No matter your age, going back to school is always a good idea—especially if it’s acting class we’re talking about. Whether you’re brand new to acting or a seasoned vet. It’s crucial to the success of an actor that he or she keeps their skills sharp while also learning new techniques, methods, and approaches, and acting class is the perfect way to do just that. From beginner level classes that teach the basics to something more specialized—scene study, voice, movement, combat—there is an incredible amount of courses to choose from. So how do you choose? How do you separate the classes that will truly help you on your actor journey from those that will just take your money and time? How do you know which class/teacher/format is right for you? –

Just want to be famous? This isn’t the right way to do it. Fame and success don’t happen overnight and certainly won’t happen without serious training. You have to truly be passionate about acting, enough so to devote your time to studying the craft. And even then, proper training doesn’t guarantee success.

Come to study at one of the best acting colleges in california

What kind of actor do I want to be? What kind of skills do I need to develop?

First things first: identify your needs. “Be honest about why you want to be an actor in the first place,” says Paul Barry, Backstage Expert and acting teacher. “Though you may claim it’s a pure artistic calling, if it’s really for fame, glamour, or to prove something to your parents, be honest about that. If you want to exorcise your demons—though acting may not be the most reliable therapy—it’s your life, your choice. Just be honest, because it will guide every decision you make.”

Figure out where you want to do the majority of your acting. Do you want to tread the boards? Discover a character in front of a film camera? Perform for a live audience in musical theater? Comedy? Drama? Yes, there are general “acting” classes, but if you have an idea of what you want to focus on, that can help you choose the right class to help develop that particular set of skills. If you’re further along in your training, you may decide it’s time to tackle a facet of acting you’ve never considered before, or one that your agent recommends you add to your resume to expand the types of roles you can submit for.

Classes

Scene study + technique

According to Los Angeles-based acting teacher and film director Michelle Danner, “Actors are teachers of humanity.”

Auditioning

Though auditioning and performing go hand-in-hand, these classes focus on the former. Even if you’re a fantastic actor, but you’re not good in auditions, that talent won’t ever be acknowledged. To help students nail their auditions, these classes teach script analysis, proper audition behavior, monologue prep, and how to approach a casting panel.

Acting Technique

Which acting technique is the best? Depending on the material you are given, different techniques can be used to create the life of the character. All the techniques work, it’s knowing when to use them that makes you a great actor. Each acting technique (Stella Adler, The Sanford Meisner, Lee Strasberg, Uta Hagen, Chekhov, & the Stanislavsky Technique, all of which Michelle Danner has extensive experience with) has its strengths and weaknesses.

Best acting colleges in California – THE MICHELLE DANNER ACTING STUDIO

Michelle Danner is an international film director & acting coach. Her student list includes James Franco, Seth MacFarlane, Salma Hayek, Henry Cavill, Zooey Deschanel, Gerard Butler, Chris Rock, Chris Martin, Penelope Cruz, Michael Pena, Michelle Rodriguez, Kate Del Castillo and many others.

The Acting Studio’s philosophy is that artists can draw upon all different acting techniques and form an individual toolbox, their own Golden Box. We will help you to develop your own “Golden Box” of techniques and tools that you can use when approaching a role or a scene, whether it be for film, television, or theater. The Acting School’s acting techniques are based on Meisner, Strasberg, Adler, Hagen, Chekhov, & the Stanislavsky Technique.