So You Want to Be an Actor

Linda Soules’s So You Want to Be an Actor is the kind of nonfiction guide that can spark a real interest in theater. Written for ages 10 to 12, it treats kids with respect and gives parents a practical, positive way to talk about confidence, practice, and big feelings.

The book reads like a backstage tour mixed with a gentle training plan. It explains how actors work from a script, ask what a character wants, and build choices with voice and body. Kids also get a clear picture of where actors work, from theater to film sets, and who helps them, including directors, coaches, and scene partners. Practical pages stand out, like the sample day of rehearsal and memorization, the “Yes, and” improv rule, and the little theater traditions, such as the ghost light. There is also a helpful “want to learn more” section with next reads and simple ways to try acting skills right away.

Soules keeps the writing brisk and concrete, with short sections that feel easy to dip into. The glossary is genuinely helpful, and the examples make the craft feel real instead of mysterious. What lands best is the steady tone around nerves and rejection, which is honest but not discouraging, and often opens a good parent and child conversation.

If your child is curious about drama class, auditions, or simply speaking up in front of others, this book is worth recommending. It teaches acting basics, but it also reinforces empathy and resilience, which is the part that lasts.