Acting A to Z (Revised Second Edition): The Young Person's Guide to a Stage or Screen Career

Features

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Cover Type: Paperback with 192 pages
• Published by: Back Stage Books; 2 Revised edition July 24, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0823087972
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0823087976
• Book Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 10.4 ounces

Product Review
"Acting A to Z" is a comprehensive nuts-and-bolts acting encyclopedia. It addresses aspects of acting not usually written about, such as conservatory theater education, how to make a living while acting, and what to expect if you make it big -- Daily Hampshire Gazette, February 17, 1999

Mayfield has written a helpful book jammed with information. Concepts are clearly explained and reinforced with examples. Her final analysis is positive and optimistic. She cares about her readers. . . .It's a book worth reading for the basics, the essentials, of the business side of acting -- Bravo, the Performing and Visual Arts Newspaper, March 1999

One of the best things about Mayfield's title, besides its ease of use and quality design, is its comprehensiveness. Well-conceived and packaged, this slim, eye-catching paperback does just what the title implies: it explores the profession of acting from the general (career overview) to the specific (monthly expense budgets), from the nuts and bolts (resumes and headshots) to the esoteric (trusting your instincts). Including practical advice on networking, casting, education, self-esteem, self-promotion, and preparation, this above-average work . . . tells it like it really is. It is an ideal offering for that star-struck kid who wants to be the next Leonardo DiCaprio, but has no idea of the work involved [in] getting there -- Voice of Youth Advocates, June 1999 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Lots of kids want to be actors. Thousands of them. Millions of them. The ones who are serious need a copy of Acting A to Z. Industry insider Katherine Mayfield explains exactly what it’s like to be an actor, including what kind of training the young human being will need, comparisons of the different types of acting, how to find work, how to prepare for an audition, and what to expect during rehearsal. There’s also tons of helpful information on unions, casting directors, headshots, resumes, and much more. Reassuring without being patronizing, Acting A to Z is the one book that every aspiring child actor needs. 

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Acting A to Z: The Young Person's Guide to a Stage or Screen Career (Paperback) I received this book as a gift. I had already been acting for a while, so some of the subjects I was already aware of. The book is a relatively quick read, but enjoyable. It covers basic things, like headshots, resumes, etc. I was most impressed by a small list of colleges with an excellent performing arts program. It covers a lot of topics, but nothing too thoroughly--like I said, a good beginner's book to open up the world of acting to someone who is unfamiliar with it. If you are looking for an in-depth history, technique, etc., this is not a wise choice. This is a fun book overall, and it definitely covers a lot of material.