Post Reading "Acting Professionally"

After reading this book i would give it a rating of 9 out of 10. Robert Cohen has filled this book with plenty of information or enough information to set you on your way. Even before that he gives you enough information in the beginning of the book to make the decision on weather or not you want to attempt to get into the industry. What i really liked about the book is that he gave a lot of cold hard blunt facts in all seriousness. I loved that about it because when it comes to reading about something your interested in getting into, you do not want the negative things to be sugar coated or thrown to the side, so i would say that’s one of the reasons why i gave it such a high rating. “Let’s face the facts squarely: Acting is one of the toughest business in the world to break into. Maybe the toughest. The majority of people who try fail even to get their foot in the door, and the vast majority of those who do get their foot in the door don’t keep it their very long.”(Cohen 3). The way he states things puts you in the position to take some deep thought into the point he is trying to make.

“Wanting success isn’t enough, studying for it isn’t enough, and no amount of dedication or commitment will, on it’s own, get you into the casting office.”(Cohen 3). This quote was the one that actually got me thinking. I started wondering what more do they want but then later on it explains what you need to do and how you need to do it and that was another reason why i rated the book a 9 out of 10. I liked the way it goes into depth of each section that you were probably questioning in your mind, it gave you a better understanding and more then what you were looking for. I really appreciate how he will talk about a section of why you need something like a manager for example and then he would tell you how to get a manager and when you will need one. He does not just tell you, you need a manager and move on to the next topic. The author gives you a list of other options relating to the arts/theatre just in case you have changed your mind about acting, so he does not just leave you in the gutter if you decide on dropping the industry. 

The only reason why i gave it a 9 is because at some points he would talk about a section but then slowly drift to something else for a long period then switch back to what he was trying to get at. The second reason was that i did not like how in other chapters he would repeat things over that he has already mentioned and go into a whole paragraph about what he already touched based upon instead of saying “refer to chapter...page..” He has done that but only for some. All in all, Robert Cohen fills his book with plenty of information and knowledge that you can soak up and it is up to you weather or not you want to use that info to your ability.

What it takes to be an Actor

I believe it takes a lot to become an actor, there is so many things you have to do in order to even be seen or get your foot in the door, not only just to get your foot in the door but to make sure you stay there because it is never a guarantee, it is a very competitive industry. I would most definitely have to say it would take plenty of talent, determination, patience, and passion. You need to have the talent, no question about it, it is the most important factor for a performer. If you do not have the talent, you will not be seen or heard and that is basically it. Allow your confidence to run with your talent. “Confidence is the power you have over your own personality.” (Cohen 12). Determination will allow you to boost your self esteem and it gives you a reminder that your trying to obtain or accomplish your goal. 

This industry its self is one of the most competitive industries out there, so being determined to make it would be a plus for you, keep the faith and keep moving on. Patience is a sense of stability. Things won’t be moving as fast as you want at times because your just starting out, at the moment your nobody to those casting directors, so it will take time to rise. It could take weeks, months just to get a call back and years just to get noticed. Patience is required, i would consider it a requirement along with the other ones.  Passion is key because having the talent, determination and patience may not even be enough, the passion has to be there, if you love something enough to put aside all the negatives about it then i believe that is what will get you through or help push you along the way when you feel like your about to fall off the edge. 

Another thing is you can’t be lazy, you have to be a go getter because your constantly working trying to get contacts, upgrading your resume, head-shots, going for auditions, meeting with agencies, marketing your self around the world and more. Putting your self out their to get recognized takes a lot of work and energy. In addition, having faith can create a big impact on your life and with everything you strive for, faith is what you need for sure in this industry. Turn to your faith and turn to your God because in the end it is really god’s decision weather he will make this happen for you or not. You can only get so far without him, with him you can go all the way, as long as you keep him by your side.