The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide
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.
Reviews (204)
Best book on being an actor I've ever read
Years ago, Jenna Fischer wrote a great post on her MySpace page detailing her advice for aspiring actors. It was the best thing I'd ever read on the topic; I immediately sent it to several friends and still have a copy saved on my phone today. The roots of The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide are clearly in that original post, but this book is so much more. Part memoir, part how-to-guide, Jenna walks you through her journey from Midwest dreamer to working actor, not shying away from the ups-and-(many) downs in the life of an aspiring artist. She's honest about her struggles and mistakes, as well as the smart decisions she made that helped her take advantage of the career opportunities that eventually appeared. Her advice for new actors starting out today was clearly well-researched and not just based on her own experiences trying to make it before she was cast as Pam in The Office. Besides Jenna herself, the stars are Molly Shannon and Topher Grace, both of whom went out of their way to encourage and inspire her in the early years of her career when she needed it the most. That same encouragement and inspiration is what Jenna has given everyone who reads this book, but she goes beyond that with real, actionable advice that makes the dream of becoming an actor actually feel possible. That's the true gift of The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide. And I couldn't recommend it more highly.
A great read for anyone who enjoys Jenna's work.
Jenna is a "what you see is what you get" person. Very uncommon in Hollywood. I'm not an aspiring actor (actually retired cop) but she is true and honest in anything I've seen related to her. As an addicted "Office Fan" I believe she could write "An Office Memoir" and it would be an immediate best seller. This was such a fun read and I was exhausted after seeing what an actor has to go through just to get to where you can make a living. I'm glad she made it and am thankful to her and the rest of The Office crew for all the laughs that I continue to enjoy over and over and over.....again. True Office fans know what I mean.
The book I've been waiting for!
Over 6 years ago, I made the trek across country to Los Angeles where, like Jenna, I was certain I'd be an immediate success! Unlike Jenna, I had the helpful words of someone who'd already been there. Someone who had already experienced the high and lows of show business, and was willing to share their arduous journey. That person was actually Jenna. Right before relocating, I was emailed a blog she wrote that served as a friendly guide on what to expect after the "big move." I used it as a constant reminder to not give up. Currently, I'm enrolled in Robert D'Avanzo's on camera acting class, thanks to Jenna's glowing recommendation. For me, the timing of this book couldn't be more serendipitous. Not only does she take you through every single detail on how to pursue an acting career, but she also shares stories from her past that make TAL so engaging that it's impossible to put down. I read the whole book in two sittings. Her voice is funny, charming, uplifting, and kind. There's also many cringe worthy stories, which helped me find peace with some of my, ahem... not so great moments in the industry. Ha! This is a very important book. Especially, when you have doubts about where you fit in this crazy world, and whether you want to continue on. Most actors have been there. Even Jenna.
practical and an easy read. I love her honesty and that she ...
I've read dozens of books about acting and the "biz." Jenna's book is informative, practical and an easy read. I love her honesty and that she tells her story--warts and all. I've been a casting director for 35 years so I know that her info is right on. (By way, I love the kudos she gives to her casting mentor, Allison Jones.) One of the most important things she shares for new arrivals in LA: join a theatre company, an improv group, an acting class. Do ANYTHING you need to do to find your tribe; otherwise, you'll spend your first years in LA lonely and crazy while you're waiting for that phone to ring.
If you’re an actor, you need this book!
Thank you, Jenna Fischer! I truly loved this book. It speaks the truth about this business from a wonderful perspective of a working actor. The real struggles. The victories that are unseen to others outside our world. I loved this book because 1) it’s entertaining as hell. Funny & honest. Jenna is likable & lovely on every page. This is not a boring how to break into acting book, nor is it some celebrity dropping names & espousing how great it all is. This real & relatable. 2) it’s a guide book. All actors have their own journey & path to follow. No 2 are exactly alike. There are no exact steps & timelines to success. But guidance is key along the way. That’s what Jenna provides. Guidance along this crazy chosen path. Letting us in on the her personal struggles, experiences, & wins along the way. As an actor, I have many days that I struggle with my career. I feel like I’ve been doing it forever but not getting anywhere. And then there are days I feel like I’m doing ok. Jenna puts a lot of things into perspective. Also it gives me drive in this new year. So if you’re a total newbie trying to break in or a veteran of the biz making headway, I know this book will be a wonderful resource for you.
Not what I expected- but still enjoyed it!
