Acting school is an incredible experience and an exciting and immersive way of learning the core principles of acting.
Here at AFTT, we teach you a diverse range of skills and work to enhance your confidence to succeed in the industry. However, before starting any acting school, there are some key things you should be aware of.
1. You have to throw yourself at the experience
Performing in front of people isn’t a natural thing for people to do. The nature of acting is “putting oneself out there”. It can be nerve-wrecking and scary, but it is also incredible and exciting. Don’t get trapped in thought – trust your instincts – let go and discover. The more you learn to work impulsively, the more you enable yourself to learn the key skills to develop yourself as an actor. Confidence is a learned skill, and AFTT’s Eric Morris System of acting helps develop this as soon as you start.
2. Don’t just learn to act for theatre, you need to learn how to act to the cameras too
Head of Acting for Stage and Screen here at AFTT, Glen Hamilton says how ‘The adjustment that begins between acting for theatre and film is in the placement of your audience. The theatre actor uses energy to take their character and acting choices to the very back row of a 500 seat theatre. The film actor lets their audience in through the size of frame of the shot – this can be as magnified as a single tear running down the actor’s face. In film, your audience comes to you – in theatre, you go to them.’
3. Acting is business too
You may have the skills to become a successful actor, but if you don’t know how to promote yourself, then your skills and talent may go unnoticed. Remember that your tutors are also your best connections immediately into the industry after graduating – they’re still working in it today and if you make a good impression during your course, could be your biggest help to becoming a success. Networking is a key skill that we develop here at AFTT, inviting our industry contacts to your performances, along with making sure you have strong headshots and a great showreel, showcasing your best work.
4. Learn to work with others
Not just learning to work WITH others, but making it easier for others to work with YOU too. This includes fellow actors, cinematographers, stage managers and directors. Learn your lines early, be generous in your approach to the work, collaborate fully with your ensemble – be someone you would love to work with. Remember that careers are formed by working with people twice!
5. Learn to take criticism
It is part of the whole learning experience, but when it comes to the acting industry, it can be tough. Remember – it’s not about you – it’s about the work. Any feedback that is given is an opportunity for you to make the work more successful overall. Criticism is tough but particularly in acting school it is important to realise that if you are not uncomfortable – you are not learning. So embrace criticism and feedback as a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow.
Find out more about studying Acting for Stage and Screen here at AFTT or Enquire now.