THE AUTHENTIC ACTOR - the ART and BUSINESS of BEING YOURSELF is the culmination of over forty years in the profession, and thousands of hours of classroom work and private coaching. Today’s “Authentic Actor” is someone who has successfully merged their highly developed talent with their fully examined identity.
My philosophy: In the world of film and television, the actor’s innate identity and essence can often be the determining factor of success – often trumping skill and talent. It’s not right or wrong….it just is. “THE AUTHENTIC ACTOR” illuminates for today’s actors the skills, strategies, and mental approach to navigating the intersection of art and commerce. Being talented is not enough. Talent is just the “price of admission” in a marketplace where, at the professional level, nearly everyone is talented. Defining, refining, and understanding your indelibility as an actor, your “blink-of-an-eye” factor is key. Marrying that with highly developed traditional skills is the portal to success and artistry. |
what they are saying...
“Laskin’s book is much more than a treatise on what lies beneath this acting thing. It is a ‘must read’ for any artist in pursuit of that one truth that will pull them through anything with which they may be confronted on their journey toward true success”.
– David Stratheirn |
“Laskin singularly defines himself as a master artist and master teacher. He presents real gold, real vitality, and an appreciation and passion for the art form that is sublime and utterly contagious. This belongs to a tiny handful of books that should be indispensible to actors both old and new”
– Ron Perlman |
“Michael’s book speaks to the working actor, the aspiring student, and anyone interested in the techniques and common-sense approaches to our craft. He brings accurate insights and sharp observation to the work that are often lacking elsewhere. His knowledge and expertise are balanced with a quick wit and an appreciation of the vagaries of our industry"
– Alfred Molina |
“Michael is a shining light, a steady positive example, a genius; this book is a true gift. The Authentic Actor presents the knowledge and acumen of a hugely talented actor and a true teacher who has been in the rooms, felt the victories, and weathered the no-thank-you’s. Michael’s words compass, instruct, probe, and unerringly point us home, especially when we forget where true north really is. He firmly leads us to artistry, and ultimately to ourselves,”
- Jeffrey Tambor |
“Laskin’s lucid, unpretentious prose lifts the veil of a hitherto ephemeral and mysterious craft, thereby connecting with the actor and ‘civilian’ alike. He presents his clear insights with something like joy. If this small jewel of a book doesn’t help you become a better actor, it will at least help you become a better person.”
- Hector Elizondo |
“Offers the tools to walk into a room with confidence in who you are and what you uniquely bring to each role, seamlessly merging character and self to bring authenticity and heart to the material. It changed the way I broke down my auditions. Since Michael’s coaching, I’ve been working consistently…long awaited”!
- Camilla Luddington |
“This book is fuel for the Long Haul of an acting career. Laskin examines business, craft, and commitment in a direct and extremely useful manner. Musicians, athletes, and politicians (really) can find a lot of think about here as well”.
John Sayles
– writer/director Lone Star, Eight Men Out, Matewan
“Passionate and smart. Michael works with several of our clients, and simply put: I trust Michael Laskin”.
Marsha McManus
– Principal Entertainment, manager: Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, Jim Parsons, Constance Wu, Jim Parsons, Andy Serkis
“We are crazy to do what we do. We kind of have to be. But our crazy can produce more self-doubt and insecurity than actual work! That’s why I call Laskin ‘The Captain’. Michael’s voice is the one you want to hear in your head. Calm, kind, with the sort of rooted confidence that soaks in and becomes your own. The Authentic Actor gives you all that and more. ‘The Captain’ steers your crazy to a place where it can really work for you”.
Storm Large
– actor, playwright, musician (Pink Martini), author (Crazy Enough), television personality (Rock Star: Supernova)
“A hugely valuable guide for anyone in the craft and commerce of the acting profession, primarily because the author himself is authentic. Laskin has been there and done it many times over, so his down-to-earth insights into what the life (and a lifetime) of being an actor entail contain the truth and wisdom that money can’t buy”.
Jim Piddock
– actor, “Best in Show”, “Independence Day”; writer/producer, “Family Tree” (HBO), “Too Much Sin”
“A clever and insightful gift to student and professional alike. In it, with his years of work ad experience as both actor and teacher, Michael probes deeply into the truth and mystery of the craft, truly showing how art can be created through hard work, faith, and – above all – honesty”.
