Cold Reading: 7 Ways to Win the Role (The Actor's Guide to Acing the Audition)

By Tom Brooks

As I began to read "Cold Reading: 7 Ways to Win the Role (The Actor's Guide to Acing the Audition)", I was overcome by the constant thought of, where was this when I was beginning? Why hadn’t someone told me about this sooner? And whether you’re a veteran actor, or someone just starting in the business, I’m almost positive you’ll be saying the same thing as I did.
This inspiring and, might I say, empowering book will not only show you the most efficient manner to approach those sub-zero cold readings (you know the ones, the ones we actors hate with the white-hot passion of a thousand suns), but it is my hope you take away from this book, something more. There’s a deeper philosophy here, and can be summed up by the chapter that speaks about how all scenes are about love. Here you will find the secret to my friend Tom Brooks’ success.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Brooks more than thirty years ago, as we were both students in the same graduate program; two hopeful, bright-eyed young men, hoping one day to make a successful career in the theater. There were over fifteen of us in that program, but I think I can speak for everyone in it by saying that Tom had something special. Talent is a given in our industry. If you’re not talented, you really wouldn’t last very long. And believe me when I tell you that Tom Brooks is probably one of the most talented actors I have ever had the pleasure of working with. But it’s deeper than that, just like this book is deeper than the techniques of a cold reading. Tom is probably one of the most giving, caring actors I’ve ever met; one that is more focused on the success of the scene, and including the individuals around him.
Oh, we’ve heard it many times in acting classes, in theater groups, in workshops. Tom embodied it. He was the first person I ever met that actually lived it, without having to be told that was what to do. I learned more from Tom Brooks in five minutes of watching him in a rehearsal process than I learned from many college professors who had been teaching the art form for years. He’s always given to those individuals who worked with him on the stage, backstage, or on the production crew. Now I am pleased to say that Tom has taken that same energy, drive and love, and has decided to give back to the arts community by teaching those principals that he has lived by all his life.
"Cold Reading: 7 Ways to Win the Role" will make you better at auditioning, yes; but what’s more, it will begin to give you insight into being a better actor and a better person, as Tom Brooks has always been.
It is my deepest wish and hope for you that you take to heart the lessons that are presented in this book, and that you, too, benefit, just as I have, from knowing Mr. Tom Brooks.
— Scott Snively, MFA Actor, Director, Producer

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tom Brooks
• Release date: Jun 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005160265

Tom Brooks

Something is wrong with Tom Brooks. It might be an illness, a syndrome, or disorder, but he finds auditioning as much of a blast as acting. He was always like this. He learned early on that most actors do not see it that way.He creates workshops so actors can discard their audition straitjacket and crash helmet. Why tolerate such restrictive garb? Instead, why not don a unique and revealing set of essential actor's headgear? Audition freedom is the subject of two eBooks he's written. Another is on the way.Each book came from workshops he developed for actors. After each, he provides ongoing support for the participants. To help handle all this, Tom started a business called The Empowered Actor Initiative. Its portal to this world is through EmpoweredActor.com. He chose that name because that's how he feels when he auditions, rehearses, and acts. He thinks you deserve to feel that way too. Tom writes the newsletter "Actor's Break" exclusively for stage actors. (All the info is on the website.)Tom has been a professional actor since 1981 and received his Master of Fine Arts Degree in 1987. He performed in Washington, D.C. for 23 months in the longest running non-musical play in American theater history, "Shear Madness." He taught budding actors for several years at Shenandoah Conservatory. He lives this life with his family in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Next to that, coaching actors, acting, and directing are his favorite things on the planet.

Book preview

Cold Reading: 7 Ways to with the Role

The Actor's Guide to Acing the Audition

Tom Brooks

Published by The EmpoweredActor Initiative, LLC

Copyright 2022 Tom Brooks

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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

Visit the Official Website at EmpoweredActor.com

Also by Tom Brooks, Published at Smashwords:

Get the Callback Before You Even Begin to Speak the 1st Word of Your 1st Piece:

How to Audition Like a Pro

Table of Contents

FORWARD

What lies within

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Separate yourself

#1—ATTITUDE OF FUN

Change starts within

How to learn to love 'em in 15 minutes

Imagination as fuel for change

Thoughts are things: transition to reality

#2—ASK FOR TIME

Mind your business

One simple question

Ready... Set...

#3—ASK ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER

Don't stay stuck

Who to ask

Moment of judgment

What not to ask

The question to ask

Relationship clues

Make it personal

No answer?

#4—LOOK AT YOUR LAST LINE FIRST

Quick recap

Making seconds count

Why the last line

The arc

No end in sight?

#5—EYES UP!

The key is to connect

The secret ingredient revealed

Catch-22: you can't play love

Terms defined

How to engage and use the secret ingredient

Why the secret ingredient works

For all kinds of scenes

The eyes are the starting point

#6—PUT YOUR FINGER ON IT

Use your finger

How to use your finger

Glance ahead when you can

Risk of going fingerless

#7—LISTEN & RESPOND TO YOUR PARTNER

Allow your eyes and ears to