I have had a lot of training over the past few years but I am not done yet! Lifetime learning is where it's at. Not every class is for everyone, but its important to put time and money into the things your interested in doing. Not sure where to start? Ask your agent or acting friends for class recommendations. I was going to list some here but I know I would miss some. The point of this post is to pursue it and do it! Its so important to improve your acting skills and keep fresh.
Below I will list and briefly explain some of your options. I won't explain them in depth or cover all of whats available but I wanted to give you an idea of whats available so you can start exploring:
1) Books: I have some books on acting, don't refer to them much, as I prefer the hands on approach. But I love books on acting terminology!
2) Performing arts schools: If you want a degree in performing arts, you can go to New York (and other large cities) Not for everyone, but many famous actors, went to a performing arts school in their youth
3) Workshops: There are lots of day long to week long intensive workshops. Some are held by famous casting directors and others specialize in a theme such as western arts. I have taken some of the day long workshops and found them quite interesting but they were not my favorites.
4) Acting Methods: You can study an acting different acting methods by taking specific classes in Method Acting, Meisner, Strasberg, etc. I have dabbled in classes in all of them to see what worked best for me. (I am more of a Method actor) Its crucial to know what works best for you if you are a film actor.
5) Private Coaching: After I finished a few years of group classes, I found a private coach, recommended by my agent to assist me. She helped me to better get in character, developed a monologue that rocked, worked out kinks in my auditions, took me through the acting methods, and taught me how to warm up, stretch and relax. This by far, was the best training I ever had.
6) Age specific: There are a lot of classes out there specifically for kids and teens. Some of these are spring and summer camps, some are weekends.
7) Auditioning classes: These classes assist you with film or commercial auditioning. They are quite different in their methodology. Take both and see where you settle in best. Although I do film acting, I have found my specialty in commercial work. You never know until you try both.
8) Character acting and Scene Study: Just want it sounds like! Crucial for your development as an actor.
9) Dialect: British, Southern Belle? If you want to learn a dialect, these are the classes for you!
10) Theater: I have a lot of respect for theater actors, and some people only do theater. A performing arts school will give you the best education in Theater, but there are many intensive classes and workshops out there as well.
11) Voice Over: Have a voice that everyone says should be on the air? There is a lot of well -paying voice over work available! You can do tag-lines, commercials and audio books. There are many tricks of the trade that I had no idea about until I took a 2-day class. Well worth it if you have interest in this area.
12) Stunts: Want to jump off buildings, do fight scenes and fall off a horse? There are stunt classes available that will teach you how to fake death defying acts that wow all of us on the big screen.
13) Teleprompter: This is my main specialty. There are some important things to know so you don't look like you are reading those likes. Classes teach you how to be natural on camera.
14) Earprompter: These classes are the cousin of Teleprompter. I will be taking this class this year.
15) Comedy/Improv: Are you a natural stand up type? These might be the classes for you to sharpen your skill and get on stage!
16) Improv Acting: This type of class teaches you to naturally act without a script. How to bounce lines off someone else and go back and forth in an interesting way without getting "stuck". No deer in the headlights here - these are great classes!
17) Hosting: Most of these classes are centered around television and live hosting. How to interview people, carry a conversation and be interesting. I want to take one of these classes this year!
18) Informal Scene Study/Mini Home Groups: If you have taken classes and want to work with other actors to practice and sharpen your skills, its great to work with others on a monthly basis. Some bring scripts they are working on, and its just a shared learning experience. Most of the time they are free.
If you would like to post a comment to let everyone know what classes have worked the best for you, please do. If you have recommendations, I welcome your posts on that as well.
If your not working on a project, its time for class! Happy learning everyone and see you on set!
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