There are infinite ways to approach acting and I think studying as much of the established teachings are worthwhile, but some books work better for different people. I’ll put the books here that I’ve bought and read and talk about why they were good or why they didn’t work for me but might work for someone else.

1. Audition - Michael Shurtleff https://amzn.to/4lv9RdV

For me, this book is probably the best blend of practical advice AND deeper concepts. It’s primarily focused on getting you from “here’s your sides” to actually preparing something good for the audition tape/room. Which carries you into the rest of the job.

2. The Actor and the Target - Declan Donnellan https://amzn.to/45kQYWo
This book is mostly about how to get outside of your head. Overcoming fear or self criticism or even just self awareness. It expands on an idea that is brought up in the first book recommendation, but goes much deeper.

3. Secrets of Screen Acting - Patrick Tucker https://amzn.to/413FEeM

So this one is almost entirely tools for your tool belt. It’s straight forward, “do this” and “don’t do this”. Super specific stuff with illustrations of examples and tells you why some things work and some things do not. Specifically for screen acting.

4. Respect for Acting - Uta Hagen https://amzn.to/4mLEQUe

So this book is great for the intellectual. The person who wants to get lost in the process and really iron out every detail of things. I am not that person. I struggled to finish it. It’s very much about concepts, psychology and all these threads of things that my simple mind was not engaged with. But, everyone is different, maybe that’s for you.

5. Sanford Meisner on Acting https://amzn.to/3JjfzSP

This was a fantastic audiobook honestly. I think it was included on Spotify. But I did also buy the book and never got it back (ADAM! you JERK.. jk). It is an account of real lessons from his classroom as he taught. Google Meisner technique if you don’t know what it is, this book is a great intro. But you need other people to practice a lot of it. So just reading isn’t that helpful.

We can’t act without getting booked. We can’t get booked without auditioning. I think there are some inexpensive things I’ve done that make my self tapes look and pretty good actually.

LIGHTING

Inexpensive box lighting that works super well, not for outdoor use, they would blow over with a gentle breeze, but perfect for lighting a self tape. I’ve heard multiple times ring lights are distracting because of the reflection in your eyes. These don’t have that. https://amzn.to/45kRELq

Adjustable bulbs have been nice for me too. I bought these cheaper ones and they work super well, come with a remote. So if I want it a little darker on one side for something dramatic, or I want the light more orange for something in the heat, these work well for that. https://amzn.to/41v3ikD

SOUND

Two options. I went with the slightly more expensive wireless LAV mic. Actually comes with two LAV mics and a receiver. You do have to buy a little adapter if you want to plug it into your iphone, but that was super cheap and worth it. Second link is a wired option, still need to buy the adapter but if you’re shooting from a few feet away, wired works fine.

https://amzn.to/4lvbet5

https://amzn.to/4mDDdrs

Adapter: https://amzn.to/45RtIiS

Getting commission for recommendations is a bonus, but some things are free. I’ll just be dropping some resources I’ve been using along my acting journey that have been helpful to me.

ACTING STUDIO CHICAGO

Honestly, just the website for the place I’ve been taking my classes at is a great resource. Specifically for, but not limited to, Chicago area actors. https://www.actingstudiochicago.com/the-biz/

MY THOUGHTS

I am not that far along into the acting game and I am certainly not an authority but I do have a little insight at this point. I’m happy to discuss/share what I’ve learned so far if anyone asks. Here’s just a couple things I’m thinking of presently:

I’ve been using Backstage and Actor’s Access (paid version) for a couple years at this point. The annual costs are usually less than the pay if you even book one gig on either of them. Actor’s Access has higher quality jobs, but they’re harder to get because you have more competition. But my last gig from AA paid $900 and that was NOT a high paying job compared to average gigs on there. Backstage can be a little different, but it depends where you are in your acting journey. Take classes somewhere. Both are probably worth it?

If your only practice is auditions when they come and roles when you’re booked, you’re probably not as good as you could be. That’s like an athlete only showing up for game days. That works if you’re extremely good and you have a ton of games maybe? Idk.

I’ve gotten the most opportunities by chasing growth instead of chasing opportunities. Spend your time getting better and the work will come to you.