The Work of an Actor sets a new industry standard that provides reference tools like no other. As a result, it delivers a wealth of clear, detailed instructions and inspiration for giving unforgettably captivating performances for actors of all levels. With more than twenty years of experience in acting, coaching, and directing, Michael Woolson not only shares the essential foundation and mechanics of acting in a clear and concise manner but he also demystifies sitcom technique, playing a killer, creating authentic fear, making sense of bad direction, how to audition effectively, and building layered character work. Plus, he introduces the most extensive chapter ever written on how to give believable drug-induced performances without drugs as well as the first-ever list of great dialects in films to use as research.