Skip to content
Scan a barcode
Scan
Paperback Letters from Backstage: The Adventures of a Touring Stage Actor Book

ISBN: 1581154410

ISBN13: 9781581154412

Letters from Backstage: The Adventures of a Touring Stage Actor

Select Format

Select Condition ThriftBooks Help Icon

Recommended

Format: Paperback

Condition: Good

$5.09
Save $14.86!
List Price $19.95
Almost Gone, Only 1 Left!

Book Overview

- Part backstage tour, part travelogue, part social commentary, all funny and insightful - Adventures in more than 20 US cities, large and small - Anecdotes about celebrities, including Mel Brooks, Susan Stroman, Jason Alexander, and Martin Short Ever wonder what it's like to be a real working actor? Wonder no more Michael Kostroff is here to reveal, in hilarious detail, just what it's like to travel with the road companies of The Producers and Les Miserables. His firsthand account of the exciting, funny, and sometimes bizarre highlights of his journey includes working at a temp job when his agent calls to say, "You got the part "; singing on a revolving stage while lugging a dead body; seeing ghosts in haunted theaters; and much more. Along the way, anecdotes about nailing an audition, keeping a performance fresh, and getting along with fellow cast members give useful tips for working actors. Anyone who wants to know what a life in the theater is really like needs this intimate and unforgettable narrative. Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Customer Reviews

5 ratings

You Don't Have To Be an Actor To Love This Book!

This book is funny, funny, funny-- and has tremendous heart to boot. Kostroff relates scores of hilarious behind-the-scenes experiences (e.g., having a dresser who actually impedes the dressing process); pet peeves ( e.g., people who desecrate the English language); and vulnerable moments ( e.g., the some time loneliness of life on the road). What's more, Kostroff is such a fine, observant writer and humorist, that he is able to convey his thoughts with an emotional precision that compels the reader to nod in recognition. Kostroff's ascerbic wit and self-deprecating humor are matched by his generosity in letting us into his world--this world he spent so much of his life working to enter. This book is for everyone who wants to laugh, be moved or just reminded that working toward a dream can really pay off-- and sometimes in ways different from what one expects.

READ THIS BOOK!!

"Letters from Backstage" has been one of the most pleasurable reading experiences I've had in awhile. Michael Kostroff begins with his audition for the first national tour of "The Producers" and then takes us through rehearsals and on the road with him. After a year with that show, he joins the national tour of "Les Miserables". So often I've been in the audience of shows like these and wondered what it was like to be part of one...what was going on back there that we didn't see...what life was like, performing in city after city. Now I know! "Letters from Backstage" told me all about it. Michael Kostroff captured my attention and sympathy in the prologue, with his pep talk to himself before the audition. Just that quickly, I was rooting for him, and I was thrilled with him when he made Mel Brooks laugh. And it just got better with each page. The writing is genuine and skillful and confident and humorous; the tales are fascinating. I just wish it had been twice as long!

A "Gypsy" after my own heart!

Mr. Kostroffs book is a wonderful read for true theatre junkies and anyone else who wants behind the scenes tidbits. I am a true road dog myself and have been on several national tours and Michaels book is an accurate and entertaining account of life on a broadway tour. I strongly encourage you to buy it for yourself and a friend. I devoured it in two nights. Its the type of book you just cant leave alone.

Engaging Must Read For All

While on tour with THE PRODUCERS, I was fortunate to have Michael visit our high school to speak with students about his career. It is a rare sight in any school environment to see a room filled with people of all ages hanging on a speaker's every word, but such was the case with Michael. He has a gift of relating sincerely to people and an ability to convey meaningful messages. His work-ethic, positive attitude, wise advice, kind nature and sense of humor inspired everyone that day. Turns out, he is as engaging in writing as he is in person. The treasured moments from his school visit have been successfully captured in LETTERS FROM BACKSTAGE. Michael's experiences and insightfulness serve as more than lessons in the theatre world, they are life lessons. If only they all could be delivered in such an entertaining and informative fashion! This is a must read book for people of all ages and interests.

What a wonderful book!

This book is a delight. The author started writing emails to his friends when he was on the road touring with musical theatre shows. His friends like the emails so much that he turned them into a book, and it is a great read. You will learn so much about what goes on backstage of a show! Fun stories about mishaps and near mishaps, the various eccentricities of the actors, directors etc. A real education on what actors go through to get a part,all the work that goes in to putting on a show - wow. The author writes so well that you really feel as if you were there - excellent descriptions and dialogue. I really enjoyed this book and am recommending it to everyone I know. Adults and teens , men and women will enjoy reading this.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
GoDaddy Verified and Secured