Charlie Haid
- actor Hill Street Blues, Altered States; DGA Award-winning director, ER, NYPD Blue, Breaking Bad, Nip/Tuck
“An essential read for actors and other creative professionals. From the business side to the creative, Laskin’s wisdom is based around discovering the most powerful tool you have: being yourself. The Authentic Actor is not another ‘how to act’ book, but rather one about how to ensure your own unique talents are not held back. East to read; fresh and perfect for the 21st century”.
Erin Corrado, OneMovieOurViews.com
“Bypasses the BS and strips away the superfluous…focused, original, and real. An experienced and respected professional actor offers examples from his own career, communicating his ideas with clarity and assurance. Filled with wisdom won by years of hard work and dedication, The Authentic Actor goes to the top of my list of books I happily recommend”.
Tommy G Kendrick
- SAG-AFTRA actor; producer, Actors Talk podcast
“A no-BS approach to acting. Laskin is blunt and truthful; he sugarcoats nothing and preaches no magic method to becoming a better actor. What he does teach you is a mindset that will guide you to becoming the best performer you can be. Overflowing with straightforward advice, practical tips, and simple exercises, The Authentic Actor is as important and valuable to an actor as a hammer is to a carpenter”.
Forris Day, Jr.
- actor; writer/reviewer Scared Stiff Reviews, ScriptMag.com; podcast host, Coffee Shop Conversations
John Sayles
– writer/director Lone Star, Eight Men Out, Matewan
“Passionate and smart. Michael works with several of our clients, and simply put: I trust Michael Laskin”.
Marsha McManus
– Principal Entertainment, manager: Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, Jim Parsons, Constance Wu, Jim Parsons, Andy Serkis
“We are crazy to do what we do. We kind of have to be. But our crazy can produce more self-doubt and insecurity than actual work! That’s why I call Laskin ‘The Captain’. Michael’s voice is the one you want to hear in your head. Calm, kind, with the sort of rooted confidence that soaks in and becomes your own. The Authentic Actor gives you all that and more. ‘The Captain’ steers your crazy to a place where it can really work for you”.
Storm Large
– actor, playwright, musician (Pink Martini), author (Crazy Enough), television personality (Rock Star: Supernova)
“A hugely valuable guide for anyone in the craft and commerce of the acting profession, primarily because the author himself is authentic. Laskin has been there and done it many times over, so his down-to-earth insights into what the life (and a lifetime) of being an actor entail contain the truth and wisdom that money can’t buy”.
Jim Piddock
– actor, “Best in Show”, “Independence Day”; writer/producer, “Family Tree” (HBO), “Too Much Sin”
“A clever and insightful gift to student and professional alike. In it, with his years of work ad experience as both actor and teacher, Michael probes deeply into the truth and mystery of the craft, truly showing how art can be created through hard work, faith, and – above all – honesty”.
Charlie Haid
- actor Hill Street Blues, Altered States; DGA Award-winning director, ER, NYPD Blue, Breaking Bad, Nip/Tuck
“An essential read for actors and other creative professionals. From the business side to the creative, Laskin’s wisdom is based around discovering the most powerful tool you have: being yourself. The Authentic Actor is not another ‘how to act’ book, but rather one about how to ensure your own unique talents are not held back. East to read; fresh and perfect for the 21st century”.
Erin Corrado, OneMovieOurViews.com
“Bypasses the BS and strips away the superfluous…focused, original, and real. An experienced and respected professional actor offers examples from his own career, communicating his ideas with clarity and assurance. Filled with wisdom won by years of hard work and dedication, The Authentic Actor goes to the top of my list of books I happily recommend”.
Tommy G Kendrick
- SAG-AFTRA actor; producer, Actors Talk podcast
“A no-BS approach to acting. Laskin is blunt and truthful; he sugarcoats nothing and preaches no magic method to becoming a better actor. What he does teach you is a mindset that will guide you to becoming the best performer you can be. Overflowing with straightforward advice, practical tips, and simple exercises, The Authentic Actor is as important and valuable to an actor as a hammer is to a carpenter”.
Forris Day, Jr.
- actor; writer/reviewer Scared Stiff Reviews, ScriptMag.com; podcast host, Coffee Shop Conversations