Should I Take an Acting Class?
A blog about whether or not to take acting classes.
Should I Take an Acting Class? is a blog devoted to providing you with the best information on acting classes, so that you can make an informed decision. Whether you are new to the world of acting or have been taking classes for years, we will help guide you in making the right decision. We believe that everyone has their own unique talents and should be encouraged to explore their potential. Our blog posts will provide inspiration and guidance, as well as practical advice on how to choose the right class for your needs and interests.
We hope that our articles will inspire you to take action today! If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at: info@shoulditakeanactingclass.com
Should I Take an Acting Class?
This is a question that I get asked a lot. And I don’t blame people for asking it. So much of “acting training” out there is just not that good. There are a ton of bad acting teachers and bad acting classes, but there are also some really great acting classes and really great acting teachers out there.
So how do you know if you should take an acting class, and if so, which one?
The answer to the first question is easy: you should take an acting class if you want to be a better actor.
Maybe you think that you already are a good actor and that taking an acting class would be beneath you or too easy. Or maybe you think that it’s just not worth the time or money to take an acting class. Or maybe you’ve taken one before and it wasn’t very good, so why bother ever again?
If you’re thinking any of these things, then don’t worry about whether or not to take an acting class; worry about whether or not to be an actor in the first place. Because if being a better actor isn’t worth it to you, then being an actor at all probably isn’t worth it to you.
There are many acting schools and classes in New York City and many more across the world. So, should you take an acting class?
This is a blog about acting classes, so it might seem like the answer is “yes!” But there are other ways to learn how to act: reading books, watching movies and television shows, auditioning for community productions, acting in your church’s Christmas pageant, etc.
So what does taking an acting class give you that these other methods don’t?
Acting classes provide a safe environment for actors to take risks. This can be incredibly beneficial for beginners who may not feel comfortable auditioning yet (or ever!). Being forced into a situation where you have to act can be intimidating and of course we all want to avoid failure at all costs. However, this fear of failing is exactly what keeps us from learning and progressing. By taking an acting class, you can practice taking risks in a safe environment where failure is not only tolerated but encouraged.
The most important thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong way to learn how to act. The best method is the one that works for you.
If there’s one thing I’m great at, it’s making snap judgments about people.
I can tell within the first five minutes of meeting them whether or not they’re going to be my friend for life. For example, my best friend and I bonded over our mutual love of playing “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” on the recorder in middle school.
My husband and I knew we were meant for each other after he slipped on a wet street and broke his wrist, and I helped him up.
We’ve been married for 10 years now (and we still play “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”).
So when someone asked me on Twitter whether she should take an acting class, my first thought was, “Are you kidding? Yes!”
But before I could reply with a few well-placed emojis, a voice in my head said: “Hannah…you haven’t taken an acting class since eighth grade.”
So, should you take an acting class?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking to get out of it.
Are you an actor who has never taken an acting class, but is considering it? Or are you an actor who has taken some classes and is wondering if it’s time to stop?
I can’t answer those questions for you. I can only tell you what I think…
An acting class can be a great way to get more comfortable in front of people, to learn how to tell stories and be present on stage. But taking them just to take them is a waste of precious time and money.
If the idea of being on stage terrifies you, an acting class sounds like a good idea because it will give you the chance to “get over” your fears. And there’s something to that: very few people are born knowing how to be a good actor. But that doesn’t mean that taking an acting class will make you good at acting.
If the idea of being on stage sounds interesting, an acting class sounds like a good idea because it will give you the chance to explore and learn more about what it’s like to be an actor. And there’s something to that too: most people are not born knowing how to be a good actor. But that doesn’t mean that taking an acting class will make you good at acting either.
Acting classes can help you become a better actor, but only if you’re already pretty good at it and only if they’re taught by really great teachers. If they aren’t taught by really great teachers, they’re probably not going to help much – or even hurt, especially if you
Recently, someone asked me whether they should take an acting class and my answer was a resounding YES! My only regret is not taking classes sooner.
I’ve taken many different classes and have had some great teachers and coaches over the years. I’ve also worked with some truly awful ones, but those were few and far between. In the end, you get out of a class what you put into it: if you show up to a class tired, unmotivated, or uninspired then you won’t be open to anything your teacher has to offer.
It’s important to know that not all acting classes are created equal. Some teachers work on scene study while others focus on technique. Some use improv exercises while others focus on monologues. You may find one teacher who works well for you and another who doesn’t at all — that’s okay! Not everyone is going to like every teacher but if you don’t like a class it doesn’t mean you can’t improve as an actor; it just means that this particular teacher isn’t the right fit for you.
My advice is to research different acting schools in your area and see what they have to offer
