Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #195842 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-24
• Released on: 2007-07-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780823087976
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"Acting A to Z" is a comprehensive nuts-and-bolts acting encyclopedia. It addresses aspects of acting not usually written about, such as conservatory theater education, how to make a living while acting, and what to expect if you make it big -- Daily Hampshire Gazette, February 17, 1999

Mayfield has written a helpful book jammed with information. Concepts are clearly explained and reinforced with examples. Her final analysis is positive and optimistic. She cares about her readers. . . .It's a book worth reading for the basics, the essentials, of the business side of acting -- Bravo, the Performing and Visual Arts Newspaper, March 1999

One of the best things about Mayfield's title, besides its ease of use and quality design, is its comprehensiveness. Well-conceived and packaged, this slim, eye-catching paperback does just what the title implies: it explores the profession of acting from the general (career overview) to the specific (monthly expense budgets), from the nuts and bolts (resumes and headshots) to the esoteric (trusting your instincts). Including practical advice on networking, casting, education, self-esteem, self-promotion, and preparation, this above-average work . . . tells it like it really is. It is an ideal offering for that star-struck kid who wants to be the next Leonardo DiCaprio, but has no idea of the work involved [in] getting there -- Voice of Youth Advocates, June 1999

From the Back Cover
Have you ever thought: "I want to be an actor when I grow up . . . go on the stage . . . appear in Hollywood films . . . and be on television?

If you have, here's just the book for you! It has been written for young people who want to know what it's really like to become an actor.

Did you ever wonder how actors get the roles they play? Are they all given a big break by powerful producers? Or are they simply hired to do a job?

How would you start out in an acting career? You would need to know how show business works. In Acting A to Z, you'll read all about what you would do to make your living as an actor. You'll find out what your life would really be like:

* The people you'd meet and work with * The different fields you might work in * What kinds of training you'd need to get * How to enjoy the fun and excitement, and deal with the hard times, too

Most of the time, magazines and TV reporters show you only the dream world of the stars. The author, an actor herself, tells you the facts about the actor's world--from A to Z. So you'll be able to decide if you'd really be happy with a performing career.

About the Author

Customer Reviews

Top-notch advice and tips on the world of acting!!
I felt this book answered all the different questions dramatically inclined teens ask about acting as a career. As well, several teens were actually interviewed in the making of this book. A great addition to any actor or drama teacher's collection!!!

A good book for aspiring actors
This book is pretty good. Some of the chapters were a little off the subject, but for the most part this is a must-have.

This book takes you step by step, through the whole process. It tells you how to present your resume, what type of photo's you should have made of yourself, and how much it will cost to be a working actor.

The second chapter, "BASIC TOOLS OF THE ACTOR" tells how you can use your body as your tools. The book lists warm up exercises that you can do to prepare yourself for an audition or play. There are vocal exercises and more.

In the tenth chapter it tells how some agents and casting directors like to scam amuater actors. It tells how to avoid them and how to get out of a situation like that. It says to trust your feelings when you feel uncomfortable about something. You should get this book if you want to know how to begin acting.

Good introduction
I received this book as a gift. I had already been acting for a while, so some of the subjects I was already aware of. The book is a relatively quick read, but enjoyable. It covers basic things, like headshots, resumes, etc. I was most impressed by a small list of colleges with an excellent performing arts program. It covers a lot of topics, but nothing too thoroughly--like I said, a good beginner's book to open up the world of acting to someone who is unfamiliar with it. If you are looking for an in-depth history, technique, etc., this is not a wise choice. This is a fun book overall, and it definitely covers a lot of material.