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The Actor's Life

A Survival Guide

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The Actor's Life

By: Jenna Fischer
Narrated by: Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson
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About this listen

Jenna Fischer's Hollywood journey began at the age of 22 when she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined, she was confident, she was ready to work hard. So, what could go wrong?

Uh, basically everything. The path to being a professional actor was so much more vast and competitive than she’d imagined. It would be eight long years before she landed her iconic role on The Office, nearly a decade of frustration, struggle, rejection, and doubt.

If only she’d had a handbook for the aspiring actor. Or, better yet, someone to show her the way—an established actor who could educate her about the business, manage her expectations, and reassure her in those moments of despair.

Jenna wants to be that person for you.

With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy’s apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you’re looking for!).

Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who’s made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you, pointing out the pitfalls as you blaze your own path towards the life of a professional actor.

This title is narrated by a full cast. Narrators include: Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Natalie Zea, Sean Gunn, Derek Waters, Reed Birney, and Mark Proksch.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2017 Andycat Productions Inc. (P)2017 Novel Audio Inc.
Acting & Auditioning Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Celebrity Entertainment Witty Theatre Comedy
All stars
Most relevant
I've just started acting, after changing careers, and found this both really entertaining and very helpful. It's my favorite acting book that I've read so far, as it is enjoyable to read (and listen to) (some books others have recommended are just really boring). I loved listening to Jenna tell her story too.

loved this book

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Jenna Fischer’s insight, breakdown and honest advice is exceptional and a very real opinion on the in and outs of the entertainment industry!

Worth while!

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Would you listen to The Actor's Life again? Why?

Yes, absolutely. Anyone even looking to embark on an career on the boards or in front of the camera should listen to this book. Practical advice framed in positive tone is so valuable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I actually found the admissions of Jenna's missteps to be really endearing

Actor's coach and Survival Guide

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I am Speaker Agent. This book is the equivalent of Jerry McGuire only better. Jenna has written a book which is full of her and Pam. I have now heard it 5 times snd get more out of it on every listening. Thanks Jenna

Every speaker must read this.

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Such practical, specific and applicable advice from someone who’s been there. It really is a survival guide. Do yourself a favour, and read the whole thing, then read it again! Thanks Jenna Fischer!

A must read for Actors

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