Is Meryl Streep really a good actress? Why are most creative people Democrats? What's a dramaturg? Why is it important to sing louder at the end? Answers to these questions and tips on acting, directing, and career building in the arts jam-pack this lively memoir about life in the theater. The author spent nearly 25 years as a professional stage director in New York and regional theater after attending the Yale School of Drama with such future movie and television stars as Oscar-winning actress Frances McDormand, John Turturro, Roc Dutton, Angela Bassett, Kate Burton, and Sabrina Le Beauf. His observations and insights provide a unique peek at life behind the scenes and beyond the curtain for industry professionals and lovers of film, television and the theater alike. "Drawing on his long career in the theater, Chris Angermann has mined a rich vein of source material and created a work that will be a gift to all who read it. Folks with an interest in working in the arts will find helpful guidance in ; everyone else will enjoy the ringside seat that he provides, and profit from his nuggets of wisdom." Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts George Mason University