Acting Professionally, the renowned book of professional advice for actors by Associate Professor of Professional Practice James Calleri, has been re-released in a brand new edition published by Bloomsbury, with additional writing by Robert Cohen.
Originally published in 1972 by National Press Books in an edition written by Robert Cohen, Acting Professionally is considered the leading book of professional direction and advice for young actors, exploring in straight-forward terms how acting careers are built and sustained. Considered one of the foremost casting directors in the country, Calleri joined Cohen in the writing of the book in 2009, where he proffers critical advice for actors, as well as noting common pitfalls.
This new edition is the book’s ninth iteration, and, according to its publisher, reflects the shifts in the industry that came as a result of the Black Lives Matter, Time's Up, and MeToo movements, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, this new edition will explore the ways in which an actor’s race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and gender may provide certain challenges when it comes to working professionally.
Along with his collaborators Erica Jensen and Paul Davis, Calleri is a co-founder of the casting agency Calleri Jensen Davis, which has received 14 Artios Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Casting. Prior to founding Calleri Jensen Davis, Calleri served as Casting Director at Playwrights Horizons. He has proudly served on the Board of the Casting Society of America and additionally runs Calleri Studio, where he coaches actors professionally and provides career advice.
Acting Professionally was officially released on March 21, 2024 and is available for purchase here.
