The Actor's Mindset: Acting as a Craft, Discipline and Business

by Craig Archibald

The Actor's Acting as a Craft, Discipline, and Businessuniquely prepares actors to live a full, successful life as a performing artist. While most acting books focus on either the art or the business of entertainment, Archibald looks at the entire picture of what it means to be an actor, focusing on the foundations of both the artist and the entrepreneur to guarantee a complete and fully functioning approach to a career. The Actor's Mindset is divided into three distinct "The Craft," "The Discipline," and "The Business." Archibald's unique experience as both an actor and a coach gives him an unparalleled perspective on the current industry landscape. While classic method texts still circulate, and there are actors who have written books that address craft, none have Archibald's depth of knowledge and experience in coaching, nor approach the art from a professional standpoint instead of solely an instructional one. The success of Craig's approach is exemplified by the success of his clients, a roster that includes Constance Wu, John Slattery, and two-time Academy Award Nominee Dan Futterman.

Paperback

Published April 15, 2022

About the author

Canadian-born Craig Archibald has developed an invaluable position in the world of acting. As a writer, director, producer and actor, Craig has shown a noticeable range of versatility and experience in almost all aspects of entertainment. His stage acting career began in Saskatoon, Canada in 1978, his career in film and television began in New York City in 1995. However, Craig is best recognized for his founding of the Archibald Studio. The Archibald Studio was established, to offer instruction to actors of all experience levels, even training new hopefuls entering the field. The list of visiting clients include actors Constance Wu, Eric Roberts, Kathryn Erbe and Dan Futterman. Any and all of the students who have visited Craig's teaching program for acting have given favorable reviews and recommendations for other aspiring actors. With this said, it is without any doubt that Craig Archibald has been and will continue to be a constant source of influence and knowledge in the acting art.

Reviews

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig Archibald’s new book is The Actor’s Mindset: Acting as a Craft, Discipline, and Business. Mr. Archibald, a notable acting coach who has served as a gifted mentor for some of the industry’s most noteworthy stars, writes with a kind of candor and professionalism that calls to mind an earlier time in the business. The time post-Greta Garbo and pre-Britney Spears, when cinema was at its peak yet was arguably postmodernist and well past any lingering influences of the Hays Code. There’s a sense of affability and honor with how he writes and details the actor’s journey, ego not absent yet never threatening to overwhelm. Rather the latter merely influences an ironically selfless kind of wisdom he casually drops from time to time, including most notably in his philosophical articulation at the beginning of the book. “This industry can be particularly challenging, which makes it easy to adopt a ‘victim’ mindset,” Archibald writes. “I see this every day as I coach actors at the Archibald Studio in Los Angeles. I battle this tendency toward self-pity with a simple but powerful dictum: Make everything make you better. If you can use every difficulty as an inspiration to self-betterment, you change your mindset from victim to champion.” He continues, “Refuse to be a victim or to bemoan your plight…Actors have a special function in society. We have a special place in the vast tradition of storytellers. Storytelling is crucial to the advancement of society. Throughout history, storytellers have inspired humankind forward and onward to be the best we can be. In my opinion, succeeding as an actor means tapping into your authentic self, speaking your unique truth, and telling your singular story. In doing so, by tiny increments, you help to make our world a better place.”

While one could roll their eyes at a messenger saying such sentiments in an industry built upon illusion, Archibald just feels honest. There’s never a sense you’re being led on by him. Rather, he helps shine a light on what the origins of such an industry should be all about. If the old ‘acting is about connecting souls’ thing feels kind of preachy and ridiculous, it’s because of the current dressing of that statement. As far as Archibald seems to be concerned, there’s a depth and beauty to the performative arts which - if one truly wants to succeed in a business dominated by the box office - is worth uncovering in spades. Acting, Archibald states, is a dynamic and well-rounded process that isn’t just about being a pretty face. There’s a grappling curiosity that’s more or less mandated, much like the kind required for learning a new skill, acing a college class, or passing a hypothetical test. When it comes to performing, it’s all about motivation. “‘Who am I?’ is a wonderful opportunity to find out the fundamental differences between you and the character,” he writes. “…Character psychology is a gold mine. Why is my character motivated to take this action or make that cutting remark? What is the deep psychology behind it? Answering these questions can only make you better, because they help you find the motivations for your character’s actions in their deep psychological background.”

