• Actor. Writer. Whatever.

  • Essays on My Rise to the Top of the Bottom of the Entertainment Industry
  • By: Mellini Kantayya
  • Narrated by: Mellini Kantayya
  • Length: 4 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (10 ratings)

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Actor. Writer. Whatever.  By  cover art

Actor. Writer. Whatever.

By: Mellini Kantayya
Narrated by: Mellini Kantayya
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Publisher's summary

An honest, inspiring exploration of the New York acting world, ambition, and success, delivered by a fresh, bold insider's voice.

In her critically acclaimed essay collection, writer Mellini Kantayya exposes the pinnacles and pitfalls of pursuing artistic ambitions and life as a rank-and-file actor. Her unflinching depiction of show business, backstage anecdotes, and self-deprecating humor will resonate with both the creative and the curious--and inspire anyone who has ever juggled making art and making rent.

©2013 Mellini Kantayya (P)2014 Mellini Kantayya

What listeners say about Actor. Writer. Whatever.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A witty, clever gem of a book!

Would you listen to Actor. Writer. Whatever. again? Why?

Yes! I laughed out loud on the subway and had to keep going back to hear what I missed! (got some strange looks) The author weaves in cultural criticism, sociology, history—creating a context for her own story while being thoroughly entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Actor. Writer. Whatever.?

The chapter on "Notes" was particularly raw and particularly humorous. The chapter on race was intelligent and nuanced, but again, very very funny.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Will deeply resonate with anyone in the arts, but really is a book for anyone wanting to think, feel, AND laugh.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Artists will relate. Everyone will laugh.

Would you listen to Actor. Writer. Whatever. again? Why?

Yes! You feel like your funniest smartest friend is taking you into her confidence.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character/author was my favorite. I particulary enjoyed her willingness to laugh at herself and ability to see the humor and ridiculousness in the entertainment industry.

Have you listened to any of Mellini Kantayya’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I believe this is her first audio performance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed out loud. A lot. In front of others!

Any additional comments?

The book and narration reminded me of the radio show "This American Life." I loved the sneak peek into the plight of Actor, Writer, Whatevers everywhere.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Funny&Sad But So Inspirational For Working Actor

If you could sum up Actor. Writer. Whatever. in three words, what would they be?

Humorous tales about being (barely) making a living as a working actor.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Actor. Writer. Whatever.?

The story about MTV's post September 11 shows on race.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where she is wearing sweat pants on the subway and running into a more successful friend.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not a moment, but the honesty of what it means to be in this life. It should be depressing, but there is something fulfilling about chasing your dreams even though the pot at end of rainbow may not be filled with lots of gold.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Mellini puts into words what other actor. Writer. Whatever's want to say but haven't been able to put into words

This book inspires me to continue my pursuit in my creative field to keep plugging along... regardless of what others define as success. For those of us at the bottom of the bottom, Mellini is an inspiration. She gets it.

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