Top Three Holiday Gifts for Actors

The holiday's are coming, and one of the most stressful things about it is trying to find gifts that are perfect for the receiver. I have always been baffled when trying to buy gifts for some of my friends, family, or co-workers because there are so many options. I wished that I have a list of things that I can buy a certain type of individual. Upon thinking this I thought that wasn't a terrible idea, thus, I have made a list of the top three gifts for certain people. This article is all about the fame-seeking, drama-filled person known as - THE ACTOR.

The first gift that you can give an actor - and they will love you for it - is a role in a major motion picture, however, seeing that most of us aren't going to be able to pull that off, here is another idea. What do most actors need? TRAINING! However, getting quality training can be quite expensive, and for most actors, money is VERY tight. So how can an actor receive great training, but without having to spend money on classes and gas to get there? The answer is very simple, and that is - books. An individual who is serious enough to call themselves an actor can benefit from training books immensely. But which book is best? Well, there is no way to say that there is ONE definitive book to create an amazing actor, however, there is one that has helped thousands of individuals with their confidence and auditioning skills. And that book is "How To Get The Park Without Falling Apart" by Margie Haber. This book is utterly amazing, and it is FILLED with tips and information that is vital for every actor to deepen his/her talents. But first off, who is Margie Haber? Well, she is the private acting coach to some of today's largest stars: Heather Locklear, Kelly Preston, Halle Berry, Vince Vaughn, and Pierce Brosnan, just to name a few. Within this book actors will learn the process of sight reading, character development, as well as literally hundreds of tips to create a believable scene both in the audition room and on set. This book is absolutely INCREDIBLE, and if you are shopping for an actor, should be the number one choice on your list.

The second gift idea is something new that most people aren't aware even exists. It's actual software to help organize the actor - it is made strictly for actors, and the software is called, "ActorTrack." This software literally tracks your career, no matter what stage it is in. One of the greatest basic features this software offers its users is that of having it being compatible with Palm OS 3, Palm OS 4, and Palm OS 5 - making it very easy to upload all of your information into your PDA. This software helps actors organize your auditions, callbacks, bookings, expenses, income, as well as industry contacts. It even provides you with a in-depth breakdown of all your stats, booking rate, etc. This is definitely a gift for an actor that likes to be on-top of his or her game, any actor would love this software! And for a price tag right around $100.00 it is a gift that will keep on giving, without an extremely heft price!

And the last gift that will "wow" any actor is the Holdon Log Book. This actual log book is made by the same manufacturer who provides the "ActorTrack" Software, however, this time, it's an actual book you can carry around with you. This log book specializes in streamlining all of an actors information. Within the book there is a Contact Page, which has spaces for your own contact information, as well as that of your representation and Guild numbers. There is also a Size Card Reference where the actor can put his or her size references - which is an AMAZING feature - as well as your Union Numbers. The Holdon Log Audition Form can track up to 100 Auditions/Callbacks, record all of the audition details, including expenses and mileage, as well as helping you log your submission sources and materials, as well as an option to help you schedule follow-ups. There is a Booked Project Section, which is exactly what it sounds like, it tracks all of your booked projects and helps you understand what works for you. And there is a Storage Pocket, which has enough room for your 8x10 Headshots and resumes, as well as a place to store you audition sides. With the Holdon Log Book, there is no reason why you won't be fully organized and prepared for all of your auditions and bookings! And the best thing about this book is its price, it is only $25.00 per log book!!

References for Gifts:

"How to Get The Part Without Falling Apart"
http://www.amazon.com

ActorTrack Software
http://www.holdonlog.com

Actors' Holdon Log
http://www.holdonlog.com