The Actor's Mindset - by Craig Archibald (Paperback)

About the Book

The Actor's Mindset, authored by esteemed Los Angeles and Manhattan-based acting coach Craig Archibald, departs from most acting books-which focus either on the art or the business of entertainment-to show readers how to approach their acting career holistically as both artist...

Book Synopsis

The Actor's Mindset: Acting as a Craft, Discipline, and Businessuniquely prepares actors to live a full, successful life as a performing artist. While most acting books focus on either the art or the business of entertainment, Archibald looks at the entire picture of what it means to be an actor, focusing on the foundations of both the artist and the entrepreneur to guarantee a complete and fully functioning approach to a career.
The Actor's Mindset is divided into three distinct parts: "The Craft," "The Discipline," and "The Business."
Archibald's unique experience as both an actor and a coach gives him an unparalleled perspective on the current industry landscape. While classic method texts still circulate, and there are actors who have written books that address craft, none have Archibald's depth of knowledge and experience in coaching, nor approach the art from a professional standpoint instead of solely an instructional one. The success of Craig's approach is exemplified by the success of his clients, a roster that includes Constance Wu, John Slattery, and two-time Academy Award Nominee Dan Futterman.

Review Quotes

""This book is about so much more than acting. It's filled with straight, insightful knowledge about how to live as an artist of integrity and substance. Craig doesn't pull any punches and thank goodness. I wish I had gotten this kind of brutally honest and comprehensive advice when I was starting out. He saves you (hopefully) from learning the hard way! He covers IT ALL!"" --Kathryn Erbe, Tony Award Nominee and star of Law and Order: Criminal Intent

"The first time I ever directed actors was in Craig's class. He gave me not only the tools I needed to speak to actors, but demystified the craft of the actor/director collaboration in such a way that before I knew it, I felt at home. This important book contains the secrets he shared with me and is an outstanding read for all artists." --Graham Moore, Academy Award Winner (Best Adapted Screenplay for The Imitation Game)

"Craig Archibald is not only a deeply gifted teacher of acting, but a deeply affecting writer with personal stories to tell and urgent lessons to be learned. Whether you're a young actor just starting out or a veteran who needs reminding of what's beautiful and profound about the life you've chosen, you will treasure this book." --Dan Futterman, Two-Time Academy Award nominated screenwriter of Capote and Foxcatcher and SAG Award winning actor (The Birdcage)

"Craig Archibald is not only a deeply gifted teacher of acting, but a deeply affecting writer with personal stories to tell and urgent lessons to be learned. Whether you're a young actor just starting out or a veteran who needs reminding of what's beautiful and profound about the life you've chosen, you will treasure this book."

"The first time I ever directed actors was in Craig's class. He gave me not only the tools I needed to speak to actors, but demystified the craft of the actor/director collaboration in such a way that before I knew it, I felt at home. This important book contains the secrets he shared with me and is an outstanding read for all artists."

"This book is about so much more than acting. It's filled with straight, insightful knowledge about how to live as an artist of integrity and substance. Craig doesn't pull any punches and thank goodness. I wish I had gotten this kind of brutally honest and comprehensive advice when I was starting out. He saves you (hopefully) from learning the hard way! He covers IT ALL!"

About the Author

Archibald's studio has honed the talents of some of today's brightest stars, who he guides to wins and nominations at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Oscars, and Emmys. Over the course of his decades as a coach, he has worked with more than seven hundred actors in Los Angeles and Manhattan and is often working with a rotation of two hundred distinct clients at any given time. Archibald is an actor himself and appeared as Christopher Isherwood in the Academy Award-winning film Capote. He is also a lifetime member of the Actors Studio.