Skip the Drama School: Your Alternative Path to Acting Success

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Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Radcliffe, and Halle Berry all became the A-listers they are today without going to acting school. While we can’t promise you’ll achieve their level of stardom, we can show you the best ways to grow your career without formal education. Here’s how to get your face seen on the stage or screen—no degree required.

Do most actors go to acting school?

Most actors have some form of training or education, which often includes acting school. Just take the iconic examples of Anthony Hopkins, who went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; Meryl Streep, who got her MFA in Drama at Yale; and Denzel Washington, who went to the American Conservatory Theater.

However, if you’re asking, “Do all actors go to acting school?,” the answer is a resounding no. Many actors, such as Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, decide to eschew traditional schooling and carve their own path to industry success. 

7 steps to become an actor without acting school

1. Support yourself.

Unless you’re a trust fund baby, it’s likely the first thing you need to do is get a job—and no, we don’t mean just walk out the door and get an acting gig. Get any job that will pay the bills and help you save for the investments you’ll make into your acting career. Even without the cost of school, headshots, acting classes, and the basic cost of living can take a lot out of your pocket, so do what you need to do to make (and save!) money.

2. Figure out your style.

It might seem like actors just… act, but the truth is most actors study different techniques, and many even have a favorite one. Take the time to explore several different styles, such as the Method, Stanislavsky, and Meisner techniques, and see which one resonates with you. Maybe you’ll fully commit to a certain technique, or perhaps you’ll use different ones to explore specific characters in a more dynamic way. No matter what style you choose, having a solid understanding will help further your acting career.  

You should also get to know all the different forms of acting. Maybe you’re initially interested in film acting or stage acting, but you can also make good money in commercials, voiceovers, mascot work, and beyond. Don’t overlook the (seemingly) smaller acting arenas. Look into everything and make it work for you. 

3. Seek local training.

You’ll likely be able to find acting classes or workshops, no matter where you live. Acting coaches are also a great option, offering one-on-one or small group instruction that guides you toward being a better actor. In-person training is a fantastic way to get unbiased, honest feedback about your performance chops. Of course, it will cost money, so be prepared to fork over some cash if you want to do this. 

4. Use your trusty friend, the internet.

Maybe in-person training is out of the question right now—but fear not, the internet has an abundance of learning resources for you.

Websites for actors: Check out our handy guide for actors who are just starting or looking to up their expertise. Cast your learning net wide to avoid focusing on just one aspect. Yes, study technique, but also add other elements such as stage movement, script analysis, and character development.

Online acting classes: Virtual acting classes are often cheaper and easier to attend than in-person ones. Some of the best online acting classes include:

5. Get involved.

As they say, the biggest part of success is showing up, so do your best to remain an active part of the acting community.

Attend: Spend a lot of time soaking up your craft by going to live shows, watching movies, and steeping yourself in the art form.  

Participate: Look for roles in community theater as well as indie and student films. These won’t pay much (if anything), but experience is golden, and they offer a great place to start auditioning and putting all your research and learning to practical use. 

Help: You may also consider taking part by lending your talents to set design, marketing, costuming, or otherwise assisting in any way. You’ll be able to get to know the local scene intimately, including rubbing elbows with other actors who may have good insight into what helped them on their journey.

6. Finagle the logistics. 

Other than learning how to perform, you’ll also need to slay the technicalities. To help you on your way to making it as an actor, read through our guides on important topics including:

7. Manage your expectations.

Making it in Hollywood is hard, no matter your acting school status. Strive to be realistic about your goals, celebrate your successes, and make sure you’re also working toward a sustainable acting career (that is, don’t go broke or into debt over acting). 

Take it from the self-taught Russell Crowe: “If you wanna be an actor, work it out yourself.”

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