Acting as a Business, Fifth Edition: Strategies for Success

The essential handbook for actors—a modern classic—now regularly updated to reflect the latest show-business trends

Since its original publication, Acting as a Business has earned a reputation as an indispensable tool for working and aspiring actors. Avoiding the usual advice about persistence and luck, Brian O’Neil provides clear-cut guidelines that will give actors a solid knowledge of the business behind their art. It’s packed with practical information—on everything from what to say in a cover letter to where to stand when performing in an agent’s office—including:

-- Tactics for getting an agent, including preparing for the interview
-- How to research who will be casting what—and whether there is a role for you—well in advance
-- Examples of correspondence to agents and casting directors for both beginning and advanced professionals
-- A detailed analysis of the current trend of paying to meet industry personnel
-- How to communicate effectively with an agent or personal manager
-- Creative ways to use the internet and social media

O’Neil regularly updates Acting as a Business (most recently in 2025) to keep up with the latest show-business trends, making this a reference no actor should be without.

Brian O'Neil is a former talent agent and personal manager who has represented actors for theater, film, television, commercials, and radio.  As a talent representative, he was responsible for the career guidance and professional placement for hundreds of actors.  Brian is the founder of Acting as a Business, a one-on-one career-consultation and career-coaching service for actors.  He is a frequent guest-lecturer at some of the nation's finest acting-training programs including the Yale School of Drama and the Juilliard School.