Private Acting Coaches
Why, and when, do you need an acting coach's training? And how do you find the right one to give you the acting advice you need to further your entertainment career?
Many actors use coaches: A beginner who doesn't feel confident enough to face an entire class - yet. A college student who needs help with monologues in order to crack into that MFA program. Working actors facing a specific problem or block, large or small, that they just can't get past.
It may not even be about a problem: You have a favorite teacher who inspires you. But she's not offering classes now, only coaching.
But do you need an acting coach for your entertainment career? Like any learning situation, coaches have positives and negatives. On the plus side is that personalized attention we all crave. This person draws on all their experience to pinpoint what you need to improve.
On the other hand, classes have dynamics that don't show up with a coach. Watching others make mistakes can often be as instructive as making them yourself. And, coaching can be like an echo chamber: Focusing so much on you and your problems makes it hard to maintain perspective. Then there's the cost - acting coaches charge much more, on average, than a class.
However, sometimes you simply need a coach. So what to do?
First, discern exactly where you need help. Is it for acting audition on stage or in film work? Voice, dance, or movement? Or is it something unusual, such as learning an obscure accent or dialect? Be specific. Write down what you want, then look for coaches that specialize in that field. Ask around - start with people whose opinion you respect: fellow actors, teachers, friends. Then try message boards, like Back Stage's. Also check newspaper or online advertisements and listings.
Start by looking at a prospective coach's training and experience. Are they experts in the skills you need? Is their point of view a good fit for you? When you've narrowed your search, contact your choices directly to get a feel for their personality. Find out if you can audit a class, or buy a single session.
How long you work with a coach depends on your needs. Some actors only use one to prepare for a big casting audition. Others go to a coach for acting advice for a specific role. Whichever your situation, don't be afraid to seek help for that moment of truth: being onstage or on camera.
LINKS
Choosing the Right Coach
When and how do you find a coach?
Will Your Training Get You in the Door?
If you're living in L.A., pursuing a career in front of the camera, chances are you've made some choices about how far to take your studies as an actor.
Finding a Dialect Coach Who's Right for You
Dialect coaches will tell young actors that it's not a bad idea to "have a few accents in your back pocket."
What Class Is Best for You?
Our guide to finding the acting school or coach that fits your needs.
List of Acting Coaches
The following schools offer two-year acting programs. Many offer other shorter programs in a variety of plans and performing-related areas.
|
|
