"Jenna Fischer moved to Hollywood at age 22 with a theater degree in hand, ready to work hard. But it would be eight long years of struggle, rejection, and doubt before she landed her iconic role on The Office. If only she'd had someone to show her the way-- an established actor who could manage her expectations and reassure her in moments of despair... With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work. She provides helpful hints on how to take risks and not to fall for scams, as well as tricks to good auditioning and callbacks."--Back cover.

Getting started -- Headshots, getting in the union, and building your résumé -- How to find, get, and keep an agent or manager -- Auditioning, rejection, and how to persevere -- You got a job! how things work on a television or film set -- The journey -- Actor interviews. Sharing the brushstrokes ; Natalie Zea ; Sean Gunn ; Derek Waters ; Reed Birney ; Advice from peers.