On-camera cold reading and scene study classes, private coaching for auditions, Los Angeles
cting-class preferences are as individual as purchasing a car. Therefore I recommend test-driving your acting class by auditing a class first. Some specific things I would look for: Does every actor work every class? Is there time for adjustments so each actor can learn to make even more creative dynamic choices? Is the level of the class work suitable to the individual's needs? Is there a specific step-by-step technique the actor is able to incorporate to create his or her performance?
Does the teacher encourage making strong choices and taking risks, even if they don't always appear to be successful? Can the teacher's feedback be easily incorporated? Is it understandable? Is it communicated in a way that is supportive versus punitive? Is the teacher there for the students, or is the teacher a frustrated actor whose ego is out of control?
If the class is geared for TV and film, is the material relevant? In addition, working oncamera every week is necessary. Does the teacher bring in outside guests from TV and film?
Speak to the individual class members and ask them specific questions—including length of time in class, if they feel their work has grown and continues to grow, and their opinions and experience with that teacher.
Finally, the nitty-gritty should include affordability, convenience of location and time, and makeup policy for missed classes. Most important, are the class members having fun? Because if it isn't enjoyable, then what's the point?
Piero Dusa Acting Studio, Santa Monica, Calif.
here are thousands of acting teachers and coaches, yet each is different. Ask yourself what goals and dreams you have and where you want to be in a year and in five years. If possible, interview with the teacher and see if your goals are in alignment. Ask for feedback. While word of mouth and asking for the opinions of others might be helpful, nothing will serve you better than that firsthand experience.
Most important, make sure the teacher is coming from a loving place. Audit classes—if possible more than once. Get a feel for how this person teaches, and observe the students and the environment to make sure you will feel completely comfortable.
Ask yourself if you will be challenged, and see if there is true respect for the craft. Do not interpret harsh, mean, or showy characteristics as indicative of a teacher's passion. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel quite right, have the courage to walk away and explore learning in a different environment.
Maggie Flanigan Studio, New York
s with most everything else, it's best to seek a few referrals. These should come from an actor whose work you admire, a friend who may be studying with a particular teacher, an agent—someone who knows the field. A referral carries with it the confidence of the person who gave it.
Once you have a few names, look through trade papers like Back Stage or go online to get the current contact information for the teachers you are interested in. Request an interview, during which you will discuss what you are looking for in training. Ask what particular acting technique will be taught. This interview is your best opportunity to use your instinct to explore how comfortable and interested you are in the acting teacher. Look for depth, humanity, clarity, simplicity, a sense of generosity—all qualities of seasoned master teachers.
As with any creative art form, good training is the foundation for what will, hopefully, be your life's work. Finding the right teacher will set you on the right path and can be the best investment of your career.
Teacher and owner of Michael Howard Studios, New York
he relationship between actor and teacher is very personal, and in the best cases profoundly transformative. Great training can an actor make; poor training can an actor break. In choosing the teacher that's right for you, you should ask: What is their teaching philosophy, methodology, and artistic belief system?
Studying acting is an investment in your artistry, your career, and your livelihood. You deserve to know who your teacher is before you enter class. Every teacher has a different approach even if they use the same "method." Do your research. Ask people you trust. Google your teachers. And follow your intuition.
Word of mouth is the single best way to find a teacher who shares your artistic values. Look to actors whose work moves you, and find out about their training.
As a casting director for film and TV, I've seen thousands of auditions and can identify the style markers of different teachers in his or her actors. Therefore, I am as interested in training methods as I am in acting methods. My firm belief is that every actor is unique, and to honor that, you must find a teacher uniquely right for you.
Remember, the right actor-teacher relationship can be as gratifying as anything in life. It's enriching, affirming, and everything that art should be. This is the goal when I teach, the goal when I hire teachers, and what I wish for every actor.