i really think i'd make a good actor, but it seems like i wouldn't be taken seriously cuz i've never taken any classes. what do you guys recommend i should do? has anyone ever had an experience with acting where they never took classes and still got parts?
2006-10-04 20:39:24 · 18 answers · asked by j rock 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
Certainly 'credentials" are a seemingly important part of getting any "job" but so to is ability and experience.
In truth we are all "natural" actors, and portray some character on some level, in every day interactions.
The issue is more as you state it,,, Being discovered or recognized, and taken seriously.
Think of it this way,, in this analogy.
The show Annie, has two very significant messages.
"It's a Hard Knock Life" AND "The Sun will come out tomorrow"
Your focus certainly should be directed at the very least on studying,,,even without classes, what makes a Classic performer/actor. You should get to know all the nuances that create what an audience will closely relate to.
CLASSES in any form of after experience, certainly add credibility, but I offer this.
I went to NYU, studying among other things,,,Theater Technology.
Upon finishing the program,,, the instructor noted to all of us,,,
"Now, you feel ready to become Oscar material, or well known in the craft,,,You then can discard that heavy gray book you've used in studies, and armor yourself for the real world. Be prepared to be disregarded. Be preapred to be dismissed/rejected. take any rejection as a trophy, or a part of a shield you create. Be prepared to enjoy peanut butter as your main nourishment. Be prepared to succeed as well, and above all, never deny a passion, because someone else does,,,about you."
So sayeth Steven Wolf
If I could sum it all up in one word it might be Tenacity
2006-10-05 04:54:41 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible, but not very likely. If you are really handsome, or have a very unusual or marketable "look" it is more possible. If you live in LA or NYC there will be lots of acting classes available that are geared toward the profession. Look in "Backstage" (a weekly newspaper for the theatre/entertainment professions.) If you want to see if acting is for you without signing up for a professional training program (may take 2 or more years to complete) choose an acting intensive. You'll have to interview for these classes if the teacher is any good. If you don't have to audition/interview, the class is probably not any good. In NYC, I recommend Maggie Flanagan. She's a really tough teacher, but she's really good, too.
If you really want to try acting without classes, get your headshots done and submit them at open calls. Dress in slightly nicer than casual clothes that show your body. A fitted, short sleeved shirt in a plain color is good on many men, with flat front dark pants. You'll need a monologue for some auditions--choose a simple, short piece (not more than 2 minutes) from a play or movie and memorize it thoroughly. If you get a chance to present it, walk in to the room, say hello in a nice, open way, put down your stuff and stand in the middle of the playing space. State the source of your monologue--'I'm going to do a piece from ______." Begin the monologue. Stop when they say "thank you." Always say "thank you" and look at them in a friendly way when you leave. If you have questions, ask the person outside the auditioning room.
If you decide to invest all the money in headshots and the time to go on auditions, you might as well take classes while you're waiting to get a role!
2006-10-05 09:42:45 · answer #2 · answered by Yogini108 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if you want to be a working actor. There is a LOT involved in acting, not just memorizing lines. You have to learn how to move on the stage. You have to learn various acting techniques. You have to learn how to develop believable characters. You have to learn dialects and accents. You have to understand "motivation."
If you don't take acting lessons and go on an audition, the casting director, agent, manager, or director, will know that you have no idea what you are doing!
If you are serious about acting, from your question, you obviously, are not, take acting lessons.
RESUMES: You must include the schools where you took acting lessons, singing lessons, dance, etc.
2006-10-04 23:54:46 · answer #3 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acting may be an innate ability in some folks. However, refinement of the craft comes with education. The key is finding the right teacher, growing a thick enough skin to take correction and use it to grow, and finally to live, eat and breathe what you love understanding that sacrifice is part of the game.
2006-10-05 01:25:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is possible, you just have to be in the right place at the right time. If you are in a production and the lead actor falls ill if you have been punctual and around regularly and you are known as being reliable you could easily take the part.
You would probably have to be open to make a fool of yourself but then in life who doesn't at some point in their lives? :)
2006-10-04 21:52:55 · answer #5 · answered by MrT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ummm yes. but it is definately more possible if you had the proper experience. I've been acting for years, and the directors wouldn't accept anyone if they never had classes taken in the past. Maybe you should start out small and work your way up...good luck, Val
2006-10-06 19:55:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The world's a stage and all of us are actors :-) Especially when you stated that you really think you'll make a good actor, that's a good start. Confidence. Believe in yourself. Start looking out for opportunities for such - auditions, roles plays etc. Soon you'll be there. Good luck!
2006-10-04 22:51:38 · answer #7 · answered by TK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in filmd/television/theatre, or school plays/musicals? sure, I've gotten parts in high school, but I worked closely with a director during one who basically showed us how to act while we worked, so now it's drilled into me. sorry ^^; if you're trying to become a film/tv/theatre actor w/o classes, no way. I can tell you that RIGHT NOW, no way, because everyone who's had classes will have a big advantage on you.
2006-10-04 20:43:04 · answer #8 · answered by High On Life 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are plenty of big name actors who never have attended an acting class in their lives.
2006-10-04 20:42:06 · answer #9 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure if you don't want to be famous... you can always get some roles in the local school play...
Seriously why don't you take classes just so that you have some experience and get networking...?
2006-10-04 20:42:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