An Actor's Guide--Making It in New York City (Second Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)While I didn't move to New York specifically to become an actor, I've sort of found myself happily "in the business" now. I randomly stumbled onto this book while looking for new wisdom to add onto must-reads by Uta Hagen, Michael Shurtleff, Stanislavski, etc. After having done a lot of research on how to be a successful actor in NY the "hard way", I think I agree with most of Alterman's suggestions - just wish I'd had this book in the beginning =)
An actor should always be reading, attending a lecture or workshop - you know, doing *something* to learn. New York has its particular nuances, and this book simplifies some of the hassles that a newcomer might find overwhelming. It gives some useful advice on dealing with the three most important things you'll have do when you get here:
*finding a place to live
*finding a job you like ('cos you have to eat)
*finding acting work, any and all kinds of work
Having a thicker-than-average skin here is an absolute must, for rejections run a-plenty, and they have your name on them. But this place is also (in my view) the most exciting, rewarding endeavour you'll make in your performance career.
This book has got lots of juicy info on auditioning, headshots, unions, different sorts of acting jobs (such as voiceover work), casting directors, agents, useful internet urls, etc. There are several interviews with casting agents & directors on dos-and-donts for actors - nothing beats knowledge from the professionals.
Good luck, and welcome to the greatest theatre city in the world...

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For any actor in or on the way to New York City, this is the definitive source for advice, winning strategies, marketing techniques, and invaluable insights to being a successful New York actor. This new edition has been completely revised and updatedto cover the significant changes in the New York theater landscape over the last nine years. This indispensable guide has also been expanded to include dozens of new interviews with top New York City actors and a completely improved Internet chapterequipped with the most up-to-date tools to thrive in the industry. Aspiring and established professionals will find this thorough and up-to-the-minute volume chock full of resources and advice about auditioning, making professional connections, promoting one's self, seeking opportunities in nontraditional venues, finding an apartment, securing "survival jobs," understanding actor unions, getting headshots, and furthering one's actor training in New York. This guide also details working as a film extra, careers in print modeling, scams and rip-offs to avoid, opportunities for actors with disabilities, and using the Internet to the fullest advantage. Included are in-depth interviews with legendary show business figures such as actor Henry Winkler, casting director Juliet Taylor, and theater director Joseph Chaikin as well as top talents from the fields of film, television, stage, commercials,and talent agencies. Written by a professional New York actor with over thirty years of experience, this meticulously researched guide will give actors the tools they need to survive and thrive in New York show business.

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