The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acting

by Malone, John; Baldwin, Paul

• ISBN13: 9780028641539
• ISBN10: 0028641531
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-06-01
• Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary

The play's the thing -- and who hasn't imagined treading the boards, whether in a school or community production or even -- oh, dream of dreams! -- picking up stakes and moving to Hollywood or New York or Chicago to give it a go as a professional actor? Are actors born or made? How hard is it to get involved with summer -stock theater? Would acting lessons be fun for my children -- or me? Can stage fright be cured?CIG to Acting is a fascinating, lighthearted look at the art and craft of acting that guides readers from the initial bite of the acting bug to honing skills, auditioning, rehearsals, all the way to opening night -- and possibly beyond.-- How Not to be a stage mother or father when your child gets a role in the camp extravaganza-- Balancing theatrics with school and other extracurricular activities-- Why singing and voice lessons are so important, even for drama kings and queens-- Audition etiquette -- no copping attitudes, please, and Always say "Thank you for seeingme".--,Rehearsal rigors -- from read- throughs and blocking to taking direction gracefully and dealing with backstage gossip-- Being creative with costumes and makeup-- What about turning pro -- local opportunities or the Great White Way?

Table of Contents

Part 1: The Acting Bug	1	(52)
Lifelong Susceptibility	3	(10)
Discover why the acting bug can strike at any age, as well as the many possibilities open to you
Proud Parents	13	(10)
Find out about grade school pageants and historical plays for the youngest actors
A High School Schedule	23	(10)
Learn about using your time so that you can play sports and be in the school play at the same time
College Triumphs	33	(10)
Recognize that college acting can enhance your education and be valuable for the future
A Place in Your Community	43	(10)
Explore the pleasures and rewards of acting in community theater
Part 2: Skills of the Theater	53	(56)
Natural Gifts	55	(12)
Recognize your natural gifts for speaking, singing, and movement
Lessons Can't Hurt	67	(10)
Find out about acting, singing, and dancing classes, as well as the value of special talents
Learning on Your Own	77	(10)
Discover the many ways you can increase your knowledge of acting by reading, attending plays and movies, and just by looking around you
Experience Counts	87	(12)
Learn why experience is so important, and why even playing small parts or working backstage is valuable
Looks Aren't Everything	99	(10)
Recognize that actors with all kinds of faces and builds can be successful, and find out how to act as though you're very good-looking
Part 3: Oh, Those Auditions	109	(66)
Picture and Resume	111	(8)
Learn how to put together a resume and picture package that will make a strong impression at auditions
Know What They're Looking For	119	(12)
Find out how to choose the right parts to read for and deal with the terrors of ``cold'' readings
I Feel a Song Coming On	131	(12)
Learn the in-and-outs of choosing audition songs that will maximize your talent and let you stand out from the crowd
Dressing the Part?	143	(10)
Discover the secrets of what to wear to auditions
Audition Etiquette	153	(10)
Learn the rules of how to behave at auditions, and why those judging you have got their problems, too
The Waiting Game	163	(12)
Understand the reasons why casting decisions take time, and find out how to cope with the wait
Part 4: Rehearsal Rigors	175	(58)
Scheduling Nightmares	177	(10)
Find out why rehearsal schedules are so complicated, and how to deal with problems when they arise
The Early Stages	187	(12)
Discover the rules of blocking, the best ways to memorize your lines, and when to ask questions
Cast Dynamics	199	(10)
Explore how relationships between cast members work and how to deal with backstage gossip
Taking Direction	209	(10)
Learn about the importance of the director's notes, when to argue, and how to cope with directorial mistakes
Making Progress	219	(14)
Find out about ways to fine-tune your performance, and how to be a giving actor who makes everyone look better
Part 5: ``We Open Next Thursday''	233	(60)
Creative Costuming	235	(12)
Learn all about the importance of costumes, and what to do when you run into costume problems
Tech and ``Techies''	247	(12)
Understand the importance of the technical crew, and learn how to deal with tech rehearsals
Dress Rehearsals	259	(12)
Explore the ups-and-downs of dress rehearsals, and learn about that all-important curtain call
Opening Night	271	(10)
Experience the nervous thrills of opening night and find out how to deal with all those compliments
The Run of the Play	281	(12)
Learn how to take reviews-good or bad-with a grain of salt, and give the audience your best at every performance
Part 6: What Is a Professional?	293	(54)
Experience and Dependability	295	(10)
Understand why many community theater actors are professionals in terms of skill, even though they don't have a union card
Getting Paid	305	(10)
Find out about the possibility of being paid small sums to act in community theater, and how to negotiate for payment of some kind
Should You Turn Pro?	315	(10)
Explore the reasons for and against making acting your career
Getting a Union Card	325	(22)
Get the facts on how to become a member of the major acting unions, should you decide on a professional career
Appendixes
A Stage Directions Glossary	335	(4)
B Acting School Directory	339	(4)
C Play and Sheet Music Sources	343	(2)
D Further Reading	345	(2)
Index	347