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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An invaluable guide to getting acting work, 27 Aug 2002
As an actor who has recently graduated from drama school, I have read several books on the acting profession, but nothing beats Simon Dunmore's 'An Actor's Guide to Getting Work' for practical 'no-nonsense' advice. It is the most useful guide to getting work that I have read.For me, the ideal person to offer an actor advice on the pitfalls to avoid is somebody who has read countless piles of actors' C.V.s and spent long days auditioning actors, as opposed to an academic or actor who has 'made it'. Simon Dunmore, a director with thirty years experience, fits the bill. The information in the book is very detailed, advising actors in every stage of the profession, from those considering entry into drama school to seasoned professionals. For example, there is a detailed dissection of the letter and C.V. and an almost minute-by-minute account of the audition process. Dunmore states that he is offering his opinion and, as he readily admits, there are a few contradictions. This is inevitable in a profession where decisions are regularly taken based on the subjective tastes of (artistic) individuals. Dunmore offers practical advice based on his own extensive experience. It is over twenty years since the first edition of the book was published and it states that a number of changes have been made, following criticism by actors, agents and directors. This may explain the amount of detail and depth of discussion that is included. Dunmore manages not to be patronising but does not 'dumb down' or pull any punches in describing what is of course an extremely competitive profession. A tough profession requires tough, honest advice such as this. It is very much a 'how to' manual, covering much that was missed at drama school. Particularly useful for me were ideas on how to keep in your agent's 'good books' and advice on how to put across one's personality in a letter. I only hope that some people will not want to take Dunmore's advice - it can only mean more work for the rest of us. By James Schumann.
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