The Present Actor

Book excerpt: Many actors are hungry for guidance. You're in a profession that offers no promise of recognition, fulfillment or even steady employment despite your talent, training or degrees. A great actor can be passed over for a lesser one; a year of booking wonderful roles can be followed by two years of unemployment; a successful actor can find him or herself spiritually empty in the midst of adulation. Performers must deal with the unique circumstance of having their face, body, mind and emotions on display for judgment every day. Consequently, there's an overwhelming desire to obtain some emotional grounding and inner peace within a very uncertain profession. The Present Actor was written specifically to address the challenges that you face every day, whether you're just starting out or have already acquired some measure of success. This book speaks specifically to the performer on an all-encompassing emotional, spiritual and practical level. As a casting executive for a major television network, understanding an actor's ego, heart, intellect and imagination is my job. Finding your way requires time, patience and love. I can't reach all of you personally, but I can hope to make my knowledge available to you through this book.“I was truly moved by what Marci wrote. I kept on saying, 'yes, yes, yes', I discuss these ideas with my clients all the time! It's more than taking class and breaking down a scene.. She captures the sum of the parts in such a comprehensive manner yet with so much compassion. It's the actor's self-help book for anyone who dares to dream. I LOVE it!”Rhonda Price, Partner - The Gersh Agency