Few of us can muster the courage to portray a particular character publicly. In fact, we would rather stay in our private shells, take our seats on the opposite end of the stage, and savor the experience, provided we’re not in the spotlight. For actors, though, this is all in a day’s work. But it takes practice and experience to do this day in and day out.
And it all starts with choosing the right acting school. To this end, The Actor’s Group Orlando might be a great place to enroll. You can learn all about our school by going over our site.
That aside, if you think you have what it takes to be an actor, you might be scoping out potential institutions. But how do you go about it? What should you look out for? Well, here are a few things to consider:
1. Size and Accreditation
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting where you can get one-on-one attention from your instructors, then a smaller school might be a better fit for you. Besides, in a smaller class, you’ll have more opportunities to perform and get feedback.
Talking of which, acting opportunities play a significant role in honing your skills. As such, the more chances you get to put your knowledge into practice, the better.
On the other hand, a larger school might be preferable if you’re the type of person who thrives in a competitive environment. Remember that the bigger the school, the less individual attention you’re likely to get – although it might not always be the case.
In reference to accreditation, it’s also worth mentioning that not all schools are created equal. So, find out if the institution you’re interested in is accredited. This implies it meets the standards set by a higher education governing body. The bottom line is that you should only consider an accredited acting school. Otherwise, you might not get the education you envision.
2. Faculty
When it comes to the acting school’s faculty, ensure they have relevant industry experience. It would be ideal if they worked as professional actors and could share their firsthand knowledge and expertise with you. Also, a degree or other qualification in the field won’t hurt, as it would attest to their formal training.
Furthermore, ensure the faculty is good at their work and can provide constructive feedback. The last thing you want is instructors who are only interested in promoting their ego.
Also, find out about the student-teacher ratio. This will give you an idea of how much attention you can expect. To do this, you can stop by a prospective institution unannounced (if they allow this) and see firsthand how classes are conducted.
3. Training Methodology and Curriculum
Different acting schools have their training methodologies. Some might focus on the technical aspects of acting, while others might emphasize the importance of emotional connection to the character. The key aspect is finding an institution whose methodology resonates with you.
Plus, instructors often adopt various approaches to teaching students. This is crucial as students are unique, implying they all don’t learn the same way. Thus, tutors should understand their learners and know how to get the best out of them. As such, it may imply creating lesson plans tailored to their students’ needs.
In terms of the curriculum, find out what topics the school covers. Do they offer scripting, stagecraft, and character development classes? The more comprehensive the curriculum, the better the chances of honing your craft. For starters:
- Inquire about the school’s curriculum
- How they assess their students’ progress
- Whether they offer a mentorship program.
Similarly, find out if the school has a demo reel or performance opportunities for their students. These are essential as they provide an opportunity for you to put your skills to the test and see how you measure up.
4. Cost
Undoubtedly, you’ll also need to factor the cost of tuition into your equation. But don’t let the price tag be your only deciding factor. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. More often than not, expensive schools offer better facilities, experienced instructors, and more opportunities to perform.
One way to offset the cost is to inquire about scholarships and other financial aid options. Some schools might offer need- or merit-based scholarships.
5. Location
Choose an acting school that is convenient for you to get to. For example, if you’re living in Orlando, FL, it wouldn’t make sense to attend an acting school in a different state.
Not only would it be a waste of time and money, but you could miss out on all the networking opportunities that come with being close to industry professionals in your home state. Plus, if you’re away from home, you’ll have to weigh the cost of living in a new city, which can be quite expensive.
Before enrolling in any acting school, do your research first to find a suitable institution. And by considering the variables we’ve discussed, you could be laying the groundwork for a successful acting career.
