Persley and Ndounou—accomplished educators, performers, and directors who cofounded CreateEnsemble, a social media platform for artists of color—have written an acting guide specifically for people of the “global majority” (the more than 80 percent of the world’s population that is nonwhite). Focusing on stage audition skills that can easily be applied to screen acting, the authors encourage actors of the global majority (AGM) to treat auditions like job interviews. They provide practical guidance on establishing boundaries, developing a mission statement, increasing emotional vocabulary, creating self-taped auditions, vetting agents and managers, creating résumés, and developing a social media presence. Persley and Ndounou discuss how to handle situations where AGM are asked to read for dehumanizing roles that rely on racial or gender stereotypes; they also make the case that Stanislavski-based techniques, which push performers to disconnect from their emotions and gender and racial identity, can be harmful and limiting for AGM. Everyone involved in the performing arts, from professors to casting directors to actors to students, especially those just starting out, should read this eye-opening work.

Library Journal, Starred Review

Timing is everything, and this book couldn’t have come at a better moment as film and theater companies seek to embrace equity and inclusion in front of and behind the camera and on and off the stage. Experienced theater professionals Persley and Ndounou offer a 10-step program that focuses “on breaking down the process of preparing for and performing in an audition, rather than being broken down by the system.” These steps include approaches to establishing boundaries, playing the action, and identifying the emotions, and all are meant to help the student or aspiring actor develop a successful audition strategy and an effective acting process. Readers are encouraged to start keeping an acting journal, using the prompts provided after each step. Additional resources include lists of “Supplemental Stanislavsky-Based and Non-Eurocentric Techniques Developed by African American Actor Trainers,” “Non-Eurocentric Acting Approach University Programs,” and “Theatres of the Global Majority with Actor Training Opportunities.” Further resources may be found at www.BreakingItDownBook.com. This is an important guide for all theater students and aspiring actors, especially those who identify as BIPOC.

Booklist

Breaking It Down may become one of the most important books ever written. Monica and Nicole prepare actors of the global majority for the real deal with concrete steps to.take to achieve success as well as how to avoid audition trauma. At the book's core is the much appreciated, very personal essential assertion of standing firmly in ownership of the power and beauty of one's own authentic creative self. Bravo and thank you!

Michele Shay, Tony-nominated actress, director, educator, and acting coach

BIPOC actors face a unique set of biases and stereotypes in Hollywood. Breaking It Down: Audition Techniques for Actors of the Global Majority is a revolutionary and practical resource that encourages actors of the global majority to use what makes them unique rather than fit into stereotypes created by a predominantly white entertainment industry. I highly recommend Breaking It Down to all BIPOC actors—whether they are just starting out, or whether they are veterans who want a fresh perspective on how to book gigs by (re)claiming their identities.

Nancy Wang Yuen, sociologist and author of “Reel Inequality: Hollywood Actors and Racism”

Breaking It Down is a welcome addition to the crowded shelf of “how to” acting books. It separates itself from the pack by approaching the craft of acting holistically—encouraging BIPOC actors, “actors of the global majority,” to embrace their full selves. To bring it ALL into the room. Self-knowledge is the key to truthful storytelling. No matter whose story you’re telling. We are who we are as artists because of, not in spite of, our uniqueness. If we want to be truly seen we must be brave enough to hone our skills and confront obstacles with honesty and excellence that cannot be denied. Breaking It Down provides tools and exercises to do that work. The authors challenge the reader to “Remember the 3 B’s: Break it down. Bring it. Book it.” I will add one more B for them: “Bravo!”

Sharon Washington, award-winning stage, film, and television actress and playwright

Finally! An astonishing twenty-first treasure trove for actors representing a range of cultural backgrounds and identities. In ten chapters, an understandable, explicit, practical how-to-audition book that offers valuable insight and instruction for actors of the global majority auditioning for roles on the stage or camera. Read this book!

Baron Kelly, PhD, professor of theatre and drama, University of Wisconsin-Madison