Acting Professionally: Raw Facts About Careers in Acting

by Robert Cohen, James Calleri

'Everybody wants to get into the act' said the old-time comic Jimmy Durante, but the fact is that becoming a professional actor requires a lot more than just the desire to break into the business. A clear understanding of how acting careers are built and the specific way that actors must position themselves in a professional environment overseen by directors, agents, casting directors and acting unions is essential to all would-be actors. Acting Professionally will steer you through this hugely competitive industry in the U.S., offering wise advice on everything from writing a successful resume to finding yourself an agent.

The leading book in its field since its first edition in 1972, Acting Professionally 7th Edition is now fully updated, with the addition of co-author James Calleri (of Calleri Casting), and a new section on digital and web-based casting procedures. With comprehensive coverage of the new technologies of internet-transmitted performance videos, website casting, and electronic submissions, Acting Professionally will help you to create and sustain an acting career in the twenty-first century.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre, Film

255 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Robert Cohen was an American university professor, theatre director, playwright, and drama critic.

Reviews

[Dísa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book relatively helpful but it is very focused towards acting in America and the business side does not have much in common with the industry in the UK as far as I am aware. It did however prompt me into asking around and is therefore responsible for the knowledge I have gained about the UK industry since. The book takes into account the many different ways actors can get training and representation. The social media and tech advice is already rather outdated in this version, I think I was reading the 2007 one. Do read this book if you intent to do acting in American but do get the newest copy available.

[LilMouseWarrior · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for my Audition Techniques class as a look into the professional world and struggles of actors.

If your plan is to start acting there is some solid advice and resources provided in this book. However, you really have to push through the first chapter, because it details the depressing reality of being an actor and does everything possible to convince you not to go into acting. It is probably the most honest introduction I have read in an acting book, and it also provided the best look into the professional world. It is important to note that some of the advice listed in this book is no longer relevant or useless with the current reality of Covid-19.

If you're able to power through some of the sections that talk about the struggles of being an actor, and how you should really consider any other career, it is a helpful book. I found the Appendix section and the Casting Room chapter to be the most valuable parts.

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful advice in here. It is, typically, New York centric, but can be adapted to suit the environment of any town. Sure do wish he had excised the bit about sleeping with, seducing, or flirting with a producer or casting agent. His insistence that he is not recommending it is a poor excuse for putting it in the book.

If you missed the "Survival in theatre" class in college (like I did), this is a handy starter just out of school.

[Kendra Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing in a frank and earnest tone, the authors give interesting and valuable device to the burgeoning actor. At times, however, it feels very repetitive, many of the anecdotes were uncredited (which hints of a lack of credibility, even if it's true) and there are grammar and typographical errors which were distracting.

[Lindsii · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style, the book had a lot of great tips.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid advice that is refreshingly non-sugar coated. Note to those outside the US: it's very US-centric content , but still very readable.