So, you’ve decided to attend an acting class. Good for you! And welcome to the world of auditioning. Great—but now what? Choosing a class and teacher is a vitally important decision that could very well change the course of your career and your general makeup as an actor. There are a lot of factors involved in making such a big decision. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what kinds of things you should keep in mind when choosing your acting class and teacher, with thoughts from the acting classes, Florida, on each subject.
Table of Contents
Be aware that there is no one right way to do things
There is not a single “right” technique. There are many different approaches to acting, and all of them can be useful for attaining the final goals of good characters and great performances. If you find one technique that works for you, don’t be afraid to try another one or even several others.
Don’t misunderstand the statement to think that teachers should contradict themselves or that there is not a core of good sense in any given technique. But remember, there is no one right way to act. You can achieve great performance with many different techniques.
There are two important things to remember:
- You must discover the truth of your character within yourself.
- You must learn how to bring this truth more clearly and effectively out into the world of your play.
Know that there is not a single “right” technique. Even if you are working with a teacher with a particular approach, remember that it is just one approach among many—and it may not be suitable for you.
A teacher who tells you that there’s only one right technique is like telling an athlete to throw with only their dominant arm or telling a writer to get it done in exactly 1,000 words. These are limiting beliefs that stunt creativity and personal growth.
You should first determine your needs before proceeding
Before you take that first step on the long, often treacherous road to stardom, it’s best, to be honest with yourself about your motivation. It may seem irrational or self-defeating, but don’t be afraid to admit the truth. Do you want to act, or are you using it to escape personal problems? Are you looking for love and attention? Are you hoping for fame, recognition, or money? Look closely at why you want to be an actor.
Truly committed actors will never stop taking acting lessons and learning new skills as long as they aspire to be actors. They will not stop submitting headshots and resumes until they get a job. They will never stop trying to improve their acting skills. They will seek criticism and coaching even if they think they are already good enough.
They will learn everything they can about acting so that they can prepare themselves for success. If you want this kind of commitment—and the hard work required—you have found the right profession.
Finding a teacher to whom you can entrust your progress is important
When you’re looking for a coach, the most important thing is to find someone you trust. You want someone with whom you can feel safe and listen to what you say. If you don’t feel comfortable with them, you may not fully benefit from their teachings.
Remember, it is easier to pick a teacher who will tell you that you’re wonderful and that you have nothing to worry about. It’s much harder (and often more expensive) to find a teacher who will push your boundaries and make you uncomfortable. But the willingness to do this is what makes experienced teachers so valuable.
Finally, don’t be afraid to let go of your teacher if it seems like they aren’t helping you become a happier human being and a more successful person in your craft. It’s their job to help you grow and evolve on your spiritual path. Don’t be afraid to move on if they’re not doing their job for you.
Without prior acting experience, it can be hard to find the acting class that’s right for you. However, if you know what you’re looking for, finding that perfect acting class is a bit easier. Be honest with yourself, take some time to think about your goals, and consult some outside sources if you are unsure. The next important aspect is choosing a teacher. Ultimately this is the person who will play the most significant role in helping you achieve your acting goals.