Are acting schools worth it?

Mar 15, 2010

Are acting schools worth it?

Before this question can be answered, the question has to be qualified. There are many acting schools that are in business just to make money and they don’t have any idea about truly teaching acting. Many will make money on taking headshots, poise classes and anything other type of class that they can think of to get you to use your credit card. But do not be disheartened. There are legitimate acting schools that offer various classes in drama, comedy, improvisation, commercial training and various other areas of acting. It’s just very important that when you investigate acting schools that you get a referral or choose one that has a good reputation and is well known.

There are some who believe that getting a degree in theatre arts is very needed to be a successful actor. Various colleges and universities offer bachelor’s as well as master’s degrees to the budding thespian that wants a degree to hang on his wall. Unfortunately, there are many very talented as well as famous actors who did not even graduate from high school. Talent cannot be bottled. And having a degree does not make a good actor either. And although that is true, many actors have “fall backs” if they don’t do well in this arena. If you have a degree, you could always go into teaching which many people have done.

Some acting schools, especially those for kids and teens, end up becoming nothing more than a glorified club. They do a lot of games, spend time discussing agents and managers and you end up spending a lot of money for nothing. On the other hand, acting schools such as Stella Adler Theatre Course, Lee Strasberg School of Acting, ACT, New York Film Academy and many others are wonderful and will not only train you as an actor, but some will also connect you with people who can help you get started. Those connections are priceless.

There are many techniques and methods in the world of acting. This is why it is imperative that you research the acting school that you are considering. Find out which technique they use as well as what types of classes they have and who teaches them. Some of the classes that are available include: acting for film, method acting, voiceovers, improvisation, cold reading, audition technique, dialects and many more. These are not all necessary at the beginning. Interview the school, ask about the teachers and discuss each of these classes before you sign up.

Most people need some sort of formal acting training before they begin auditioning. Only after you’ve attended a few good classes will you be aware of how free you are on stage or in front of the camera and how natural you are. Then you will be able to make a thoughtful decision as to whether or not acting school is worth it for you.