Sanford Meisner once said, “Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” This quote speaks volumes about the skill and talent required to be a seasoned actor, who must adapt to hypothetical situations and perceive the world from a fictional character’s perspective. An acting school plays a key role in refining the skills of budding actors and teaching them various techniques associated with acting. So, this article provides tips on choosing film acting schools and courses.

Tips to choose acting schools and courses

Avoid enrolling in a class only based on its founder
It is not uncommon for established film actors, filmmakers, and other popular film personalities to establish acting schools to impart their knowledge and skills to aspiring actors. However, the founder’s proficiency and experience may not necessarily translate to effective teaching. Therefore, one should avoid enrolling in popular film acting schools or classes only because its founders belong to the film fraternity. One should, instead, verify all factors thoroughly before shortlisting an acting school.

Be open to learning all acting techniques
Sometimes, aspiring actors may be biased toward a particular acting technique, which might influence their selection of acting courses. However, it is important to have optimal knowledge of all acting techniques at the start of one’s career. This understanding can help one choose the desired technique later or leverage specific techniques based on the role and its requirements. Hence, one should look for film acting schools that assign equal importance to all acting methods, allowing students to pick suitable ones after gaining an understanding of each.

Look for classes that teach students to audition
Many aspiring actors typically underestimate the challenges involved in auditioning for a role. The processes involved in auditioning and testing to secure the role may demotivate an actor who is not sufficiently prepared. An acting course should impart acting skills and knowledge and prepare them for the audition process, enabling them to persevere through it and leverage lucrative opportunities. Script analysis, monologue delivery, and the right way to conduct oneself in an audition are some topics covered by acting courses to prepare students for auditions.

Check out the acting school’s reviews and feedback
It is essential to check out an acting school’s online reviews posted by its current and former students; however, in addition, one should also personally contact its ex-students to understand their experiences more in detail. Such in-depth feedback can help one decide whether one can expect to be taught the necessary skills at the institute in the duration of the course.

Check the course subjects offered
A film acting school should offer a plethora of relevant subjects that focus not only on acting but also on overall personality development. Theater studies, drama, media studies, film theory and techniques, and accent and language training are some subjects a film acting course should incorporate. Interested students should download the acting school syllabus beforehand and review the topics and subjects covered. It also helps to compare the syllabi of different film acting courses and pick the most comprehensive one.

Compare the course fees with the courses and exposure provided
An analysis of the course fees should factor in various aspects of the module, such as the subjects covered, exposure to films from across the globe, and the overall reputation of the acting school. Although one should compare the fees of different courses, it is not a good idea to compromise on the quality of the program in favor of lower costs.

Find out about the teachers’ experience
Acting students learn many skills and techniques through observation; therefore, they must check out the teaching faculty members’ qualifications and experience levels before they enroll in the course. Such details are usually provided on the acting school’s official website. Further, interacting with some faculty members before enrolling can help one understand their willingness to help budding actors gain a firm foothold in the industry.

Find out whether the course differentiates on-camera and stage acting
Stage acting is totally different from acting before a camera. Film acting schools should not only acknowledge this distinction but also help actors prepare specifically to act on screen. Individuals interested in stage as well as film acting should look for courses that impart the skills required for both these platforms.

Opt for courses that incorporate yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation are more than just relaxation techniques. Yoga enhances students’ body movements, whereas meditation helps them become more mindful and aware. These aspects are essential for one to bring about the discipline required for professional acting and be present in the character that one is portraying.