CURTAIN UP

• Why I Wrote This Book
• Who Is My Audience?
• A Book With a Challenge (a.k.a. This Book is Not Politically Correct)
• Yay, Free Will!
• A Broken But Willing Guide

ACT I: EXPOSITION + INCITING INCIDENTS

1. My Story: An Impractical Dream

• A Heart for Actors
• The Big Apple
• The Oscars
• The Actor’s Life, NYC Style
• Community Theatre | Tulsa
• A Second Shot at Grad School
• Grad School | Tuscaloosa

2. The Heart of a Pioneer

• Now . . . What?
• Not Alone in My Confusion
• Bridge Keeper and Light-Runner

ACT II: OBSTACLES

• Introduction to This Section
• Where Dreams Meet the Road: The Challenge Placed Before Us
• We Do Not Journey Unopposed

3. Your Truth or Mine?

• Living as Exiles
• The Battle Lines are Drawn
• Art Imitating Life
• Life Imitating Art
• What About the Actors?
• Love the Audience

4. Remember: Pretend Is Not Real.

• Inside the Heart of a Romantic
• Trying to “Make It”
• Trying to “Make It” While Jesus-Following
• On Fame and “Success”
• Those Who Have “Made It,” or Celebrities are People, Too
• Envy: Scarcity Mindset
• Identity and Self-Justification

5. Where Do I Stop and My Character Begins?

• What Are We Asking of Actors?
• Side Note: On Line Memorization

6. Romances & Showmances

• Researching the Issue
• Playing the Part: Inside the Head of an Actor
• What is Going On?
• Lessons From the Past (a.k.a. These Are Not New Issues)
• Holding the Mirror Up to . . . Itself
• How Our Personality Traits Might Affect This Discussion
• My Perspective on the Matter
• Higher Guidance
• He Completes Me

7. Sexual Misconduct: Actors as Sex Objects

• Trying to Be Marilyn

8. Acting + Family = Impossible?

• About Spiritual Warfare and Family
• The Unexpected Dignity of Parenthood

ACT III: IN SEARCH OF A SUPEROBJECTIVE

• Trying to Craft a Plan

9. Guiding Principles: First Things First

• God Plays Lead
• God Loves You
• Follow the One Who Loves You
• See the Bible for What It Is
• Have Your Mind Renewed
• Be Part of a Local Church
• In Summary . . .

10. What Does This Christian/Actor Thing Look Like?

• Knowing Our Mission
• Lessons From a Christian Businessman
• Lessons From a Professional Christian Theatre Company
• Creating a Mission Statement for Christians Who Act
• Why the Work of an Artist Matters
• But What Will This Cost Me?

11. To the Actors: A Dream for Acting as It Could Be

• Point #1: Take the Craft Seriously
• Point #2: Prepare for Battle

• -Only Be a Hypocrite on Stage
  
• -Follow the Holy Spirit, Not Your Impulses
  
• -Put on the Armor
  
• -Choose Influences Wisely
  
• -Beware Instant Intimacy
  
• -Be Choosy
  
• -Sacred Entertainers
  
• -Loneliness
  

• Point #3: Treat Yourself Like You Would a Dear Friend

• -Establish Clear Boundaries
• -Cool-Downs are As Important as Warm-Ups

12. To Playwrights and Screenwriters: Actors Seeking Good Stories

13. To Directors and Acting Teachers: Shepherd Your Actors

14. To Arts Leaders: Structuring a God-Led Arts Organization

15. What Actors Can Teach the Church

• We “Get” Other People
• When You Cry, We Cry
• We Can Super-Control Our Emotions
• We Can Take Off the Mask

AND . . . ACTION!

• Instruments of Peace

Next Chapter: Playing the Part: Inside the Head of an Actor