Acting Classes: Everything You Need to Know

Acting Classes – here is a guide that explains everything you need to know before you sign up for an acting class.

There are a ton of acting classes available to aspiring actors. Those classes that range from beginner to professional and will include on-camera and on-stage work. But, what are acting classes? Who needs them? And what can you expect from taking these sometimes expensive classes?

Those are fundamental questions that every actor should ask. This article will point out the different aspects of Acting Classes and, hopefully, put you in a position to take your acting career to the next level.

Do you need acting classes?

Most every actor benefits from classes, especially at the start of their career. It is essential to choose an acting course that suits your needs as a student of acting. It can be hard to decide what classes to take, and usually, individuals move toward natural levels. But, do not count yourself out!

You should be seeking acting training to develop your strengths and increase your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to try new things and take every opportunity you can add new and different skills to your resume.

The Basics of Acting Classes or Acting Training

Similar to any sport or job, it is important to understand the basics. Michael Jordan once said that “The minute you get away from fundamentals – whether its proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation – the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.” So, it is important in any field to practice the fundamentals.

Acting Education should always begin with familiarizing yourself with your own body as a tool to display your acting abilities. The movement and your voice are crucial to expressing emotions and reactions. So, learn how to hold your body for maximum breath control, a healthy posture, and other body movements. Improv classes are also a great way to learn how to use your mind and body effectively. When studying voice, practice projection, annunciation, and breathing. Expect that most basic or introduction classes to cover these essential skills.

Once you have learned the fundamentals of controlling your body and how to use your craft, then it is critical to move on to scene studies.

What are the improv classes?

The first year of an actor’s training should include acting classes in improvisation. Improvisation is defined as “the practice of acting, dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, talking, creating artworks, problem-solving, or reacting in the moment and response to the stimulus of one’s immediate environment and inner feelings. (Wiki)

Or merely responding to a particular situation. But, improvisational skills are crucial to any actor. Improvisation improves flexibility as well as being a creative thinker. Many people think of improv and then quickly think of comedy. But, this is a common misunderstanding. Improv improves your reacting and listening skills. Many skills will give you exercises to loosen your body and relax. But, improv skills are essential to make every performance fresh and not redundant.

What is an Acting Workshop?

Most acting workshops prepare actors by using scene studies. Typically, a scene study will include individual scenes from a particular play or film. Throughout the acting workshop, actors not only act out their scripted lines, but they also discuss their roles to understand their character, and their acting skills better.

Often, you will learn new skills and techniques, but it is imperative that any new skill you should practice and implement into your acting abilities. It is essential to be open to the direction of your instructor. It is not beneficial to you or others to argue about your motivation or why you chose to employ a particular acting technique. Remember, on set a director may ask you to redo a scene to display a specific emotion, you do not want to be that one actor that disagrees, and generates a bad reputation for not listening.

How to Network Through Acting Classes

Acting classes may provide you with more than just new acting techniques; it gives you the ability to meet with other actors and network with those involved in the industry. Attending regular classes can be like attending a support group that shares ideas, opportunities, and other things that you may have missed by not attending.

By mixing it up with other actors, you can share your personal experiences, exchange connections, share creative ideas, and build bonds in the entertainment industry.

Are acting classes right for you?

Overall, acting classes provide you with a lot of opportunities, but not all acting classes are the same. Ask around, and speak with actors involved in the acting class to get an idea of what to expect, and if the acting class is worth the investment. See if any of the actors involved in the acting class were able to land other opportunities such as speaking lines or principal roles; This will indicate if the acting techniques learned were beneficial or a waste of 10,000 dollars.

Most importantly, never give up. The film industry is a hard industry to break into, and very few make it. But, it is a rewarding career and requires hard work, determination, and the will to succeed. Project Casting is here to help you along the way to stardom!

Continue Reading:

The Beginner’s Guide to Acting