Q: Will AIC, 4th Edition teach me how to act?
A: No. The book isn’t a how-to on the art of acting. It’s focused on helping actors launch and/or grow their career by providing detailed information about the business of acting in the Midwest. This information is often difficult to come by, and the book is the only place where it’s collected in one place combined with examples, stories, and anecdotes.
Q: Which is better for teens, AIC, 4th Edition or AIC For Kids And Parents?
A: Actors age 16 and older will benefit more from Acting In Chicago, 4th Edition. Younger actors and their parents will likely get more from AIC For Kids And Parents. Most of the work rules designed to protect children in the entertainment industry phase out beyond this age.
Q: I’m an established stage actor. Is Acting In Chicago, 4th Ed. for me?
A: Absolutely. Written with theater pros in mind, the goal of the book is to help more actors make more money from their acting. While some information might seem familiar, the book gets you thinking in a different way about your career.
Q: Will AIC help me get an agent?
A: Possibly. Chapter 8 of AIC, 4th Edition is devoted to talent agencies and explains the process of getting and keeping representation. The same topic is covered in AIC For Kids And Parents. However, there are no guarantees in this business.
Q: How do I get started in voice over?
A: Read The Voice Over Startup Guide: How to Land Your First VO Job.
Q: What do you mean by, “Making a living?”
A: In a perfect world, all actors would be able to rely on acting as their main income source. Unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in. The book helps get actors to whatever point they want for themselves, whether that’s using acting income for fun money, or counting on it to run a household.
Q: How can I help my kid be an actor?
A: Kids have their own book about acting in the Midwest. Check out Acting In Chicago For Kids And Parents. New for 2023, it’s a must for families with child actors.
Q: Is there anything in AIC, 4th Edition about working in L.A. or NYC?
A: Yes. Chapter 16 is devoted to acting in Los Angeles, and Chapter 14 covers working in Milwaukee. This edition does not have info on acting in New York.
Q: What are some good survival jobs for actors?
A: Chapter 15 has many ideas, from the gig economy to audio book narration.
Q: How old should you be to get started as an actor?
A: Age shouldn’t be a factor in your decision to explore acting as a career. There’s room for all ages and types. Ability matters much more than age. Both books explain where to get training as an actor in Chicago.
Q: Does the author live in Chicago?
A: No. After living and working in the Midwest for over 20 years, Chris and his family recently moved to Los Angeles, where his son established a healthy career in VO. He remains closely connected to the Midwest market. Readers can not only learn from his expertise in the Chicago market, but also from his experience developing a career in Los Angeles.