The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acting

Based on other reviews I purchased a used copy, and feel it is an excellent introduction for parents, students, and more serious-minded "civillians" like me. It's important to rate a book by what it intends to do; this does not intend to speak to an experienced acting student looking for a tome of advanced rehearsal drills,or a wanna-be Semi-Pro who already knows many basic ins-and-outs of getting started, or perhaps has a little bit of performing under their belt and is indusry savvy. This is a book for folks staring 100% "cold." You work during the day, or you're in high school and have never done a single act of public speaking or performing, but you've got "it," meaning the desire to perform and embrace the arts in some way that fits into your obligations as a Spouse, Parent, Boss, Co-Worker, or Student. This not the book for passionate theater lovers who already know exactly how to put together a press kit or have nice headshots. It's for those who've never heard of a head-shot and assume it's the bullet that killed Kennedy. The reason I bought the book is two-fold. I made a decent chunk of income as a Tavern Singer for 10 years, till 9/11 and the economy killed my day job leaving me with a wife, new baby and no health benefits. I had to lay down the Arts as a money maker. Now, my child's a little older, things are more stable and I want to start getting back into performing but wanted the perspective of a true working actor who made a living at it and was excellent on stage. You see. that's the second reason I bought this book: I saw Paul Baldwin whhen I was @ 13. He was AMAZING. I never had a conversation with the man, never met him or shook hands, but when it comes to acting heroes, he's mine. In the book he mentions his many times playing Cervantes/Quixote in Man of La Mancha, specifically one time which was such a runaway hit, the Thearter by the Sea in Matunick, R.I. cancelled the remainder of the 1979 season to do a second run of the show. He was riveting. I can't say I'm a musical fan per se, but I don't dislike it either. This show blew the audience away. I saw Kiley as well in 1983 in Boston, and while Kiley and Bladwin were equally powerful, on the whole, the overall production/cast was stronger in R.I.! Sadly, Ive been informed recently that Paul Baldwin passed away just a few years ago, shortly after this book was published. I hope the information is incorrect. If its true, then America lost a great un-sung working actor who obviously carried himself humbly, like the great Kiley before him. If you're a total newbie, but serious about getting some great introductory info, I'd say the book's well worth it. If you're already in pursuit of that goal, buy a used copy for an enjoyable read by a great actor and, as he recommends, pursue voice and acting lessons one on one with teachers to develop your talent. The only addition I'd recommend for future printings would indeed be a small chapter which includes some typ

'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acting' is a well-written, practical manual. As Russell Crowe wrote in the Preface, 'I figured that if it worked for Jim Carrey, it'd work twice as good for me, even though I'm not a complete idiot because no-one's perfect.'

The book was OK to read, but as far as learning about acting, it didn't teach me much. Maybe a local library or a friend has a copy of this book?

This book gives the reader an incite into the acting world never before offered. I highly recommend it to the beginning actor as well as the accomplished thespian. The helpful recommendations for auditioning will be of great value not only to the actor but to the casting directors and producers.