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
8. Acting + Family = Impossible?
- About Spiritual Warfare and Family
- The Unexpected Dignity of Parenthood
ACT III: IN SEARCH OF A SUPEROBJECTIVE
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!