Palgrave Macmillan, 2009
Now in its eighth, completely revised edition in 2017, and co-authored with distinguished casting director James Calleri. Regarded since 1972 as the “bible” of guides to the American acting profession in all media.
Review Excerpts
“A must for those who want to understand the biz.” —Theatre Week.
“Clearly put information and practical advice… an excellent guide to the business of acting professionally in the United States.” —Hollywood Reporter
“The much-praised book is as successful and valuable as ever… Fully exposes the aspiring actor to the ‘raw facts’ of the business.” —Theatre Journal
“…differs from other texts on the market as it provides the most current statistics and information covering every aspect of the profession… an invaluably honest description of the business behind the show.” —Back Stage West
“This is the book that every mother should stick in her son’s or daughter’s bag next to the chocolate chip cookies as she packs them off from Fort Wayne on their way to the wicked city – on either coast – to be an actor (or just off to college to major in the arts.”–1995 Regional Theatre Directory
“Quite simply the best guide I’ve read for the stage struck hopeful who wants to turn pro., —1999 Regional Theatre Directory
“The most straightforward, accurate, and honest description of what the acting business is like in the United States and what it takes to break into it. An absolute must…” —An Audition Handbook for Student Actors
“An invaluable labor. Cohen’s tone is tough but strangely conspiratorial with the reader, and may well send a wave of young actors into show business at once resolved and cynical, principled and skeptical, and it is hard to imagine, for an aspirant to this dreadful trade, a better state of mind than that.” —Yale Theatre
“…answers all those questions which the acting major asks as graduation looms and he is about to be expelled from the cozy womb of university theatre.” —Educational Theatre Journal
“A magnificent service both to aspiring actors and to the theatre.” —Dartmouth Alumni Magazine
