The Professional Actor's Handbook: From Casting Call to Curtain Call

by Julio Agustin Western Connecticut State University, Kathleen Potts The City College of New York (With)

Overview

While there are many books that attempt to teach people how to act, there are few that show aspiring actors what it takes to succeed as a working professional.

The Professional Actor’s Handbook: From Casting Call to Curtain Call provides struggling artists—stage and screen actors, dancers, singers—with strategies that will help them successfully negotiate every stage of their careers. This second edition provides vital updates to reflect the current industry:

• Post-pandemic shifts in the industry
• Inclusive language
• Additional resources specific to various affinity groups
• Video auditions and self-tapes, including strategies for online auditions

Julio Agustin and Kathleen Potts address a myriad of topics such as resumes, headshots, rep books, audition nerves, and marketing plans. Other strategies address how to network, how to finance your early career, and even how to organize a home studio.

Featuring sample resumes, insights from industry experts, and a new chapter by audition coach Casey Miko on how to “Generate an Extraordinary Video Submission,” this book offers invaluable industry guidance. Along with audition manuals and repertoire binders, The Professional Actor’s Handbook is a vital reference that belongs on every actor’s bookshelf, from recent college graduates to seasoned professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538188880
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	11/13/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	228
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Julio Agustin is an assistant professor of theatre and dance at James Madison University. He has performed in six Broadway shows—including Chicago and Fosse—and runs a monthly audition studio in New York City, The Transition Workshop.

Kathleen Potts is an academic, dramaturge, and award-winning playwright on faculty at The City College of New York, CUNY.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Elizabeth Parkinson

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part I: Branding Strategies for the Professional Actor

Success Strategy 1: Define Your Unique Selling Points

Success Strategy 2: Build Your Brand by Following the Stars

Part II: Success Strategies for the Stage & Screen

Success Strategy 3: Create a Captivating Resume

Success Strategy 4: Take That “Perfect” Headshot

Success Strategy 5: Write a Standout Cover Letter

Success Strategy 6: Compile a Complete Rep Book

Success Strategy 7: Practice Preparation

Success Strategy 8: Conquer Audition Nerves

Part III: Marketing & Networking Strategies for the Successful Performer

Success Strategy 9: Execute a Marketing Plan

Success Strategy 10: Establish Your Team

Success Strategy 11: Cultivate a Mentor

Success Strategy 12: Get “Them” to Trust You

Success Strategy 13: Network!

Success Strategy 14: Follow Up for Superior Results

Part IV: Offstage and Professionalization Strategies

Success Strategy 15: Organize Your Home Studio

Success Strategy 16: Finance Your Developing Career

Success Strategy 17: Negotiate a Profitable Contract

Bonus Chapter

Epilogue

Resources

Index

About the Authors

Editorial Reviews

Julio Agustin is professional and dedicated to his beliefs. I love his desire and need to assist gifted artists to not let fear and rejection stop them from fulfilling their dreams and capabilities. His book does just that.”

Chita Rivera

"This is the business handbook for every young actor. It is a must read to transition from artistic academia to the real world of acting."

Elsie Stark

"Read this book. Julio shares his insightful knowledge that he's acquired personally and professionally, so that everyone can have a better shot at being at their best in any situation."

Chris Gattelli

This is the best actor preparation text I have ever come across. The authors make this business manageable, do-able, clear, concise, and take the mystery out of how to launch and how to succeed. My students appreciated each chapter.”

Jill Womack

I have had the pleasure of representing Julio Agustin. We’ve kept in touch, and he’s a very talented professor/teacher, performer. His book contains some very valuable, incisive, up to date information that is quite useful for performers. I recommend his book highly.

Barry Kolker

If you can even imagine yourself in any other industry, do that. Otherwise, be creative, be smart and get this book! Julio Agustin maps out the practical side of the very impractical business of Show Business.

Cady Huffman

I have had the pleasure of representing Julio Agustin. We've kept in touch, and he's a very talented professor/teacher, performer. His book contains some very valuable, incisive, up to date information that is quite useful for performers. I recommend his book highly.--Barry Kolker, talent agent/owner, The Carson Kolker Organization Ltd.

If you can even imagine yourself in any other industry, do that. Otherwise, be creative, be smart and get this book! Julio Agustin maps out the practical side of the very impractical business of Show Business.--Cady Huffman, Tony-Award winning actress, The Producers

Julio Agustin is professional and dedicated to his beliefs. I love his desire and need to assist gifted artists to not let fear and rejection stop them from fulfilling their dreams and capabilities. His book does just that. I'm proud of him.--Chita Rivera, Tony-Award winning actress

Read. This. Book. Julio shares his insightful knowledge, that he's acquired personally and professionally, so that everyone can have a better shot at being at their best in any situation. He has a generous heart and that comes through as a person, as an artist, a teacher, and now as an author. These are lessons not only for theater, but for everyday life.--Chris Gattelli, Tony-Award winning choreographer, Newsies

This is the business handbook for every young actor. It is a must read to transition from artistic academia to the real word of acting.--Elsie Stark, New York casting director, Stark Naked Productions

From the Publisher