The ability to exist-either onstage or in front of a camera-without artifice but with truth is essential for the actor. In a crisp and candid new work that is equal pert memoir and manifesto, author Chris Clavelli shares insights gleamed from a lifetime in the theatre as an actor, coach, teacher and director. His back-to-the-basics approach delivers memorable lessons for both seasoned performers and aspiring young professionals. This is a profound reminder for all, that who we truly are is far more interesting to an audience than the person we often contrive to be when we’re “acting”. A must read for anyone who strives to achieve the highest standard of the art.
Mark Lanham:
Anything Helps, writer/performer, The Stephens Center, Difficult People, Hulu; The Last O.G. Comedy Central. August: Osage County White Plains Performing Arts Center
Praise & Reviews
I have been a drama teacher for nearly 25 years and I've read many texts in search of the best blueprint for living a creative life I can share with my students. This book speaks to the heartbreak, inspiration, triumph and destiny of navigating a life as an actor. Mr. Clavelli's unique approach of candor, humor and brutal honesty provide young actors with realistic tools for what to expect and how to proceed. His book is now my primary source for imparting practical and easily accessible direction to my students who desperately need the kind of guidance this book provides. If you are an educator of young artists, this is required reading.
Vincent Sagona
Director of Performing Arts
St. Luke’s School
As a theatre educator with over thirty years of experience working with young people, I found “Notes From the Room” to be the perfect practical guidebook for students leaving high school or returning from college as young theatre artists! Chris Clavelli offers a clear path of inspiration for young actors and advice on building a solid craft. He weaves in everything from rehearsal etiquette to making lasting and meaningful connections in a quickly changing business. Most of all, Clavelli's voice is positive, personal and encouraging. It is a generous hand-up for the next generation of storytellers.
Tiki Fuhro
Waynflete School Portland, Maine
This little gem of a book has a ton of practical info for students, new pros, old pros, and even for people who have actors in their lives. Accessible teachings on how to approach auditions, rehearsal, performance, the business, and life in the business. Lessons from hard-earned perspective that are invaluable and otherwise unavailable for young actors. I wish I'd had this in high school, college, early in my career...or anytime between then and now (old pro), but it's great to be reminded of the basics from this thoughtful teacher, who has been through it all, on both sides of the casting and rehearsal tables, in all kinds of work, and in the classroom. A great guide, especially for young actors--I'll be gifting it in the future, for sure.
Sandy York AEA SAG AFTRA, Mc Carter Theatre, Trinity Rep, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Notes From The Room is a fast paced, enjoyable, and invaluable guide that combines Chris Clavelli’s “tell it like it is” brand of honesty mixed with humor and vulnerability illustrating the challenges of the profession along with its rewards. Through his years of experience from both sides of the table, Clavelli shares tried and true practical tools along with many tales of hard earned lessons so the young actor can have a smoother transition into the professional world of acting. This book also serves to inspire the more established actors as they will undoubtedly nod in agreement and be reminded of things they may have left behind and perhaps feel pulled to return to the magic that was the reason they started acting in the first place.
Heather Petruzelli
Voice Teaching faculty NYU Tisch, CAP 21, Molloy College, AMDA
Notes From the Room offers clear and tangible advice to the actor at every stage of their career. As there is no shorthand to an acting career, there is also no shorthand to the business side of things. With his extensive experience and passion, Clavelli is able to effectively provide insight on how, and why, things should be done- no bluff. His ability to demystify the process, while also highlighting the artist’s inner child, is essential to the work. Notes from the Room serves as a comprehensive advice column, personal narrative, and guide that actors, directors- and all creatives- will keep coming back to!
Annie Harris
BFA Acting: Point Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts '26
Judge“When a high school or college actor starts their take on craft with as simple and direct a quote as this: “Well, Clavelli says…”---you know the future of American theater training is in good hands.”
Kevin O’Leary, Morse High School drama director (2000-2022).
"Notes from the Room" is a brilliant, no-nonsense, unpretentious and insightful guide to the craft of acting. It's a read useful to ALL practitioners (theater folks and "regular" people) who are interested in communicating more effectively and are committed to self-care and honesty.
Vicki Beckerman, LCSW and actor
"Notes from the Room" is a wonderful guide for new actors to sink their teeth into. It is easy to understand and apply.
My students are constantly searching for advice that they can use in their classes and auditions. Clavelli writes in a
way that speaks to the students of today. The book is a wonderful addition to my teaching tools!”
Darleen Jaeger Hickok
Drama Director The Mead School
Acting Instructor The Neighborhood Playhouse Junior School
What Chris has written in NOTES FROM THE ROOM is a gem of a book that is a distillation of the work and experience of a master theatre artist. Chris' writing is concise and easy to read and is full of humor and insight into the practicalities of working in the theatre. A fun and informative book for anyone who aspires to effectively navigate their time in the room. I didn't want it to end!
John Hedges Law & Order, Billions, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Broadway World Award Winner
“Chris Clavelli's "Notes From the Room" is a unique and deeply useful manual for actors. It offers practical advice on the business, psychological, and spiritual levels of this vocation (because a career in performing arts is unlike most others and care must be taken of the soul.) I will surely suggest that my students serious about a career in acting read it. I only wish it existed when I was a student!”
Cynthia Babak, performing arts faculty/director Poly Prep Country Day School
A terrific book for anyone plunging into the world of acting, theatre and "the business of show business." Chris Clavelli's brilliant NOTES FROM THE ROOM offers insights developed from a lifetime in the theatre. An inspiring read that I'm recommending to my students, colleagues and actors around the world.
Jim Volz, International Arts Consultant & Editor