You walk into a room full of strangers. Within minutes, you’re asked to pretend you’re a blushing bride. A raging hurricane. Someone who has imbibed one drink too many. Welcome to acting class!
If that sounds bizarre, don’t worry—it’s all part of the process. Acting lessons are made to pull you out of your comfort zone, help you connect with emotions, and teach you how to bring characters to life. But if you’ve never taken any, you might wonder what actually happens in them. Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown of what to expect while you’re preparing for your next big role.
JUMP TO
While acting lessons aren’t an outright requirement to become an actor, they can help you improve your confidence, communication skills, and ability to express yourself. Here’s what you’ll gain, even if you never step foot on a stage professionally:
- Better public speaking skills
- Stronger emotional intelligence
- More confidence in social situations
- A sense of creative fulfillment
Worst-case scenario, you have some fun and meet cool people. Best-case scenario, acting classes change your life.
If you’ve never acted before, your first class might feel a little like stepping into an alternate universe—and that’s a good thing! Acting classes for beginners focus on breaking down self-consciousness. The goal isn’t to turn you into Meryl Streep overnight (although you never know…), but to help you get comfortable expressing yourself.
What you’ll do in beginner classes
- Physical and vocal exercises at the start of class to help loosen up your body and voice. (Yes, you might have to make weird noises. Embrace it!)
- Improv—think “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” but with fewer jokes and more focus on reacting naturally in the moment.
- Scene work with short, simple scenes to start learning how to interact with scene partners and interpret a script.
- Act emotional; no, you won’t be forced to cry on cue, but you will start learning how to access real feelings.
- Receive feedback from your instructor and classmates, usually in a supportive way. They might say something like, “Try it again, but with more urgency” or “What does your character want at this moment?”
Beginner student expectations
- Keep an open mind. At times, you’ll probably look a bit silly—but so will everyone else. The sooner you get over worrying about looking cool, the better an actor you’ll become. No one expects perfection. Acting is about learning, experimenting, and growing.
- Show up. Beginner classes are generally fun, welcoming, and lighthearted. The hardest part is often just showing up!
How To Choose an Acting ClassOnce you’ve built some confidence, intermediate classes take things up a notch. You’ll start working with more complex material, refining your technique, and developing a deeper understanding of character and script analysis.
What you’ll do in intermediate classes
- Scene study with more layered scenes, showing you how to break down a script, analyze character motivations, and bring depth to your performance.
- Partner work opposite other students, learning to listen and react authentically in the moment.
- Acting methods like Meisner, Stanislavsky, and Hagen, so you can find what works best for you.
- More advanced improv to sharpen your instincts, build chemistry with scene partners, and stay present.
- Cold reads and other types of audition preparation, helping you practice reading scripts with little prep time.
Intermediate student expectations
- Come prepared. If you’re assigned a scene, memorize your lines and make character choices before class.
- Be open to feedback. This is where your acting gets more refined, so your instructor might push you more.
- Take risks. Play around with different ways to approach a scene.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
If you’re in an advanced class, acting is no longer just a fun experiment—it’s something you’re serious about. These classes focus on deepening your skills and preparing you for professional-level work.
What you’ll do in advanced classes
- Difficult scene material, from classic plays to contemporary dramas that require deep emotional investment.
- On-camera acting and how to adjust your performance for the camera if you’re training for film and TV (subtlety is key!).
- Vocal and dialect work, especially if you’re tackling classical material like Shakespeare.
- Real-world scenarios, like auditioning for agents or self-taping for roles.
Advanced student expectations
- Work like a professional. That means doing your homework, making strong choices, and being fully present in every exercise.
- Accept tough feedback. It’s not personal—it’s about helping you meet your true potential as an actor. You’ll be surrounded by actors who take the craft seriously, and the environment will push you to level up.
- Dig deep. Acting at this level requires vulnerability and a willingness to explore uncomfortable emotions.
