So You Want To Be An Actor (So You Want To Be A...)
About
RECIPIENT of the Mom's Choice Award® Gold — Honoring Excellence
WINNER of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award
The script is memorized. The costume fits. The stage is set. And none of that is the work.
The work is what happens in the rehearsal room three weeks before opening night, when the director stops the scene for the fourteenth time and asks you to find something truer, something realer, something that comes from a place you haven’t gone to yet. The work is learning to live truthfully in circumstances that are not yours — to feel what another person feels, think what another person thinks, and make an audience believe, completely and without question, that they are watching something real. That is not a performance skill. That is one of the deepest human skills there is.
So You Want To Be An Actor takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most ancient and most rigorously demanding performance professions on earth — not the red-carpet version, but the real one. The years of training that happen before a single professional audition. The specific discipline of building a character from the outside in and the inside out simultaneously — voice, body, psychology, history, motivation — until the person you are playing is as real to you as the person you are. The ensemble of actors, directors, designers, and crew working in careful coordination so that something written on a page becomes something alive in a room. The audition that goes exactly as prepared — and the callback that asks you to throw away everything you prepared and find it fresh in the room.
This is a book about what actors actually do: the technique they study — from Stanislavski to Meisner to physical theater — to build an instrument capable of true emotional availability, the voice and movement training they pursue to make their bodies and voices as expressive and as controlled as a musician’s instrument, the script analysis they practice to understand not just what a character says but why they say it and what they are really saying underneath, and the professional resilience they develop to survive an industry that measures rejection not in exceptions but in the daily texture of a working life. It’s also a book about what the work costs, what it gives back, and why the people who do it say that the moment a scene truly lands — when the room goes still and everyone in it feels something shift — there is nothing in the world that comes close.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real actor’s training and professional life actually looks like — from conservatory to audition to rehearsal room to performance
- The technique behind great acting — and why the most natural-looking performances are the result of the most rigorous preparation
- The physical, vocal, and psychological demands the craft makes — and how actors develop the instrument and the resilience to meet them
- The full range of the acting world — from stage to screen to voice work to physical theater — and what each demands of the performer
- What young people can do right now to discover if this might be their calling
Honest, specific, and genuinely illuminating, So You Want To Be An Actor doesn’t talk down to young readers — it brings them all the way in. Because the child who wants to know what this work is really like deserves a real answer.
For readers who feel the pull toward something that asks you to be more fully human — not less — in order to do it well. For the kid who reads every part, plays every character, and inhabits every story they encounter.
The greatest performance anyone has ever seen began with someone who was willing to go somewhere true.
Ages 10–14 · Nonfiction · Careers & Professions · Illustrated
Praise for this book
"So You Want To Be An Actor by Linda Soules introduces young readers to the world of performance through narrative explanation and staged moments that mirror the experience of stepping into a role. The book starts with the idea of becoming someone else in front of an audience, whether on stage or on camera, and quickly introduces acting as both an art and a craft. Early pages show that preparation is central, with rehearsal, script study, and character exploration forming the foundation before any performance. Readers are guided through what actors do, from analyzing a script to building a character's inner life and physical presence. It also explores the tools actors rely on, including voice, movement, observation, and imagination. Later sections highlight the appealing aspects of acting, such as connecting with audiences, as well as the realities of auditions and uncertainty.
Linda Soules's writing is direct, balancing explanation and imagery, often pairing concise descriptions with scenes of actors in rehearsal, performance, or preparation. This approach keeps the material engaging while still informative, making it well-suited for younger readers. The pacing allows each concept to build on the last, so that by the end, the reader has a strong sense of how the different elements of acting connect. The narrative moves logically from inspiration to practice, then to real-world considerations. The illustrations clearly illustrate each step. Children who enjoy the creative arts, performance, or storytelling will find So You Want To Be An Actor a resource for learning how the process works from the inside. Soules also provides a glossary, fun facts, and recommended reading for those interested in further exploring a career in acting."
Linda Soules’s So You Want to Be an Actor is the kind of nonfiction guide that can spark a real interest in theater. Written for ages 10 to 12, it treats kids with respect and gives parents a practical, positive way to talk about confidence, practice, and big feelings.
The book reads like a backstage tour mixed with a gentle training plan. It explains how actors work from a script, ask what a character wants, and build choices with voice and body. Kids also get a clear picture of where actors work, from theater to film sets, and who helps them, including directors, coaches, and scene partners. Practical pages stand out, like the sample day of rehearsal and memorization, the 'Yes, and' improv rule, and the little theater traditions, such as the ghost light. There is also a helpful 'want to learn more' section with next reads and simple ways to try acting skills right away.
