Book Reviews: The Jobbing Actor

The Jobbing Actor is designed to be a six-week coaching programme ‘to help you achieve your acting ambitions’. It promises to be ‘low on bull***t’, aimed at those who has been through acting training or gained acting qualifications and are now stepping out into the professional world.

The two writers at the helm of this project have both been in the business for over forty years between them in jobs as actors, agents, voice coaches, comedians, writers and professional lifecoaches. Their experience comes through with their advice, comedic touches and asides, with some exercises developed from broader life coaching toolkits or approaches.

The central idea of the book is to build resilience and motivation for the six weeks that the book covers, but to instil these traits throughout the rest of an actor's career – in both the dry-work times and thriving times.

While it does discuss the joys of pursuing the profession of acting, the writers also highlight the importance of the coaching programme in helping with mental health for those struggling to land their ‘big break’ in what can be a lonely profession.

The book begins with a Preparation Stage, labelled ‘a sort of mental MOT’. The style of writing and phrasing throughout the book feels comforting, but also gives a positive and meant-with-love kick when motivation is waning.

There are weekly themes and accompanying exercises. The theme is industry related, such as ‘networking’, and the exercises might be practical and linked to the theme – such as creating your own Instagram bio – or more holistic and to do with improving general mental health and wellbeing.

Each week starts by setting and reviewing goals for their career, health and wellness, treats and daily activity. The reader is encouraged to write directly in the book, download the templates to keep an electronic version, or write in their own format using a plain journal.

It's easy to be cynical when approaching this book, but the further you progress the more positivity can be found in its words. While it is definitely of most use to actors, its advice on wellbeing and mindfulness could be applied universally to great benefit.