Behind the Curtain: The Job of Acting (Oberon Masters Series)

Peter Bowles invites us backstage to witness the job of acting as it really is. This is a warm-hearted look at the lived experience of a jobbing actor - and a survival guide to anyone thinking of entering this most emotionally gruelling of industries. Behind the Curtain is the inside scoop on 'the profession' as told by a master raconteur - one who has trodden the boards in the West End for five decades. Armed with an array of classic anecdotes, Bowles shares some of the infamous ad-libs, opening night disasters and dressing room dramas that he has been party to over the years.;Overture and beginners -- The actor prepares -- The brown envelope -- How do you learn your lines? -- Theatres and dressing rooms -- Billing -- The actor and the audience -- Touring -- Television and films -- Auditions -- Sitcoms -- TV commercials and voiceovers -- Actor or celebrity (and getting older). Leading Actor, Peter Bowles, Invites Us Backstage In The West End And On Tour To Witness The Job Of Acting As It Really Is. 'behind The Curtain' Is Based On His Own Career As A Leading Stage And Tv Actor For Over 55 Years. With Wit And Style He Recounts His Personal Views On Rehearsals, Touring, Drama School, Working With Directors And Other Actors, And Audiences. He Has Trod Some Of The Most Famous Boards In The Business, From Shakespeare On Broadway In 1956, To Sheridan's 'the Rivals' At London's Haymarket In 2011. Peter Also Became Nationally Famous For His Part As Businessman Richard Devere In The Tv Series 'to The Manor Born'. This Highly Entertaining Book Will Appeal To Anyone Who Wants To Know More About 'the Profession'--publisher's Description, P. [4] Of Cover. Overture And Beginners -- The Actor Prepares -- The Brown Envelope -- How Do You Learn Your Lines? -- Theatres And Dressing Rooms -- Billing -- The Actor And The Audience -- Touring -- Television And Films -- Auditions -- Sitcoms -- Tv Commercials And Voiceovers -- Actor Or Celebrity (and Getting Older). Peter Bowles. Series From Dust Jacket. Peter Bowles invites us backstage to witness the job of acting as it really is. This is a warm-hearted look at the lived experience of a jobbing actor and a survival guide to anyone thinking of entering this most emotionally gruelling of industries. Behind the Curtain is the inside scoop on the profession as told by a master raconteur one who has trodden the boards in the West End for five decades. Armed with an array of classic anecdotes, Bowles shares some of the infamous ad-libs, opening night disasters and dressing room dramas that he has been party to over the years. Full of sage advice about the pitfalls of celebrity and the fluctuating fortunes of an actor and his own journey from TV stardom to the labour exchange and back again. With tales of some biggest personalities in the history of showbiz such as Michael Gambon, Noel Coward, Rex Harrison, Laurence Olivier & John Gielgud, this is a book that captures the acting profession in all its eccentric glory. Actor and raconteur Peter Bowles tells tales of life as an actor, from the triumphs, to the pitfalls. Packed with insights and personal anecdotes, this book really does tell us what goes on 'behind the curtain'.