industry or get better at working in it and through it, read this. if you don’t, read it anyways. i promise you won’t regret it.

[R · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a book about David’s personal experience but not a book about how to make it as an actor. The book is very vague about agents, casting directors, unions and other essential information that is necessary to get into the industry. This is not a how to book but a “biography” about this mans general/vague experiences as an actor. This book is misleading as the title says, “breaking in, making a living, making a life”, as it doesn’t tell you how or go into detail about these elements.