Stars In Your Eyes...Feet on the Ground: A Practical Guide for Teenage Actors (and their Parents!) - Softcover

Jay, Annie; Feik, Luanne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0933919425 ISBN 13: 9780933919426

Publisher: Theatre Directories, 1999

Synopsis

Provides information and advice on the entertainment industry, agents, self-promotion, unions, contests, and other matters, including considerations for parents

About this title

About the Author

Annie Jay has been performing since her elementary school years. LuAnne Feik is a former news correspondent and currently a copywriter for corporate newsletters. They live in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

Grade 8 Up-Jay writes directly to teens (at 18, she's one herself) and focuses on the best way to get jobs here and now. The book relies heavily on her own experiences. This is a strength in the author's firsthand accounts of how acting success can be achieved; it's a weakness when she treats activities outside her comfort level. (The chapter on beauty pageants and model searches is unbalanced and lacks the detail found elsewhere.) Jay also discusses her decision not to attend college or a conservatory. She is enthusiastic without glossing over the hard work and sacrifice involved in an acting career. Her writing is often awkward and wordy; dedicated performers, however, will appreciate her hints and find encouragement in fulfilling their dreams of stardom. Black-and-white cartoons are scattered throughout, and a useful resource appendix concludes the volume.
Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Jay, a young actress barely out of her teens, offers a practical guide for others like herself with a serious yearning for a stage or screen career. Young actors wanting to expand their repertoires beyond school and community need quality photos called head shots, resumes, publicity packages, contacts, and knowledge of the behind-the-scenes world of auditions, casting calls, agents, and managers. Jay lays out the daunting task of breaking into show business in an engaging, personal account. In chapters devoted to come-on scams, other entertainment venues besides film and theater, unions, and education, there is a positive, informative, down-to-earth tone that sweeps the reader along. A final chapter, written by Jay's mother, is devoted to a parent's role. Serious young actors will appreciate the message, along with the abundant information. Drama teachers and other adults will find the book quite helpful. Glossary; resources; black-and-white cartoon-style illustrations. Anne O'Malley

Edition details

• Publisher: Theatre Directories
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0933919425
• ISBN 13: 9780933919426
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Crawford Ron
• Number of pages: 150