How do actors become successful? They go on auditions, and they book jobs. It’s just that simple. The rest is noise.
So the next question is: How can you improve your chances of booking? Well, there are many ways to do that, but I’m going to suggest that an acting coach could add a lot of value to your team. I’ve had many clients improve their booking ratios by using the right one.
The first thing you need to know is that an acting teacher and an acting coach serve different functions. Teachers see you in class every week for an extended period of time. There are other students there, which is a good thing—you can learn from them, too! A teacher’s goal is to improve your overall skills. Coaches, on the other hand, will have a single session with you. It’s one-on-one, and their goal is to help you prepare for a specific audition.
Some actors coach with their teacher, but that’s a mistake. It makes more sense to use different people. Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not suggesting teachers can’t coach. I’m just saying that exposing yourself to another approach is a smart move. It keeps you fresh.
Do You Need an Acting Coach? 10 Actors Sound Off There’s also a psychological component to consider. If you see your teacher every week, coaching with that person will feel like more of the same. But sitting down with a coach sends a clear message to your brain: Pay attention! This is something new. And on a subconscious level, you respond by being open and receptive.
I’ve always felt the best coaches are working actors. That’s because they’re in the game. They’re going out on auditions just like you, so they totally get it. Are you up for a part on “9-1-1”? No problem. The coach booked the show last year. That kind of boots-on-the-ground experience is invaluable, because the coach can give you the inside scoop on how the casting office is run.
So, what, exactly, should you be coaching for? (Please don’t say everything.) These sessions aren’t free, so you should save the expense for major auditions. It just wouldn’t make sense to coach when you’re reading for a small co-star on “All Rise” or “The Rookie.” That’s something you should be able to handle on your own. But you should definitely spend the money if you’re up for a guest star, recurring, or series regular role.
READ: What You Need to Know Before
Considering an Acting Coach
Keep in mind that the skills you learn in a coaching session don’t have an expiration date, either. They stay with you and carry over to your next audition. So if money’s an issue, a strong coaching session will prepare you for the next few opportunities.
At some point, you may be called on to play a character with an accent. Some actors can handle this challenge, while others can hardly keep their words straight without one. That’s why there are accent coaches who focus exclusively on making you sound like just about anyone else in the world. Better yet, the production company will usually cover the expense. (By the way, I’ve been told a Cajun accent is the hardest one to learn.)
Remember that you’re the captain of your team. That means you have to recruit the best players at a cost you can afford. And if someone like me is your pitcher, the right coach will make an excellent shortstop.
Play ball!
This story originally appeared in the Dec. 3 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.
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