Sharon Washington
Breaking It Down is a welcome addition to the crowded shelf of “how to” acting books. It separates itself from the pack by approaching the craft of acting holistically—encouraging BIPOC actors, “actors of the global majority,” to embrace their full selves. To bring it ALL into the room. Self-knowledge is the key to truthful storytelling. No matter whose story you’re telling. We are who we are as artists because of, not in spite of, our uniqueness. If we want to be truly seen we must be brave enough to hone our skills and confront obstacles with honesty and excellence that cannot be denied. Breaking It Down provides tools and exercises to do that work. The authors challenge the reader to “Remember the 3 B’s: Break it down. Bring it. Book it.” I will add one more B for them: “Bravo!”
Michele Shay
Breaking It Down may become one of the most important books ever written. Monica and Nicole prepare actors of the global majority for the real deal with concrete steps to.take to achieve success as well as how to avoid audition trauma. At the book's core is the much appreciated, very personal essential assertion of standing firmly in ownership of the power and beauty of one's own authentic creative self. Bravo and thank you!
Baron Kelly
Finally! An astonishing twenty-first treasure trove for actors representing a range of cultural backgrounds and identities. In ten chapters, an understandable, explicit, practical how-to-audition book that offers valuable insight and instruction for actors of the global majority auditioning for roles on the stage or camera. Read this book!
Nancy Wang Yuen
BIPOC actors face a unique set of biases and stereotypes in Hollywood. Breaking It Down: Audition Techniques for Actors of the Global Majority is a revolutionary and practical resource that encourages actors of the global majority to use what makes them unique rather than fit into stereotypes created by a predominantly white entertainment industry. I highly recommend Breaking It Down to all BIPOC actors—whether they are just starting out, or whether they are veterans who want a fresh perspective on how to book gigs by (re)claiming their identities.
Booklist
Timing is everything, and this book couldn’t have come at a better moment as film and theater companies seek to embrace equity and inclusion in front of and behind the camera and on and off the stage. Experienced theater professionals Persley and Ndounou offer a 10-step program that focuses “on breaking down the process of preparing for and performing in an audition, rather than being broken down by the system.” These steps include approaches to establishing boundaries, playing the action, and identifying the emotions, and all are meant to help the student or aspiring actor develop a successful audition strategy and an effective acting process. Readers are encouraged to start keeping an acting journal, using the prompts provided after each step. Additional resources include lists of “Supplemental Stanislavsky-Based and Non-Eurocentric Techniques Developed by African American Actor Trainers,” “Non-Eurocentric Acting Approach University Programs,” and “Theatres of the Global Majority with Actor Training Opportunities.” Further resources may be found at www.BreakingItDownBook.com. This is an important guide for all theater students and aspiring actors, especially those who identify as BIPOC.
