The Reading List Every Serious Actor Needs

The Books That Changed How I Show Up as an Actor

Actors ask me all the time which books I recommend for building confidence, deepening craft, and staying grounded in an industry that doesn't always make that easy.

These aren’t just popular titles—I’ve tested them in the trenches. From classrooms to callbacks to coaching sessions to sitting in my trailer on-set, these are the books I always come back to and always recommend to the actors I work with — not just for technique, but for clarity, confidence, and longevity.

Whether you're just starting out or deep in your career, these recommendations have helped me (and many of my clients) show up with more intention and less burnout.

If you're feeling stuck, self-doubting, or like you're working hard but not booking—it’s not about working more. It’s about working smarter. These books are a great place to begin that shift.

Some are about craft. Some are about mindset, the inner game that no one teaches in acting class. Some are about screenwriting and structure because all actors need to understand that piece to truly excel.

And some? Are just here to remind you that you're not alone.

There's a big difference between collecting tips—and practicing tools that stick. These books helped me start building real confidence where it counts—on the inside, where no one else can do the work for you.

If one of them speaks to you, grab it and let it support you.

All book titles below link to my fully curated Amazon book list, so you can explore or grab the ones that resonate.

Acting Books That Build Your Foundation

Let's start with the essentials—the books that teach you how to work. Some of my favs:

Uta Hagen's Respect for Acting is non-negotiable. It's clear, it's practical, and it treats acting like the serious craft it is. If you want to understand what it means to work truthfully under imaginary circumstances, start here.

Michael Shurtleff's Audition An oldie but goodie that remains the gold standard for audition technique. It breaks down the 12 guideposts that help you make bold, specific choices in auditions—and it's still as relevant today as it was decades ago.

And if you've ever struggled to name what you're feeling in a scene, grab Marina Caldarone's Actions: The Actors' Thesaurus. It's a game-changer for getting specific and deepening your work beyond surface emotions.

The Actors Secret Weapon: Understanding Screenwriting

Here's something I wish I'd learned earlier: actors who understand screenwriting structure make better and stronger choices.

When I started studying Blake Snyder's Save the Cat! series, it completely changed how I looked at scripts. Suddenly, I could see why certain scenes existed, where my character fit in the larger story engine, and what the writer was trying to accomplish. That awareness influences every choice I make now—from auditions to set.

You don't need to write a screenplay. But understanding beat sheets, character arcs, and story structure? That's insider knowledge that shows up in your work, whether you realize it or not.

Master Your Mindset: The Inner Work That Keeps You Booking

Technique gets you in the door. Mindset keeps you in the game, but it’s the muscle actors often forget to train. You wouldn’t walk on set without warming up your voice or body. Why show up without training your thoughts?

Jen Sincero's You Are a Badass is funny, irreverent, and a much-needed kick in the pants when you're doubting yourself. It's about owning who you are and showing up unapologetically—which is exactly what casting directors want to see.

Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic is for anyone who's ever been afraid to create. She writes about fear, creativity, and permission in a way that feels like a conversation with a wise friend. If you've been holding back in your work (or your career), this book will help you let go.

James Clear's Atomic Habits taught me that small, consistent actions compound into massive change. Want to get better at cold reading? Self-taping? Staying consistent with your marketing? This book shows you how to build systems that actually stick.

And if you're ready to dive into the woo-woo (in the best way), Lynn Grabhorn's Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting is about the energy you bring to your career and your life. It's not just about positive thinking—it's about taking responsibility for what you're creating.

Actor Biographies to Inspire, Ground, and Guide You

One of the smartest things you can do as an actor? Read the stories of people who've walked this path before you.

Actor biographies aren't just inspirational—they're strategic. You get to see how they navigated rejection, built their careers, handled success, and stayed sane. You learn what worked, what didn't, and what might work for you.

Bryan Cranston's A Life in Parts shows you what it looks like to build a career brick by brick, role by role, without shortcuts.

Viola Davis's Finding Me is raw, powerful, and a masterclass in resilience and truth-telling.

Anna Kendrick's Scrappy Little Nobody is hilarious and honest about what it's really like to grow up in this business.

Jenna Fischer's The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide is exactly what it says—a practical, encouraging roadmap for the everyday realities of being a working actor.

Matthew McConaughey's Greenlights is about saying yes to life, taking risks, and trusting your own path. It's also just a great read.

Keke Palmer's Master of Me is a reminder that you get to control your narrative—not the industry, not the noise, not the opinions. You.

These stories remind us that we're not alone. That everyone struggles. That longevity is possible. And that your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

Coffee in One Hand, Confidence in the Other

☕️📚☕️ Now it’s your turn - choose the book that speaks to you most, pour a fresh cup, and take just one idea into your next scene, audition, or creative reset. 

This is just the beginning. I've got a full reading list with even more recommendations—click here to see the complete list on Amazon.

And here's the thing: reading is great. But applying what you read? That's where the magic happens.

If you check out any of the books, let me know how it lands. I love hearing which books hit at the right time.

Now go build that confidence from the inside out. 🎭📖🎭

DISCLOSURE NOTE: The links in this post are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. I only ever recommend what I genuinely love and use.