About the Book:

Currently adopted for use as textbooks in many colleges and universities, The Work of an Actor sets a new industry standard that provides reference tools like no other. As a result, it delivers a wealth of clear, detailed instructions and inspiration for giving unforgettably captivating performances for actors of all levels.

With more than twenty years of experience in acting, coaching, and directing, Michael Woolson shares not only the essential foundation and mechanics of acting in a clear and concise manner, but also reveals how to build unforgettably captivating performances. He also demystifies sitcom technique and outlines how to play a killer, how to create authentic fear, making sense of bad direction, how to audition effectively, and how to build layered character work. Plus, he introduces the most extensive chapter ever written on how to give believable drug-induced performances without drugs as well as the first-ever list of great dialects in films to use as research.

Inspired by legendary acting coaches such as Adler, Meisner, Hagen, and his mentor, Larry Moss, respected acting coach Michael Woolson shares the fundamentals of the craft in a clear and concise manner. Beyond the essential foundation and mechanics of acting, he also discusses topics such as:

What people say:

"Michael Woolson has proven himself to be the go-to coach for actors who are serious about their craft." — The Hollywood Reporter

"Michael Woolson is a bright compassionate teacher. Any actor would be in excellent hands under his guidance." — Larry Moss, Acting Coach and Author of The Intent to Live

"The Work of an Actor is superb. Personal, nurturing, concise, bottom-line reality of what it costs physically, technically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally to become a contender. In short, an outstanding achievement." — Daine Venora, Golden Globe-nominated Actor

"Finally, someone has made an understandable, easy-to-use reference guide that can be carried on set. The Work of an Actor is an acting bible that makes technique clear where many other books on the craft are confusing and befuddling. It goes further by providing suggestions for additional reading to deepen your understanding of the craft, improve your life skills, and it even includes a section on which films to watch for certain authentic accents. It is a book written with common sense for serious actors." — Evan Peters, Actor, American Horror Story

"As someone who has sat in on Michael's classes and auditions his clients, I can say that he has an amazing ability to bring out emotional depth and honesty in any actor. He gives them a solid technique to create brave, multi-layered performances that stand out from the rest. As a casting director, that's exactly what I look for. This book is the how-to for those performances." — Johanna Ray, Casting Director, Inglorious Bastards

"Not only does Michael Woolson's The Work of an Actor offer solid advice for any actor auditioning for film and television, but his comments are also very instructive for stage actors. His obvious care and concern for his students is clear. In a highly competitive profession, his humane and sensible approach to character development is invaluable." — Charlotte J. Headrick, Ph.D. Professor of Theatre Arts, Oregon State University

About the Author:

Michael Woolson is an American acting coach, author, and director. He began his career as an acting coach teaching at the Larry Moss Studio in 1998 after spending 10 years as a working actor. In 2001 he built and founded the Michael Woolson Studio in Los Angeles, California where he and his staff conduct classes and produce and direct theatrical productions. He is the author of The Work of an Actor.