Introduction 1Part 1: Figuring Out the Business of Acting 5Chapter 1: Staying on Top of the Changes in Show Business 7Chapter 2: Discovering How Show Business Has Changed and Adapted 15Chapter 3: From Agents, Managers, and Unions: Introducing the Movers and Shakers 27Part 2: Packaging and Marketing Yourself 41Chapter 4: Making a Great First Impression with a Head Shot and Samples of Your Work 43Chapter 5: Creating a Five-Star Acting Resume 55Chapter 6: Training to Improve Your Acting Skills 69Part 3: Taking Your First Steps into Show Business 79Chapter 7: Representing Yourself, Networking, and Promoting Yourself on Websites 81Chapter 8: Seeking Representation: An Agent, Manager, and/or an Entertainment Attorney 89Chapter 9: Auditioning: The Art of What You Need to Know 113Chapter 10: Understanding Diversity Challenges in Show Business 129Chapter 11: Adapting to Difficult Personalities 137Part 4: Scoping Out the Markets 143Chapter 12: Acting in Film and Television 145Chapter 13: Acting in Commercials 165Chapter 14: Acting in Theater 177Chapter 15: Performing without Being Seen: Voice-Over Acting 197Chapter 16: Working As an Extra 209Chapter 17: Getting Your Kid into Show Biz 221Part 5: Managing Your Money as an Actor 239Chapter 18: Don't Get Ripped Off! Avoiding Con Games, Scams, and Self-Destruction 241Chapter 19: Working to Pay Your Bills until You Hit It Big 259Chapter 20: Managing Your Finances 273Part 6: The Part of Tens 283Chapter 21: Ten Myths Debunked about Show Business 285Chapter 22: Ten Traits of Successful Actors 293Chapter 23: Ten Tips for Improving As an Actor 303Chapter 24: Ten Ways to Act Just for the Fun of It 311Index 319
Larry Garrison is President of SilverCreek Entertainment. He's worked as a producer/actor in TV and film in Los Angeles for more than 30 years. His company has produced news stories for ABC and NBC News.Wallace Wang is a stand-up comedian and the author of more than 10 bestselling For Dummies books. He focuses on screenwriting, movies, and comedy.