I think Acting classes are a complete scam. Now I am sure most will disagree with me here, but what can a class really teach you that you don't already know. You can either act or not, you can memorize lines or you can't. You can create a character or you always play yourself. Classes don't teach you very much. I have seen people dropping tons of hard earned cash thinking it will help their career while lining the pocket of someone who could care less if you make it or not. Classes won't help you get hired. I say save your cash and just keep going to auditions, a casting director will like your look or your ability or they won't.
Acting : I think Acting classes are a c… by Dylan Daniels
Other topics in Acting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
Most classes are a scam, but there are a few genuine people that can help the wannabe actor really shine!
but how do they make them shine? anything they can show them, they can do on your own for free.
Specific types of classes, to work on areas for which you need the most help, can be very useful. For me, improv training has done wonders for my stagework and writing. But beyond that, I tend to agree with you.
life is Improv you can do it with anyone anywhere no need to pay to play.
You're right - I do disagree with you. Classes, good ones, do help actors. It is the rare person who shows up in town, completely untrained, and first, manages to even book auditions, but second, books roles. There's the exception to every rule. But promoting the idea of classes being a waste of time to actors, especially at the beginning of their careers, is a dangerous piece of "advice".
your telling me that they have to book their own auditions? How do you book a role don't you get hired for a role? how do you train an actor? you can act or you can't it's that simple. Acting is a talent a very natural one at that. I would hope to think that people should know to get an Agent to book them auditions and not just go to countless cattle calls. An Agent works for you and only makes money if you make money so they work to get you jobs. Acting classes do nothing more then drain peoples hard earned money. Honestly what do they teach you? Please tell me what they teach you that you can't learn on your own. A casting Agent does not care about your past roles or acting classes, all they care about is if you look and act like what they are looking for.
It's not that simple. The usage of book/hired is semantics. They are the same thing. How exactly do you suggest someone land that first meeting with an agent without any training or previous roles? What agent is going to want to waste their time with an unknown, untrained person? I would really like to know which casting agents--good, reputable ones--look at someone's blank resume and headshot and say, "I'm sure you can figure it out." If the actor flubs up on set, it's on them. Which casting director is going to take that risk? Sure, sometimes it happens. There's always the exception. But that's very, very rare. They want to know, by looking at your resume and your audition, that you are professional, and you will nail the part. It's not about what you can learn on your own. It's about showing your dedication to your craft, continually learning, and practicing. Basically, if you're in the right class -- one taught by professionals, not every "working" actor who has been in one film -- they are not a drain, they enhance. Do your research, it's as simple as that.
Dylan, how do you feel about getting together w/ a small group of actors you know & respect? everyone brings scenes and you tape like you would in an audition. it is good to stay "warm". these same friends read/rehearse w/ you before auditions to prep you, so you're not hearing it the first time in the room/with a dull reader. those are just suggestions, in lieu of "class".
Dylan, how do you feel about getting together w/ a small group of actors you know & respect? everyone brings scenes and you tape like you would in an audition. it is good to stay "warm". these same friends read/rehearse w/ you before auditions to prep you, so you're not hearing it the first time in the room/with a dull reader. those are just suggestions, in lieu of "class".
Dylan, how do you feel about getting together w/ a small group of actors you know & respect? everyone brings scenes and you tape like you would in an audition. it is good to stay "warm". these same friends read/rehearse w/ you before auditions to prep you, so you're not hearing it the first time in the room/with a dull reader. these are just suggestions, in lieu of "class".
If money is not involved there is nothing wrong with an acting group.
Jasmine McAtee - I just say I agree to disagree. I've been in and out of this Industry for 21 years, both front and back of the camera. I learned at a young age what matters in this business and what doesn't. The one main rule I learned and this goes for the whole Industry "It's not what you know, It's who you know that matters".