"Every casting director is different, and each one has strong opinions
on what is expected of an actor at an audition. Knowing ahead of time what
that particular casting person likes and hates can be extremely helpful
to the performer. Bonnie's book is an invaluable source for this information,
and should become a part of every actor's preparation." |
—Michael Donovan,
CSA/CCDA |
"Bonnie is the only one who has the most up-to-date casting director
information." |
—Judy Kerr, actor/author/coach |
"This is a peculiar business and the process of getting work can be a frustrating one. While many actors arrive in Los Angeles with a good knowledge of their craft, they have no understanding of the business and can wind up discouraged and jaded. Bonnie's book does a tremendous job of demystifying the other side and can shave years off the learning curve. A very valuable resource." |
—Bob Clendenin,
SAG/AFTRA/AEA
|
"Understanding
the process of casting—as an actor—will help you to survive. Making that
process work for you is the difference between survival and success. Success
is what Bonnie's book speaks to." |
—Kate Brinegar, CSA |
|
"Bonnie
Gillespie's wonderful book of personal interviews with so many casting
directors is a must have for both new and working actors! Bonnie's book
is so important because each casting person in that powerful position has
his or her own unique responses that influence their judging of talents—and
actors can't know those responses without a book like this. It's all there,
in their own words, in response to Bonnie's uncannily probing questions.
Actors can profit immensely from knowing all they can about individual casting
people, and Bonnie's interviews provide those details aplenty!" |
—Lawrence Parke,
Acting World
Books
|
"When it comes to the business of acting, we actors like to put our heads
in the sand so we can concentrate on our art. Bonnie Gillespie expertly
reminds us that, by doing a little homework, we can have more control
over our careers than we think. Reading Bonnie's book is like having a
personal manager who not only can guide you through the general audition
process, but who also can prepare you specifically for auditions in sitcoms,
dramas, soaps, commercials, films, and theatre. As a former actor, she
asks the questions we need answered. Bonnie captures the personalities
of each casting director and therefore humanizes that necessary evil we
call The Audition Process." |
—Faith Salie,
SAG/AEA
|
"When you're involved in an industry as complex and complicated as casting, it's essential to know the ins and outs without ever getting lost in the shuffle. Bonnie's writing is always clear, to the point, purposeful and thoroughly readable. She delves deep into her subject matter and breaks it down to the basics so that her writing is at once simple yet inspiring and always insightful. Her entertaining style engages readers from the get-go and she doesn't let go until you walk away with a clear understanding of her topic. Whether you're a beginner in the industry or a polished professional, her writings are informative, fun-to-read gems everyone—at any level in the industry—can appreciate." |
—Carla Lewis &
Angela Bertolino, Hollywood
OS
|
"Casting
Qs is so essential that it would be a must-read even if the writing
were boring. The good news is Bonnie Gillespie is not boring. Her weekly
column by the same title in Back Stage West and her tireless
posts on Internet discussion boards is proof enough of that. Yet the best
news is the insight she brings to actors about all facets of the casting
process: trustworthy insight culled from a multitude of casting director
interviews. This is more than a book; it's an investment in your acting
career. Have at it!" |
—Robert Brody, Showfax/Screenplay Online/Sides
Express |