Working Actor. Breaking in, Making a Living, and Making a Life in the Fabulous Trenches of ShowBusiness

Veteran character actor David Dean Bottrell draws on his 35+ tumultuous years of work in the entertainment industry to offer a guide to breaking in, making a living, and making a life in the fabulous trenches of show business. Covers every facet of the business, including: -        Capturing the perfect headshot -        Starting (and maintaining) your network -        Picking an agent -        Audition do's and don'ts -        Joining the union(s): SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association (AEA) -        On stage vs on screen -        Paying the bills -        Self-promotion -        Late bloomers -        When to get out David Dean Bottrell has worn many different hats during his decades in showbiz: television actor with appearances on Boston Legal, Modern Family, The Blacklist, Mad Men, True Blood, NCIS, and Days of Our Lives; screenwriter for Paramount and Disney; respected acting teacher at UCLA and AADA; and regular expert columnist for esteemed acting site Backstage.
In Working Actor, Bottrell offers a how-to manual jammed with practical information and insider advice, essential reading for any artist (aspiring or established) in need of insight or inspiration. Mixing prescriptive advice ("Getting Started, " "Learning Your Craft, " "Finding an Agent") with wisdom drawn from Bottrell's own professional highs and lows and those of his acting compatriots, this book's humorous, tell-it-like-it-is tone is a must-have guide for anyone hoping to successfully navigate show business.