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7 gift ideas for actors

If like me many of your friends, family or acquaintances are involved in the acting profession, you may wish to support them by buying them a birthday , Christmas or some other kind of occasional gift that relates to their passion for acting. But you may be stuck for ideas when it comes to selecting a gift.  So here’s 7 top gift ideas for actors:

One: New Headshots

They’re not cheap, but actors always need up to date headshots.  These are the (often) black and white photos that they send for castings and often appear in the theatre programmes.  If you want to do something special for your actor-friend, love or family member, then new Headshot are THE gift.

Two: Subscriptions

There are lots of subscriptions that would be useful for the British actor and I’m sure you can find the equivalent in your own country.  They are often necessary but costly and it would really help them out if you would get them a subscription to  Casting Call Pro, PCR, Spotlight or their equivalents in your own country.

Three: Theatre Tickets

The theatre is expensive, and most actors don’t go often enough.  Why not get the actor in your life tickets to see their favourite actor on stage in something coming to you soon.  If you don’t want to be that specific, you can often get vouchers for tickets instead.

Four: Private 1 to 1 Actor Coaching

Well, of course I’m going to say that this one is good! But wherever you’re based, you could get the actor in your life some 1 to 1 time with an Acting Coach or Teacher.  Most big cities across the globe have a range of decent teachers, check them out online and see what people say about them.  Expect to pay anywhere between £25-£75 per hour for a good acting teacher.

Five: Books or Book Vouchers

An actor will always appreciate the chance to buy some good plays or other great theatre books.  The National Theatre bookshop is one of my favourite places to get new books on acting, although of course, places like Amazon also sell plenty.  In Scotland, I go to the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, they sell new Scottish plays and they can make a great gift, because no one else will think of them!  New plays are safer as a gift too because it’s less likely that the actor will already own them.   If you’re stuck for ideas for good books on acting, check out my Amazon AStore UK or in the US. Those are the books that I believe ALL actors should own.

Six: Private 1 to 1 Singing Lessons

Add another string to your actor’s bow by helping them to get a trained singing voice.  There are often lots of singing teachers clustered around big cities, if you can, choose a teacher who was once a professional performer, rather than a school music teacher who also moonlights privately.

Seven: Audio Books/Audible Membership…

Audio Books are a great way for actors to enjoy plays and novels and other books whilst they are exercising or walking to castings or waiting in the audition queue.  I’m really fond of Audible, but Audio books can be purchased via other websites and Audio CDs can be bought in most good bookshops.

To You, The Best!

Mark Westbrook
Senior Acting Coach
ACTING COACH SCOTLAND


Like What You Read? Want to Read More? Mark's eBook is available here
Looking for Acting Classes in Glasgow? Mark Westbrook is a Professional Acting Coach and runs Acting Coach Scotland, a private acting studio offering acting classes in Glasgow, masterclasses, workshops and audition coaching for actors at all levels. His acting studio is based in Glasgow, Scotland, although he teaches all across the United Kingdom. All Blog Posts © Mark Westbrook 2011

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