How to Find an Acting Class

So, the acting bug has bit. You’ve been in some school or community plays. You’ve taken a few classes at college. You’ve moved to the big city and you want to continue improving your craft by studying with a teacher. Here are some tips on finding a good acting class from my pal David, who has 20-plus years of both acting and teaching experience in Los Angeles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Join a local theatre company where you can befriend fellow actors.
2. Get referrals from fellow actors who have been out there studying. They’ll know good teachers and classes.
3. Audit a recommended class for free. If the teacher wants you to pay to watch one class to get a feel for it, then skip it. The instructor should have enough confidence in his or her teaching to be generous enough to let people see what goes on in the class.
4. Get a feel for how this class is conducted and how the vibe is. Are the people supportive? Are they hostile? Can you tell if the other actors hate that their fellow actors succeed?
5. After the scenes are performed: Does the teacher give constructive criticism? Do you understand what the teacher is saying? Did it help the actor? Does the scene look better afterwards? Is there something for the actor to work on?

Tips & Warnings

• SAG and AFTRA (two actor unions) have free lectures that can be invaluable.
• Reading publications can help, like “Backstage” and “Backstage West.” Be sure to get a referral or audit a free class before taking a course that’s being advertised.
• Be wary of casting workshops where you pay to get in… and then all you hear is talk but don’t see anyone in action.
• Don’t let someone pressure you to sign up for three months in advance because they want “only dedicated people.”
• Avoid gurus who feel they have the only path or who promise they can make you a star.
• Avoid teachers that are on an ego trip and are in it for having underlings follow them.
• Step away from another actor’s bitterness. If you find someone who can only bitch and not offer any constructive ideas for classes (or otherwise), make other friends.