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The Actor's Life
- A Survival Guide
- Narrated by: Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson
- Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
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Publisher's Summary
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.
This title is narrated by a full cast. Narrators include: Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Natalie Zea, Sean Gunn, Derek Waters, Reed Birney, and Mark Proksch.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
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What listeners say about The Actor's Life
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Avery
- 2021-07-21
A great listen!
As someone who has no interest in getting into the acting world, I still found this book extremely captivating. It had me imagining myself in the actor’s world, wondering if I could ever do it. Jenna provided some great anecdotes for fans of her and The Office, along with some really helpful tips and tricks you would never think of as a non-actor. I have a newfound respect for those who act. I also really loved the cameos at the end of the book. I had never heard of Derek Waters before but I’m glad Jenna brought him in. Ge had me absolutely cracking up, and it was a great way to end the book!
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- John O
- 2019-07-25
Great listen for aspiring actors.
This audiobook was very easy to finish, because it was so interesting. Jenna Fischer gives amazing advice, and covers EVERYTHING an aspiring actor would want to know when making the move to LA or NY. And I mean EVERYTHING, even things like what to do when you get fired, which I'm sure most aren't even thinking about
Along the way, she includes lots and lots of anecdotes to personalize the advice she gives. This makes the audiobook very fun to listen to. The biggest thing is that you're listening to an audiobook by PAM! It feels unreal.
I finished the AB in about a week or 2, and I listened to it while in the car doing Uber Eats deliveries, or while on the train going from one place to another.
Seriously recommend. Even if you don't have any plans to be an actor, this book will still be amazing.
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- Ladysirwin
- 2019-05-19
Wish I Had it 10 Years Ago
I remember the biggest shock out of acting school for me what not how hard auditioning was, but how hard GETTING an audition was. No one ever talked about that, and it doesn’t matter how good you are if you can’t get in the right rooms. This book was so refreshing because it spoke to all of that and more!! As a struggling actor, it really spoke to my own adversities in a way that no other book or teacher has. I love how Jenna talks about all the nitty gritty little details that get in the way but no one ever talks about. I also love hearing the stories of perseverance from all the actors. Acting is hard, and it was so great to know I’m not alone in this. I truly love Jenna Fischer. I mean I loved her so much as Pam on the office, but after this book she is one of my idols. This should be required reading at theatre schools everywhere. Also for anyone who wants to understand the life of an actor better.
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- Joyce Chisholm
- 2022-10-26
somewhere out there
learned so much about the intricacies that test the actor's resolve. great advice for those staggering about the mine field
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- Sarah
- 2018-08-02
Great advice for actors!
I’m a Canadian actor and her advice is what I needed. There is a lot of great content in this book that every actor should learn from. She even explains how the audition process works, how it’s like to work on set and be a guest star or a series regular. Jenna also tells you straight up how it’s like and doesn’t sugar coat it for you. It’s a tough journey for everyone.
This is a marathon and hearing about her journey is inspiring and it had a lot of funny moments in between.
Don’t give up!
Thank you Jenna for motivating me ❤️
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- Beth
- 2020-10-25
Great book!
This book is a great blend of personal memoir and very helpful and specific advice for acting! Jenna does a great job reading her own book aloud. I was riveted by this book - I couldn’t stop listening to it! Fantastic book for anyone - even those who are just curious about the actor’s life.
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- Anonymous User
- 2020-06-16
Delightful
Jenna really loves actors and the craft of acting. She really gets the struggles and anxiety of aspiring actors without a rich daddy or a Godfather in the industry. This book is inspirational and super pragmatic. Love it, love Jenna ❤️
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- Laura
- 2020-10-18
Validation for the Actor’s Soul
This book is everything an aspiring actor needs to know about the business. But it’s so much more than just a survival guide...it’s validation for the Actor’s Soul. Highly recommend.
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- Katie
- 2023-06-19
Enjoyable for non-actors too!
I picked this audiobook up simply because I am a regular listener of the Office Ladies podcast and was looking for an easy read/listen while I garden. I actually work in Post Production for Film/Television, so while I’m certainly not interested in becoming an actor, I really enjoyed listening to Jenna’s stories of being a struggling actor and couldn’t help but admire her perseverance. I must say, I have a new appreciation for actors and their process. It was funny, well structured, lighthearted, and insightful. A great resource for anyone looking to become an actor!
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- Karina
- 2018-02-17
Great book for all aspiring and working actors!
Loved it! A wonderful and practically guide to what acting life really is. Jenna is honest and full of great advice!
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