Rozanne Gates
How to Succeed in the Business of Show Business: or Everything They Don't Tell You in Acting School
but I Will is written for actors at all levels who want to understand what is expected of them from the
agent's point of view. Although many titles are currently available on the subject of acting as a business,
this is the only book written from the agent's point of view. A surgical procedure as described from the
patient's point of view or from he surgeon's point of view will give you two different points of view –
this book gives the "surgeon's" point of view.
The actor who is prepared to understand how the business of show business works, how the casting
community functions, and how to integrate the craft of acting with the business of acting will in all
likelihood be a successful and money-making actor, therefore attractive to all agents. It is a "good read"
with lots of true stories. It gives you not only very valid and validating information but it sets out a
lifestyle that, if followed, will lead you to a rewarding career as an actor.
Rozanne Gates has been a New York-based actor's agent for 20+ years. At The Michael Thomas Agency,
she started the career of Edward Norton who said, "I have enormous affection and respect for them.
Rozanne and Michael are what every actor needs. They put in the time. They hunt out young promising
people. I owe them an enormous debt of gratitude."
In addition to Edward Norton, Rozanne started the careers of Lynne Thigpen (Tony Award winner for
"An American Daughter", "Carmen Sandiego", "The District"), Bronson Pinchot, W.H. Macy, Joe
Mantegna, Howard Rollins (Academy Award nominee for "Ragtime"), John McDonough ("Captain
Kangaroo"), and Chris Noth ("Law and Order").
To the actor reading this book, she commends you for acknowledging how important it is to understand
the "business of show business".
"Rozanne, your book is wonderful! A must read for the novice and jaded alike. A good reminder for me
about why I do this. Thank you."
Christopher Burns, Actor
"I wish I had had this book when I graduated from school."
Larry Silverberg, Master Acting Teacher
"I want to thank ...and particularly Rozanne Gates, my agent and friend for 18 years, for always making
me feel like a star."
Lynne Thigpen, upon winning her first Tony Award
"Rozanne has more energy and resources than three people. I loved her immediately the day I met her,
and I trust her implicitly with my life."
John McDonough, Captain Kangaroo.
Rozanne currently resides in Westport, Connecticut. with her life partner, Suzanne Sheridan and shares her
happiest moments with all her friends and their children. She is special friends with her neighbor's dog,
Suni Grossman.
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME TO REALITY
The information in this book is intended to help you attain your goal of becoming a successful actor. If I
can also help you to maintain a realistic approach to your career, then I will feel very gratified.
For over twenty years I have lived the pages of this book. After graduating from a terrific high school in
Houston, Texas (where I was blessed by the inspired and gifted drama coach, Mr. Cecil Pickett) I went on
to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Acting from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. There I
was blessed with the gifts of Dr. Burnet Hobgood and Jack Clay, two of the finest theatre professors in
this or any other country. After graduation I lived in New York City for over three years and since my
professional acting career was non-existent, I left New York to work at the Alley Theatre in Houston. For
four years I worked there as a production assistant/assistant stage manager before moving on to Chicago
where I had my first job as an agent at the Shirley Hamilton Agency. From there I moved on to the
Michael Thomas Agency in New York where I worked as an agent for six years, then spent six years in
Amsterdam, Holland and returned to Michael's office in 1989 to continue my work as an agent.
Everyday I find it more and more exhilarating to be involved in the making of a new career. Finding new
young actors is what I enjoy doing most and developing successful careers is my specialty. I work very
closely with my clients to bring them into alignment with their fullest potential. Discipline is an absolute
necessity - laziness does not breed success. Except for your family relationships, the agent/actor
relationship is probably the most intense and closest relationship you will experience. I have found that
being an agent requires skills for which I do not have degrees but nevertheless need to possess: lawyer,
psychologist, accountant, travel adviser, geography specialist, family counselor, fashion designer, acting
coach, and all-around guru. I wouldn't want to do anything else. I already do it all.
If you find yourself sitting across from me at my desk, telling me how much you want to be an actor, my
first question will be "Do you have any idea what you are asking for?" I know how strong your dream is.
I know how real the fantasy can be. I know when you see those actors run to the podium preparing to
make their Oscar or Tony or Emmy acceptance speech that, in your own mind, you are right there
accepting your own award. I was glued to the TV the year that one of my clients was nominated for a
Tony Award and when her name was announced as "the winner", I screamed so loud that I know
everyone in normally sedate Westport, CT. (where I live) heard me. I hugged the TV so hard I'm
surprised it didn't break. Believe me, agents live the dream with you.
I am going to try to teach you as much as I can about being a good "business actor" so that you can fully
experience your dream. I want to familiarize you with the process. The questions inside every actor are
"How do I go about accomplishing the end result that I want?" and "How do I make a good living as an
actor?" It is my intention in this book to address these questions and to help you with the answers.
To assist and advise you on how to establish and structure your career as an actor, I thought it would be a
good idea to put in print what I put in words every day. And since it is physically impossible to reach all
of you personally (although I would like to have the chance), I figured my best chance to reach you is to
write a book. So here it is and I hope you find it useful.