Soules keeps the writing brisk and concrete, with short sections that feel easy to dip into. The glossary is genuinely helpful, and the examples make the craft feel real instead of mysterious. What lands best is the steady tone around nerves and rejection, which is honest but not discouraging, and often opens a good parent and child conversation.
If your child is curious about drama class, auditions, or simply speaking up in front of others, this book is worth recommending. It teaches acting basics, but it also reinforces empathy and resilience, which is the part that lasts."
"Linda Soules’s So You Want To Be An Actor is an engaging and practical nonfiction guide for young readers who are curious about acting as more than costumes, applause, and red-carpet dreams. Written for children around ages 10 to 14, the book takes readers behind the curtain and into the real work of performance. Soules explains that acting begins long before opening night, with memorized lines, script study, rehearsal, observation, and character exploration. The result is a clear, age-appropriate introduction to acting as both an art and a serious craft.
One of the book’s strengths is the way it breaks down what actors actually do. Readers learn how performers analyze scripts, ask what a character wants, use voice and movement, and build a believable inner life for someone else. Soules also introduces important acting ideas, including Stanislavski’s foundation and the realities behind American 'Method' acting, without making the material feel too difficult. The illustrations and staged moments help each concept come alive, showing actors in rehearsal, preparation, and performance. These visual details make the book especially accessible for children who are just beginning to explore drama, theater, or storytelling.
What makes So You Want To Be An Actor especially valuable is its honesty. Soules doesn’t present acting as an easy path to fame; instead, she shows the discipline, physical effort, emotional work, and resilience the profession requires. The book discusses auditions, rejection, long hours, uncertainty, and the need to keep practicing even when success doesn’t come quickly. At the same time, it remains encouraging. Young readers are shown that acting can build confidence, empathy, observation, imagination, and the courage to try something new, even when it feels awkward or difficult.
So You Want To Be An Actor is a thoughtful and useful book for children interested in drama class, school plays, auditions, or the performing arts in general. Soules writes in a direct, respectful style that treats young readers as capable of understanding the real demands of the profession. The glossary, fun facts, recommended reading, and practical tips add to its value as a resource. This is an excellent choice for aspiring performers, creative kids, or families looking for a grounded, inspiring way to talk about acting, practice, empathy, and perseverance."
"Acting teaches us most important skill, Empathy — putting yourself in another person's shoes... Empathy, observation, willingness to be awkward, and discipline are few things you learn when you become an actor."
"This book outlines realistic expectations along with inspirational stories and facts about the acting world. I liked the 'day in the life' schedule, and the helpful tips and advice for wannabe actors. A fun and interesting read for anyone interested in acting as a career."
"From a teacher's point of view, this book is more than just a guide to acting — it's a confidence-building tool. It invites students to step outside their comfort zones, explore their creativity, and find their voice in a supportive and inspiring way."
"This book really opens your eyes to what acting means. It is a must read for all who want to become actors, theater or film. It is honest and real."
"So You want to be an Actor is a excellent guide for children interested in the entertainment industry. This book provided a detailed explanation and history of acting and performing. It also had colorful illustrations that made the book easier to read. This is a great tool for any child interested in performance acting."
"These books are perfect for my pre-teen son. The author gives a much more well rounded view of careers than others I’ve seen. Specifically, I like that this gives the details of what an actor does. It breaks it down in an easy-to-read way and provided thought-provoking moments for my son to really understand what it takes to be an actor."
"Linda Soules knows a lot about acting, and tells all in this book."
"This book was incredibly written!...Very evoking and I enjoyed it!"
"The book about acting has great points and teaches the targeted age group quite well. I really like this quote: 'Empathy Deep Enough to Inhabit. This means not pretending but inhabiting someone else's experience - understanding a character's history, fears, and logic well enough to create not a representation but an actual presencе.' Because it really makes you feel something while also teaching you."
"This book is a guide for children and young adults that are interested in pursuing a career in performing arts. It certainly shows you the reality of a working actor. Being an actor myself I definitely appreciated the description of each type of actor and what it takes to become a character whether on screen or on stage."
"From a teacher's perspective, this is a thoughtful and engaging introduction to the world of performance that I would gladly place in a classroom or recommend to young aspiring actors... It demystifies the audition process, encouraging confidence and preparation — two qualities that are essential not just in acting, but in all areas of student growth."
"This is a great book for anyone interested in performing arts or just curious of what it takes to be an actor. It’s very detailed. I like the random facts in the book as well. My teenage son is in theatre/drama and he thought it was really good."
