Actor Resources
If you are seriously interested in Acting, we strongly encourage you to check out each one of these links. Although there are so many useful websites and tools, Speak Easy and Act truly believes the following are on top of the priority list. Please keep in mind we tried to find the best FREE information available however , where indicated, there are some subscription services and product purchases. Even though we do highly recommend them all, of course the services and/or purchases are not mandatory to hone your craft as an actor.
Books
IMPORTANT! After reading this book, you will never be able to say that you don't know how to meet the people that you need to know and connect with to be successful in this business. If the reason you haven't made it yet is because you don't know the right people, this book will cause you to find a new excuse! It may just be the most helpful and controversial book that you will read about this business. If you want to know how to get to the next level of your career as an actor, and aren't sure it will happen based on the odds, read this book. "...an industry eye opener for actors and executives alike."
This book, written in collaboration with Dennis Longwell, follows an acting class of eight men and eight women for fifteen months, beginning with the most rudimentary exercises and ending with affecting and polished scenes from contemporary American plays. Throughout these pages Meisner is delight--always empathizing with his students and urging them onward, provoking emotion, laughter, and growing technical mastery from his charges. With an introduction by Sydney Pollack, director of "Out of Africa" and "Tootsie," who worked with Meisner for five years.
The essential handbook for actors--a modern classic--in a newly updated edition. Since its original publication, Acting as a Business has earned a reputation as an indispensable tool for working and aspiring actors. Avoiding the usual advice about persistence and luck, Brian O'Neil provides clear-cut guidelines that will give actors a solid knowledge of the business behind their art. It's packed with practical information--on everything from what to say in a cover letter to where to stand when performing in an agent's office including:
- Tactics for getting an agent, including preparing for the interview
- How to research who will be casting what--and whether there is a role for you--well in advance
- Examples of correspondence to agents and casting directors for both beginning and advanced professionals
- A detailed analysis of the current trend of paying to meet industry personnel
- How to communicate effectively with an agent or personal manager
- Creative ways to use the internet and social media
"The Great Guskin" (John Lahr, The New Yorker) shares the approach he uses to help actors land roles, develop them, and keep them alive. Harold Guskin is an "acting doctor" whose clients include Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, James Gandolfini, Bridget Fonda, and dozens more. In How to Stop Acting, Guskin reveals the insights and techniques that have worked wonders for beginners as well as stars. Instead of yet another "method," Guskin offers a strategy based on a radically simple and refreshing idea: that the actor's work is not to "create a character" but rather to be continually, personally responsive to the text, wherever his impulse takes him, from first read-through to final performance. From this credo derives an entirely new perspective on auditioning and the challenge of developing a role and keeping it fresh, even over hundreds of performances. Drawing on examples from his clients' work and his own, Guskin presents acting as a constantly evolving exploration rather than as a progression toward a fixed goal. He also offers sound and original advice on adapting to the particular demands of television and film, playing difficult emotional scenes, tackling the Shakespearean and other great roles, and more. His book will find an eager and appreciative audience among novices and established actors alike.
The NYC Actor Essentials eBook is a toolkit for the conscientious actor looking to make sure they are well prepared for the business of acting. Click here to purchase.
For many years, Uta Hagen was asked to write a book. Finally she did, and here it is: an account of her own struggle with the techniques of acting and based on her teachings. Respect for Acting is a book for people who respect (or wish they could) the theater on both sides of the footlights, for actors and audiences who favor truth in a creative process.
Websites
The weekly hard copy newspaper for actors can be purchased at select newsstands. Its website has a lot of free information that can benefit an actor at all stages of their career. You can subscribe to the weekly print edition or for $9.95 per month, you get access to news, casting information and other resources on both coasts.
Free tips for beginning and working actors. Browse through them all or search the category or topic that you are interested in. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, you can send them your question in an email.
Location: The DRAMA BOOK SHOP, Inc., 250 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018. This book store specializes in books and resource materials on all aspects of the performing arts is a terrific resource, whether you live in New York or visit them online. (212) 730-8739 or (800) 322-0595.
This book store chain sells books, plays, monologues, audition materials and other resources for actors. If you do not see what you are looking for, they are usually very good at ordering it. They can be reached in Los Angeles at (323) 876-0570; in New York at (212) 206-8990; or in Toronto at (416) 363-3536.
In March 2012, Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists merged into one union, now known as SAG-AFTRA. It represents all artists and performers through a stronger, unified organization.The website has a ton of information and whether you are a union member or not, we encourage you to consistently check and inquire for useful information and professional opportunities are sometimes offered to all.
The official website for the union of American theatrical actors and stage managers. They can also be contacted by telephone. Their New York office number is (212) 869-8530. The number for their Los Angeles headquarters is (323) 634-1750.
With these Breakdown Services, you can submit yourself to projects without having any representation. You can either pay $2 each submission or save tremendously by paying $60. annually.The choice is yours, however , we strongly recommend the annual option if you will use this service on a daily basis. Breakdown Services is recognized by the Casting Society of America as a preferred online resource, as the primary distributor of casting breakdowns, and is used by the majority of CSA Casting Directors.
Commonly used for searching information on television productions, film productions, actors, actresses and all individual credits.You have the option to search by project title or by the name of any individual involved in the creation, and/or filming of the project including, but not limited to, all talent, make up artists, production assistants. This is probably the most reliable, go-to resources for credits of talent, crew, producers, directors,including biographies and even trivia and interactive boards on some of your favorites in the field. Since it is well-respected and an industry favorite, it is a very common practice as an actor to watch your IMDb credits build as you become more experienced on the set.
This website is used for searching all information about Broadway productions and individual credits.
Entrepreneur, Arts Education advocate, and former actor - Steven Leon, is the founder of Actorscomfort Company providing free castings - career resources - part time employment - and NYC/LA affordable housing information to actors worldwide. Signup to Receive Castings * Creative Employment * Tech Tips *NYC/LAHousing * and Free Resources!
The official information and resource website for Women in Film.
Variety and Daily Variety: The website for the trade papers Daily Variety and Variety. There is limited free access for non-subscribers. Full access is free with a paid subscription to the hard copy edition. Subscription information is available on their site.
The website for the trade paper. Theres limited free access. For a fee of $27.95 per month (or $299 a year), you gain full access. Another option which is given on their site is to subscribe to the print edition.
The Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting is located on the 6th floor in the Ed Sullivan Theatre Building at 1697 Broadway. The entrance to the office is on 53rd Street, just around the corner from the "Late Show With David Letterman" marquee. You will need to bring picture ID to gain access to the building. As the first film commission in the country, the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting is the one-stop shop for all production needs in New York City, including permits, free exterior locations and free police assistance. The agency markets NYC as a prime location, provides premiere customer service to production companies and facilitates production throughout the five boroughs. Whether production companies are shooting a feature film, a commercial, a television show or a music video, the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting serves as an invaluable resource to the New York City entertainment production industry.