Invading Nirvana

A Chicagoan in the City of Angels

By: Kevin Theis

Narrated by: Kevin Theis

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Chicago theater veteran Kevin Theis, co-author of the cult classic Confessions of a Transylvanian: a Story of Sex, Drugs and Rocky Horror presents: Invading Nirvana: a Chicagoan in the City of Angels the story of one actor's quixotic odyssey into the heart of the entertainment industry: Hollywood, California.

From the early preparations for his trip to La La Land to his search for representation, his encounters with the famous (and soon-to-be famous) as well as his deep-dive exploration of this unique and fascinating city, Invading Nirvana is a must-listen for anyone considering moving to L.A. to pursue a dream of breaking into show business.

The author is both candid and unsparing in his description of the industry, the city of Los Angeles, and the challenges of being a performer in Hollywood looking for work. Casting agents, pay-to-meet workshops, the comedy club scene, film and TV auditions, as well as a peek inside the audiobook world; every aspect of the entertainment industry is thoroughly examined in this hilarious and comprehensive look at life as a professional actor in Hollywood.

©2017 Kevin Theis (P)2017 Fort Raphael Publishing Company

A honest Primer on making it in La La Land

A great Narrator with his own experience in Los Angeles in all the facets of trying to break into the Business.

The highs and the lows the advise the lessons learned.It is a tough town for any age but even harder when you are middle age.

This book has it all and a great performance by the Narrator and Writer.



This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

A fun look at a man taking his shot in tinsel town

Mr. Theis has an engaging style. I found this to be funny, and inspiring. Taking a chance at living one's dreams is something many of us don't do. I applaud his drive.

I have downloaded several books of his now, and I recommend him to anyone.

Fantastic, realistic view of life in LA

If you could sum up Invading Nirvana in three words, what would they be?

I loved this book. As a Chicagoan who lives in LA I loved following Kevin's adventure. It's a funny, realistic view of trying to make it in LA. Really fun listen!

Hi-diddle-dee-dee, an actor’s life for he

At 50, would you pack a bag and chase a dream? Kevin Theis did, and wrote about it in this thoroughly enjoyable book. After three decades in Chicago, with a career most actors would envy, he collected his family’s blessing, a home equity loan, and more optimism than would fit in an overhead compartment and headed to L.A. for pilot season. Part travelogue, part career primer, part journal (I’m live-blogging my midlife crisis, he tells us), Invading Nirvana is a smart, funny album of verbal snapshots read with energy and heart. I was sorry to come to the end.

Hilarious and touching adventures in LA

The two cities are almost like characters themselves, because the author really takes the time to give them their personalities. And Theis' delivery and timing are outstanding.

Trust me when I say great story!

If you could sum up Invading Nirvana in three words, what would they be?

Follow your dreams.

What other book might you compare Invading Nirvana to and why?

True story of a real actor making a leap.

What about Kevin Theis’s performance did you like?

The guy is damn funny and real.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Pack your bags!!

Any additional comments?

Kevin, an accomplished actor, director, and voice artist, takes on his own story about tackling the acting biz in LA. I cannot recommend this enough. I followed his story when he was writing the blog and hearing him bring it to life makes it even better. His tale is hilarious, touching and ultimately a love story about his life, career, and family. Check it out. 5 stars for sure!

Excellent, real-life, entertainment !

Would you consider the audio edition of Invading Nirvana to be better than the print version?

Though I am a fan, in general, of hearing actors perform their works... I liked it differently, not more.

What did you like best about this story?

The ____s it took to do that... to go for it? Impressive!

Which character – as performed by Kevin Theis – was your favorite?

I like the Kevin Theis character... yeah, that one.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

That's right-- i did this and my wife still loves me!

Any additional comments?

Great great story and adventure!

A Great Book About Acting, Showbiz and One Actor

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you are an actor, know an actor or simply have any curiosity whatsoever about actors and showbiz, you should listen to this book! We hear the gritty, nuts and bolts details and VERY funny day to day story of a middle-aged professional who left his life and work in Chicago to make a try in LA, the land where every actor's dreams go to live -- and die.

What did you like best about this story?

Mr. Theis shares all the little details about pursuing an acting career, but makes every moment, even the most soul-crushing and cringe-inducing, interesting and somehow uplifting. You're pulling for him to succeed every step of the way, and whether or not he lands in the highest reaches of the business and becomes a Major Bankable Big Deal Superstar (spoiler alert: he doesn't) doesn't matter. Your journey through his invasion of Nirvana is wonderfully entertaining every step of the way.

What about Kevin Theis’s performance did you like?

There's nothing like hearing Kevin Theis reading the words of Kevin Theis. His style is so engaging and entertaining, you feel like you're listening to a story told to you by one of your actor buddies over a beer. As a long-time professional actor, Theis has a great voice and terrific comic timing. Just sit back and listen -- you're in the hands of a master entertainer.

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

Though I wasn't able to listen to it all in one sitting, I was certainly inspired to start up again between stops. Theis does a great job of pulling you along from chapter to chapter. Plus you want to hear how his journey ends!

Any additional comments?

An engaging, very entertaining professional actor reading a wonderfully interesting story about a fascinating subject -- a story he lived and wrote about himself. You can't go wrong by listening to this book!

Chasing Dreams & Sharing Wisdom

There's something wonderful about an author reading his own work, and that certainly holds true for Kevin's travelogue. Equal parts cautionary tale, encouragement, and actor's practical guidebook, his wit, charm and first-hand nowledge of the acting profession shine through. An enjoyable listen for everyone, whether you're looking to get into showbiz, or could use a kick in the pants as motivation to go chase your dream.

What an amazing journey!

Would you consider the audio edition of Invading Nirvana to be better than the print version?

The audio edition, read by the author, is amazing. By the end of the book, I felt like Kevin and I were old friends.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Invading Nirvana?

Kevin starts going to auditions and is in the room with some of these big names, people who get regular work on TV and Movies and it made me feel a true sense of awe. It really made me feel the magnitude of where he is at that moment.

What about Kevin Theis’s performance did you like?

I love hearing the words in the voice of the author. Kevin's performance was wonderful and truly helped me be a part of his journey.

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

I laughed out loud many, many times while listening to this book, but Kevin's journey is a roller coaster of emotion and I truly had to hold back tears a few times.

Any additional comments?

This is a great listen. Keving Theis is easy to relate to and he invites you to take a journey that so many of us have dreamed of taking.