How much does a degree in acting actually help?

Question

I would like to know because I've heard some people saying that it doesn't really help in getting auditions or anything.

Answer 1

It's a useful question.

#1: A degree in theatre doesn't do you ANY good. Believe me, when you walk into an audition, nobody is ever going to ask to see your diploma.

#2: The TRAINING that the degree represents makes all the difference in the world. If you've ever spent any time auditioning in the major entertainment centers (NYC, LA, Chicago, etc.), you know that audition halls are clogged with literally thousands of people who call themselves "actors," but have neither the skills nor the experience to back it up. If you walk in with a solid training background under your belt, you've got a serious head-start on your competition.

I'm a big proponent of academic theatre training. I think that far too many young would-be actors hit the streets before they're ready. But, in answer to your original question...it's not the DEGREE that matters, it's what you learned along the way.

Answer 2

I think that it would be very worthwhile to get a college degree even if you are going to pursue a career such as acting that may not require a degree. It will make you a more well rounded person and give you an insight into subjects and cultures as well as give you the tools to face the demanding world of acting. If you look up some of your favorite stars or famous celebrities, you will find that just about all of them have at least a college degree and some a masters.
One of my all time favorite actresses, Katherine Hepburn, had both. In an interview I saw of her from the 1970s, she said that it helped her greatly in being able to know how to work her way around Hollywood. In other words, she was no dummy and was not manupulated by the studios the was some were back in those days.
Even Brad Pitt has a college degree, so, GO FOR IT!!!

Answer 3

Landing roles takes two things, TALENT, and experience. Going to school show a real commitment to learn. As a director, I like to see someone with a degree, congratulations. However, my decision to cast someone wouldn't depend solely on that. Schooling gets you some experience, but do community theatre, and audition for other College open auditions as well. Don't get all you experience in one place.

Answer 4

Casting agents are all about talent and experience, and college can give you both. But the question to ask yourself is, is it worth the time and money? Unless you go to arts/acting school, about half the classes you will be required to take will have nothing to with acting or performance. Plus, starting out in the entertainment industry, money will be extremely tight for awhile. Do you really want $1,000's in college loans following you around for years? You may want to simply take acting classes and audition like mad until your career really starts rolling.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Some, not all, talent agents prefer prospective clients with a Master of Arts in Theatre. I worked at a talent agency that gave priority interviews/auditions to actors with an M.A. in theatre on their résumé from a good school.

Answer 6

There are agents that want to see a degree, preferably MFA on an actor's resume. They know you are serious the business, and not someone off the street that does not know anything about the industry, also that you have experience doing theater.

Answer 7

Well, a LOT of the people in the industry do have them but talent can win out over a degree in theater arts, but (again) I do notice that even some of those have other college educations ( Brad PItt, Gerard Butler . . . )

Answer 8

zero. It's all about experience. If the process of getting the degree gets you experience, then go for it. But the physical piece of paper doesn't mean anything to anybody except yourself.

Answer 9

get hired online at www.baajaa.com

showbiz section

Answer 10

it can give you an advantage but will not necessarily give you the role =)