An Actor's Face, Audition, Casting Advice, And Anecdotes From A Working Actor

by Shannon Ratigan

Overview

Over 300 pages of practical advice, casting, and auditioning tips for working actors who want to book more work. Also for actors who are making the big move to NYC, or LA, to pursue their dream as an actor, as well as for people who are thinking about breaking into acting.

At the end of the day, earning a living as an actor boils down to one thing: winning the job. I give you info about increasing your odds, and putting yourself in the best possible position to get hired.

I earned a living for 2 decades as an actor, and I share it all in here with you. From ways to audition better by being more prepared, to gathering information that will help you get the edge on the competition, and book more jobs. I discuss common sense ways to acquire the best possible tools at the lowest possible costs. Things like how to have the most effective headshots, resumes, websites, and optimizing everything else including your online presence. I share low cost ways to get experience, and training. I mix in a few of my personal acting, and casting anecdotes. I priced this book low, because I would rather you have the extra money for things like good headshots.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940013487123
Publisher:	Shannon Ratigan
Publication date:	06/13/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	254 KB

About the Author

I have been a performing artist for most of my life. I've been playing the drums since 1968. My love for drumming started as an outlet for childhood hyperactivity, and I went on to be the lead snare drummer in the school marching band, then the percussionist in a symphony.

After moving to Florida in 1975, I played percussion in various bands and orchestras, and toured and recorded with a number of them, plus worked as a session musician.

I also started my acting career while in Florida. I moved to New York briefly, then on to Los Angeles, where, for 15 years, I worked as a musician, and a character actor. I appeared in a number of TV shows, films, and commercials. I was also a frequent guest performer on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" for 8 seasons. I'm a member of AFTRA/SAG, the two major performing arts unions.

I've been attending and facilitating drum circles for over 30 years. I think it helps to keep me sane. I've facilitated drumming events for the U.S. ARMY Chief Of Chaplains Religious Education Conference, Jazz Festivals, County State Fairs, The Florida Festivals & Events Association's Convention Trade Show, as well as many other major groups and companies, including OSI Restaurant Partners, Outback, on over to smaller groups, such as churches, college sorority reunions, weddings, and special needs populations. I was also a faculty member, and taught hand drumming at The Dunedin Fine Arts Center.

I have trained with a number of highly respected hand drumming instructors. My drum circle hosting and facilitation style is influenced by what I've learned from various top rated drum circle facilitators, including Christine Stevens, Kalani, Jim Greiner, Arthur Hull, Jim Donovan, and Babatunde Olatunji. But mostly by just attending lots of drum circles, learning by doing, watching and working with the pros. My mission statement is: To help people discover their own sense of rhythm, at their own pace.

I've got some ink in my blood. Both my adopted, and biological parents were writers, so it was important to me to write a good book in their honor. I have published two books, one is on drum circles, the other is about the acting business. I'm also a contributing author in other books, and various newspapers.

Many musicians and other artists cross over into the acting business, like I did. If the acting field is something you might be interested in, please check out my book. Thanks!

Editorial Reviews

"Shannon Ratigan's book, "An Actor's Face" is that rare combination of an enjoyable read filled with practical advice. He doesn't delve into textbook answers, but draws on personal experience, and years in show business. Very useful info, but a good, sometimes very funny, read." -- Kenneth H.

Website - Kenneth Healy

"This book is a must have career manual for actors. Shannon has followed the trends and changes in the industry over the years. He really tells it like it is. I felt like I just got some great auditioning, and acting life coaching! This is probably the best five bucks I ever spent on an acting resource." -- Joseph S.

Website - Joseph S.

"I am reading your book, and loving it. I feel like I'm being invited to go along with you on auditions. So many other acting books I've read are like textbooks, and are just plain uninteresting. Yours is filled with sensible, practical information, and it is shared in a delightfully humorous way. The way you weave casting anecdotes throughout the book is entertaining, informative, and you paint images with words. It helped me a lot!" -- Catherine R.

Website - Catherine R.

Many of us what it's like to be an actor. It's a must read for anyone considering an acting career, as Ratigan gives solid advice regarding auditions, obtaining an agent, work ethic & professionalism. But we're all fascinated with show business, & anyone can pick up this engaging book and experience numerous "I didn't know that!" moments. While he mentions a few of the big names who were a pleasure to work with, he refrains from turning this into a "tell all" with complaints about those who may

Social Media - William A.