[Jenny Hochberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been actor in this industry for a number of years now. And very rarely have I found an acting book that I truly connect with, until I read Craig Archibald’s “The Actor's Mindset.” I wish I had this book when I first started in my career. Whether you are beginning your career as an actor or are already a veteran of the arts. This book is your personal guide to being the best entrepreneur and actor you can be. The length of details that Craig goes into, so other actors may have a long successful career, is extremely giving.

From the moment I started reading “The Actor's Mindset,” I could I hear Craig’s voice clearly in the writing, ringing as supportive yet honest and true. He thankfully strays far away from “The All Knowing Acting Teacher Guru” narrative that we all have come across in our lives. Craig instead maintains in his writing a grounded approach as a coach and industry guide. Craig offers his own stories of failure and success in the business. From auditioning, bookings, to his experiences in acting class, and fun celebrity stories from clients and people he has worked with on set. His book also goes deep into discussion of the acting techniques of Meisner and Stanislavsky to help you to be the best version of yourself as an actor. Whether you are auditioning, on set, or in class. He also focuses heavily on how to bring more of your heart to the roles you are playing. “The heart gets the part” as Craig says. He wants to help guide your “hero’s journey,” while maintaining a “champion mindset.” This book also acts a detailed business guide of how to run your own company (your career). Craig makes sure to keep the entrepreneur mindset at the forefront of our brains as readers.

This book will help you maintain a proper “Actor's Mindset.” Craig is the “Yoda" guide to our “Obi Wan’s,” and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

[Tyson Turrou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a working actor for over two decades and I've taken classes with a lot of coaches, but I've never met someone so willing to go to bat for his clients as Craig Archibald. He gently demands the best of you, illuminates your acting blindspots, and insists he is part of your team, not a guru. I've studied with him for years and know first hand his passion for actors as well as his brilliance with getting them to be their best in their craft and business. Not only have I improved my own skills and mind game, but I've seen others go from beginners to incredibly good working actors in record time. Craig pours his heart into creating champions, and now anyone can have every bit of practical, actionable advice that I've been lucky enough to receive firsthand.

Reading Craig's handbook, I was reminded of just how much I've learned from him. I was astonished that he managed to put so many doable and effective nuggets of instruction into a very gratifying read. You could spend years working on each simple, small section that's offered page after page. Like Craig, his book is almost deceptively straightforward, and you'll want to return to it again and again.

I now I know the best advice I could give any actor staring their journey: Read Craig's book. I wish it was available to me when I was starting out.

[Stephanie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any serious and dedicated actor!!

I have been in the business for three decades now and have studied & trained with so many teachers over the years. I’ve been fortunate enough to study with and be coached by Craig Archibald in Los Angeles, and can unequivocally say that he is one of the best!!!

I was so excited when he announced that his book was finally published and available! It’s a fantastic read, one that I know was years in the making because Craig has poured his all into making a book that will truly help guide and coach actors in all aspects of this wild and crazy business we call Show! Unlike nearly all other acting books out there, Craig has masterfully and skillfully combined all elements that an actor needs to succeed - the mindset, the craft, and the business.

You would be foolish NOT to purchase this book, if you really do want to understand what it takes to thrive in this very difficult and competitive business, and what foundation you need to develop for yourself in order to become a “champion” in the arena we’re playing in.

Craig is not only one of the most authentic, kind, and genuine coaches out there, but he truly wants to see you succeed. His book is full of great insight, knowledge, and tools to help you at any stage of your acting journey. Go pick up this book right now, and be sure to “make everything make you better”!!

[Rebecca Casselman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical Honesty.
If you're a seasoned actor, or new to the industry, get this book. The immediate understanding and connection, coupled with smart applications and 'been there done that' hindsight is both validating and invigorating. I can't recommend it enough. The audio version is lovely, read in Craig's own voice.

[Shane LaLonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I appreciate how he pulls from different genres of acting practices and encourages personal growth. I found this to be a practical guide, and a good read!

[Mel Heflin · Rating 4 out of 5]

there's quite a bit in this book that I'll never get to experience, being an indie actor, but many of the working tips still stand.