"I loved this book so much. Such a great addition to the series."
"The tone is encouraging without being unrealistic. Rather than glamorizing the profession, Soules presents acting as a craft that requires dedication, practice, and resilience."
"It celebrates the art of storytelling and the performers who bring characters to life. It helps students understand that acting is not just about memorizing lines, but about empathy, imagination, and connecting with an audience. This perspective fosters a deeper appreciation for literature, drama, and collaborative work, making it an excellent cross-curricular resource."
"I was looking for a book for my child who is pursuing her dream of becoming an actress. I wanted something that I could read with her and this one was perfect. It has great illustrations and very good explanation of what it takes to be an actor. In addition, it explains very well how what the work is like, the tools they need to use, not just the aspect of fame but the fun and joy of the work itself. Language is perfect for a child with short paragraphs but rich vocabulary. We read it in a few days as we both loved it so much."
"This book is great for kids that show interest in the world of acting and performing. It describes in depth how some actors start their career, while detailing their journey from poverty to fame. It also inspires kids to follow their own dreams, which I believe is a very valuable life lesson. I would definitely recommend this book."
"What a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to get into acting!...I think this could help newbie actors of all ages but definitely young teens who tend to only see the glamour and potential money but don't realize the work that goes into it. This would be a great book for them to read before getting into some hands on acting classes. Very impressed with what was shared in such a quick read."
"I enjoyed this book's in depth depiction of acting that was written in a way for kids, even someone as young as 5, could understand. The author gets right to the point, identifying the readers goal (to be an actor) and then giving you the tools you need to achieve that goal. It defines what acting is and how stage acting differs from film acting, and the drawings that go along with the message are, as usual, beautifully done and visually compelling. Most importantly, I enjoyed the message and intentionality that goes with acting. Embodying the emotions of others and making the viewers feel it. Acting can teach empathy, which is why I think this was such an important book to read to my own kids and have them think about. The author writes that actors naturally become better human beings because their work demands that they understand people. Even if one doesn't want to be a full time actor, this book is helpful for trying new things, speaking up, and expanding one's imaginative play. It's a good starting book for not only kids, but young adults too, who have an interest in acting and need help getting started."
"A beautifully illustrated book that enlightens you on what makes you an actor and how to build a career in it. This is not a detailed guide book that goes into the tips and techniques of becoming a better actor, but rather it gives you an overview of everything that acting entails. Anyone who has an interest in acting but doesn't know much about it, this one will be helpful in teaching them the basics. I really liked the simplicity of this book. The way it explains different aspects of acting with accompanying illustrations and small subheadings. It makes the reading experience engaging and you finish the book before you realize. It’s a great beginner level book. It’s comprehensible, captivating, and feels like a story book rather than a boring nonfiction. I would totally recommend it."
"I really enjoyed So You Want to Be an Actor by Linda Soules. My daughter has recently expressed an interest in acting, so this book was a great fit for our family. I appreciated that it presents a balanced view of the profession by discussing both the positives and the challenges of pursuing a career in acting.
The book offers plenty of practical advice and does an excellent job of breaking down the skills and dedication involved in the craft. I especially liked that it provides clear steps for children to start practicing and learning about acting in age-appropriate ways. The information is easy to understand, encouraging, and realistic without being discouraging.
I would recommend this book to any young reader who is curious about acting and wants to learn more about what it takes to develop their talent and pursue their interest."
"So You Want To Be An Actor is a fantastic, all-inclusive manual that acts as a supportive pathway for young talent excited to explore the challenges of the acting world. Using straightforward, easy-to-understand language and useful tips on a variety of topics including how to behave at auditions and how to create a character, it makes the art of acting easier to understand while boosting the self-assurance of new artists. This book is a vital, uplifting tool for any kid who dreams of performing on stage or in movies."
"As an adult who does local theatre I throughly enjoyed this read. I wish that I would have read something like this when I was young. It was full of great information! Honestly I even learned some things myself. It was well written not for only kids but for anyone that is considering acting. Whether it be for a school play, local theatre or even if you just want to learn something new. Great read, great info and also loved the illustrations!"
"I absolutely love this series having read a good number of them, and this book is no different! As a teacher, I know the number of students that dream of being an actor or actress. Like the other books, "So You Want to be an Actor" goes through what actors actually do, where they work, the tools they use, and both the best, hardest, and most surprising parts of being an actor. I love how easy these books are to read and how they include both text and illustrations. This is a very thorough book and one I would not hesitate to include in my own classroom library."