Acting: From First Audition to Final Bow

By Bruce Carroll

“[A] good book filled with awesome basics for someone who it just getting into the industry.”
~Rafal Cwiok

“A charming introduction to the world of acting. From preparing for auditions to learning about rehearsals and stage setup, this book includes everything you'll need to know for getting into the world of acting.”
~Rebecca

“I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in acting. This books is a great introductory tool if you are exploring the world of acting. The author takes you through each step of the process and gives plenty of details, making it easier for the reader to follow along. He goes through words and terms that are often used when auditioning, rehearsing, and performing. This book will prepare any actor/actress for their big debut!”
~Deena M. Paglini

“The information is solid and the author is a director with 30 years or so under his belt, something not to be passed up.”
~Cy Wyss

Perhaps you saw the notice for auditions at your local community theater and can hardly wait to try out. Or maybe you’ve already been in a production or two and want to take your acting to the next level. Or you could be wondering what the director means when she says things like, “Cross up left,” “Pick up your cues,” or “Cheat out.”

If you are a beginning actor, this is the book for you! Here you will find the advice and tips that will give you an edge over other beginning actors. You’ll learn about stage navigation, performance space and how to develop a character. Here you’ll find the secrets of a memorable audition. Included are exercises to get you off your seat and performing. From the moment you first step “on” in a performance until the echo of your last line has died in the audience’s ears, Acting: From First Audition to Final Bow will help you nail the part.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bruce Carroll
• Release date: Feb 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311847591

Bruce Carroll

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bruce Carroll works as a professional magician. He performs at numerous private events and has been the official street magician at Six Flags Great America for two seasons. For him, writing is a way to get things out of his head.Bruce currently lives in Burlington, Wisconsin with his wife Angie and their daughter Heather.

Book preview

Acting

From First Audition to Final Bow

Bruce Carroll

Copyright 2015 Bruce Carroll

Published by Bruce Carroll at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter One: It’s Called ACTING!

Chapter Two: Navigating the Stage

Chapter Three: Performance Space

Chapter Four: The Audition

Chapter Five: I Want to Quit!

Chapter Six: Memorization

Chapter Seven: Motivation Builds Character

Chapter Eight: Rehearsal

Chapter Nine: Tricks

Chapter Ten: The Run

Chapter Eleven: Headshot and Resume

Chapter Twelve: Final Words

Glossary

A Note from the Author

About the Author

Upcoming Titles from Bruce Carroll

Connect with Bruce Carroll

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my wife Angie and our daughter Heather for putting up with me as I wrote and edited this book. They are so supportive and I am blessed to have them in my life. Thanks also to Bree Little Bailey, Rafal Cwiok and Kathleen Long Bostrom for their invaluable input and to Libby Mixon for her sharp-eyed proofreading.

Finally, this book would not have been possible without the instruction of Sylvia Martinez, Sandra Grand and the numerous directors and cast members I have worked with over the years. It is to them this book is dedicated.

Introduction

My name is Bruce Carroll. I first learned about acting in high school. I have been in many plays and have directed a few myself. I also founded (or helped found) two theater groups in two different states. My study of acting and theater is ongoing.

Whether you’ve been in a play before or you’re considering your very first audition, I have written this book with the beginning actor in mind. Here you’ll learn about stage navigation, performance space and how to develop a character. You’ll find tips to make your audition memorable and to help you memorize lines. If you’ve ever wondered what the director means when she says, Cross up, Pick up your cues, or Cheat out, you will find the Glossary helpful. I have included exercises to get you off your seat and performing.

Not every reader will need every chapter. For example: If you already know how to get around onstage, skip that part and move on to something that helps you. You can always come back later if you find you need to.

Join me now as I take you From First Audition to Final Bow.

Chapter One: It’s Called ACTING!

"When Shakespeare was writing, he wasn’t writing for stuff to lie on the page; it was supposed to get up and move around."

~Ken Kesey

The announcement for the audition asks each actor to prepare a monologue. Once you arrive, you are asked to cold read some lines from the script. Another actor is worried about how many lines she’ll have if she is cast. You may be worried about memorizing