So I saw this on sale on Amazon and slightly glanced at the title. I thought it was going to be a funny memoir not an actor’s guide to survive acting. Whoops! I contemplated not finishing it but found it kinda fun to read and learn about the ins and outs of acting. Because I live in LA and in my 20’s worked in entertainment (but not as an actor) it was fun to read about what a lot of my friends had tried doing or are still doing! Also, given my experience and that I live in LA a lot of people not from here will ask me acting advice. Why? I am not sure, but they think that because I used to work in entertainment and live in LA I must know something about it. So I kept reading it to see what Jenna would tell them. I laughed out loud in some of the sections and found this book to be full of great advice to anyone wanting to act (or write) in Los Angeles or NYC. Basically if you want to be an actor please read this book. I should probably buy a few copies of this to give out to people when they ask me how to break in to acting... as if I should know just by living in LA. Lol! My only criticism is that this book doesn’t give advice to those who should quit. Jenna came close when she talked about her friend who was managing a coffee shop ... but maybe an addendum in later copies would be helpful. You know- You should quit trying to be an actor if you’re a hermit and never audition. Or you’re a temp but don’t ever audition... or you stopped auditioning because you now manage a coffee shop. Or if you don’t follow the advice here in this book you should rethink your job choice. Something along those lines. Basically if you stop fighting hard for the chance to act you should stop and find another profession. Kudos to those I know who changed courses when they realized they didn’t have the fight to keep on going and ended up being successful elsewhere. And kudos to those I know who didn’t stop and kept on going. They know it’s a hard road but they love it and fight for it! Just know it’s okay to change your mind at any point along your path. I saw too many people hang on for too many years because they didn’t want their dream to end but their heart had left the game years before. I wish they had read this book as I do think it would’ve helped them figure out if they really wanted in on the game or not. If you want to be an actor or are struggling to be an actor read this book!
I’M NOT AN ACTOR - and I liked it!
This book is marketed as a book for aspiring actors, not a memoir, and that is certainly the case. I’m not an actor at all, but I was still curious to read it. When it came up for $2.99 on a daily kindle deal, I jumped at the chance (I would probabaly not have paid full price because I wasn’t sure if I’d find it totally boring). I followJenna Fischer on instagram, and sometimes she posts really interesting “day in the life” stories when she’s on set at her current show. Even though I have no interest in acting, I am fascinated by that lifestlye, and all the behind the scenes info she posts. I’m also a huge Office fan - aren't we all? I found the book to be just like her instagram stories, but more detailed of course. I loved reading all the ins and outs of being an actor - starting out, auditioning, being on a set, etc. It’s fun to read because she brings in details about her own experience, so you're exposed to little easter eggs and backstories about The Office and other projects she’s worked on. For non actors who just like Jenna Fischer, her style, sense of humor, etc., you're sure to enjoy this book - and learn something!
Jenna is your honorary acting coach .
I bought both Audible and Kindle version , and I am happy i got both. This book by far was one of the best book that I have read that guides through your journey of becoming a working actor in a competitive show business. What makes this book great is that Jenna shares her experience from her early days as struggling actor until she hit the jackpot with The Office and she provides a lot of useful tips on how to make the best out of every opportunity that you come across. She goes to the point and keeps you engaged the whole time. After reading this book and listening to the Audible ( Narrated by Jenna ) I become more motivated to pursue my acting career and learned how to maintain positive perspective . I highly recommend this book for aspiring and experienced actors and definitely keep a copy of it in your library. You will definitely refer back to this book over and over. Thank you Jenna for sharing your valuable acting experiences.
A glimpse into the struggles it may take to become an actor
There are two main audiences for this book. One audience is aspiring actors looking for advice on how to achieve their dream. The other audience is those people leading more “normal” lives, but who are curious as to how an actress seemingly just as sweet, vulnerable and determined as the Pam Beesly character found success in Hollywood. I think author Jenna Fischer wrote for the first audience, while keeping an eye on the second, potentially much larger audience. (I fall into the second group.) I was expecting a combination of advice and anecdotes written “with amusing candor and wit” (Amazon description). And that’s exactly what the book delivered. Jenna’s journey to Office success clearly had its ups and downs. She doesn’t shy away from talking about times of disappointment or frustration, but she doesn’t dwell on those negative emotions. The book’s tone is of someone who stayed determined, tried to always remain busy & creative and, most importantly, kept her sense of humor. Bottom line: I found the book a light, easy read. I’m also a bit in awe of the struggle it may take to become an actor. I suspect an aspiring actor would rate this book higher as they should see it as either a guidebook to success or as a life preserver while they continue the struggle to “make it” in Hollywood.
DO IT!!! JUST DO IT! JUST- JUST DO IT!!!! *SHIA LABEOUF VOICE*
You know a books really good when it gives you ENERGY during an all-nighter! I seriously couldn't put it down... I mean eventually I did but I didn't want too! I can only relate it to the feeling I got when I read the twilight series... Btw I don't care if you hate Queen Stephenie Meyer and her crazy fans because I was one of them and I ADORED her ,okay. But ladies and gentlemen there is a new queen in town and her name is Ms. Jenna Fischer! I will admit I never watched The Office... I know, I know. I'm a terrible person, but are you surprised? I just told you I was a crazy Twilight fan... Anyways, I'm watching it now and its hilarious! What can I say it just hits different now that I'm in my 20's...Also, Jenna's humor really does it for me in this book... JUST BUY IT! BUY IT NOW!!!!
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