7 Books Every New Actor Should Read
The smartest thing to do when you’re a new actor is to learn more about your craft. Learning about acting can take many forms—participating in acting classes, working with a coach, and going on auditions to get feedback.
But another simple way to learn more is to read books on the subject of acting. Here are a few that I recommend to my students at Actor’s Fast Track…
Acting as a Business by Brian O’Neil
Brian O’Neil is a former talent agent and a guest speaker at Juilliard School. His book is filled with insightful tips that give new actors a quick overview of the industry. He explains how to create your acting resume, where to find an agent, and what to keep in mind when you’re auditioning.
The New York Agent Book by K Callan
Signing with an agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your acting career. In her book, K Callan explains how the acting industry works, shares the names of top New York agents, and encourages new actors with her words of wisdom.
The Actor’s Workbook by Valorie Hubbard
I wrote this book to help new actors become working professionals. It’s designed to be both practical and motivating. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have a business model, a personalized marketing plan, and plenty of resources to help you on your journey!
Audition by Michael Shurtleff
Imagine being able to see auditions, not through the eyes of an actor, but through the eyes of an experienced casting director. With this book, you get that advantage. You’ll have more insight into how casting directors think and what they’re looking for in new actors.
An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski
This classic book should be on every new actor’s bookshelf. Rather than overwhelm readers with a long list of “dos and don’ts”, Constantin shares a fictional account of young actors and how their careers unfold. He also includes exercises and techniques to help readers sharpen their acting skills.
Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus by Marina Calderone
As an actor, your job isn’t just to parrot dialogue. It’s to take action, to do something. With The Actor’s Thesaurus, you’ll understand how to portray emotion through physical action so you can build a stronger connection with your audience.
Rule Breakers: Changing the Way ACTORS Do Business by Valorie Hubbard
I’ve seen many new actors wait around for their careers to begin. So I wrote a book to teach you how to jumpstart your career right now. In Rule Breakers, I share my unique system for finding roles and landing work. You won’t look at your acting career in the same way after reading it.
