BREAKING INTO ACTING FOR DUMMIES

Acting can be one of the most glamorous, exciting and lucrative careers in the world. It is also a challenging and competitive field that can be filled with frustration, disappointment and rejection on the way to the top. Every aspiring actor can use a helping hand to help get their foot in the door, and Breaking Into Acting For Dummies (Wiley, September 2002, $21.99) by Larry Garrison and Wallace Wang is that helping hand: an indispensable, easy-to-use guide that provides expert advice to help actors pursue their dreams.

Written in an easy to understand format, full of humor and wisdom, Breaking Into Acting For Dummies has plenty of information that both novice and experienced actors can use so that they can take control of their career and succeed as quickly as possible. The authors have been in the business for many years and have worked as actor, writer and producer. They agree that there are no guarantees that any one person will succeed as an actor, but tell readers that “by following the information in this book, you can increase your chances of success immensely… this book gives you information that many actors either overlook or simply don’t know where to find.” In Breaking Into Acting For Dummies, readers will learn:

• That show business is a business and , developing and presenting shows; and the people that work in the industry, subeing an actor is just one part of that business. Explains the entire process of creatingch as producers, directors, writers, casting directors, agents, managers and actors and the different roles they play.
• How an aspiring actor can promote himself and get seen by the industry; how to choose a dynamic head shot; the benefits of acting, dancing, singing and speech classes; create an acting resume; prepare for auditions; and find and work with an agent.
• About all the different job markets available to actors, from film, television and theater; to commercials, industrials and voiceovers; and additional showbiz careers like writing, stand-up comedy and filmmaking.
• How to wisely manage finances by avoiding con artists and scams; discover which acting expenses are tax deductible and ways to pay the bills while still pursuing an acting career.
• Ways to deal with any frustration and rejection that might come along by taking acting classes to boost confidence or listen to motivational tapes, meditate or exercise. -over-

Like all For Dummies books, Breaking Into Acting For Dummies offers “The Part of Tens,” including “Ten Myths of Show Business” (Only the Young and Beautiful Get Work; It’s Who You Know, Not What You Know), “Ten Traits of Successful Actors” (Being Flexible and Adaptable; Being Willing to Learn and Improve Yourself) “Ten Tips for Improving as an Actor” (Mastering the Art of Auditioning; Developing Your Voice and Improving Your Body) and “Ten Ways to Act Just for the Fun of it” (Join a Community Theater Group, Appear in a Student Film, Work as an Extra).

So, if you’re serious (or just plain curious) about acting as a career or hobby, Breaking Into Acting For Dummies will provide the advice people need to join the wonderfully wacky world of show business.