The majority of professional actors and actresses who work in film or on stage have attended accredited acting schools. An acting college can be a full-fledged school dedicated to training aspiring actors, or a specialized division of a university or community college that offers theater degrees. Choosing the best acting colleges necessitates investigating a program’s and teachers’ credentials, determining the types of programs offered, and examining previous graduates’ success. A new actor’s resume and portfolio can benefit greatly from completion of a reputable acting program.
If you’re looking into different acting schools, you should first look into whether or not they’ve been accredited. Governing boards accredit most acting programs at community colleges and public universities, requiring them to meet high academic standards. Independent acting colleges that provide quality education and performance opportunities to students are accredited professional organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Theatre in the United States. Admissions counselors or other members of the campus staff can usually provide information about a school’s credentials.
Following confirmation of accreditation, a prospective actor can research curricula that best suit his or her goals. Some schools are more focused on film production, while others are more focused on preparing students for stage acting. A person who wants to act on Broadway would probably go to a school that focuses on stage productions. Many independent schools offer specialized certificates or diplomas upon graduation, while universities frequently offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts to deserving students. Perusing college brochures and online resources can usually give an individual a good idea of the types of curricula and degrees available.
The credentials, resumes, and specialties of teachers and other faculty members are equally important. An experienced and well-respected acting teacher can have a significant impact on his or her students’ success. Professional school personnel ensure that new actors acquire all of the necessary skills to work professionally. Teachers’ preferences for film or stage acting, like the curriculum itself, should be considered.
Recent graduates’ success can be a good indicator of whether or not a particular acting school is worthwhile. The best schools are those that consistently produce well-prepared actors with a wide range of job opportunities. If such information is not explicitly stated in brochures or on the website of an acting school, an individual can inquire about the likelihood of finding work after graduation with admissions counselors.