theatre acting?

Question

hi everyone and happy new year.I am an amateur actor with lots experience,although I havent an accredited acting degree I do have lots of short courses and workshopw behind me, however Im not au fait with a lot of the methods such as Stanislavski,Chekhov etc.Do u think I can work as a professional actor in theatre without doing a 3 or 4 year degree.Its what I want to do but Im not in a position to go back to college

Answer 1

You do not need a degree to become a professional actor, what you need is commitment, talent, and an iron clad ego as you'll be rejected at more auditions than you care to mention, because you haven't quite got the right look, or you're slightly too tall etc...

Speaking from a UK perspective, and not knowing where you are from, depending on courses, degrees from universities are more academic and theory focused, whereas diplomas from drama academies/schools are more practical in nature and normally end with performances for agents.

An actors saleability comes from having strengths in many areas, voice work, movement, acting ability, musical talent etc. Knowing the methods of Stanislavsky, Chekhov etc, are useful in giving you more tools as an actor in ways of performing, and are VERY useful to have (for yourself), but are not a requirement, or something that ever gets asked at an audition.

What you need is experience, experience and more experience to build up your CV, along with quotable reviews. If you are just starting out maybe looking at doing rep, or trying to get into a touring company might be a good springboard for you. Look on the web for such companies and enquire as to when and how they will be recruiting next. You will find some will not consider you if you haven't got an agent (a bit of a double edged sword as some agents won't take you without a backlog of proven work). Do you know anyone in the industry who could make introductions for you?

You are going into a very uncertain industry and it takes a lot of bravery. I wish you well.

Answer 2

You can but the question is whether you will. As someone already said, you may be perfectly castable already. Life experience is a huge asset for any actor, and to be able to draw on it for any role is the main tenent to the Stanislavski method etc. Give it a go. Depending on where you are in the world, as has already been said, look up theatre companies, agents ( a bit catch 22), even production companies and find out what's going on. Get a good headshot, a black and white 10'' *8'' photo, some nice paper and a bunch of hard backed envelopes and send out your face, cv and a covering letter. Doctor the cv if necessary! Though not crazily. Just promote yourself. Then be prepared for rejection! Although hopefully for every 10 people who say no, there will be one who says yes, and build from there. If you can, look into putting together a showreel as well. Training is an excellent thing if you have the money and the time. In the case of the better schools, here in the UK, it may also provide you with contacts for your career. If you are an adult though it's not essential, and like you say, you've done courses. Just give it a go. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Hi there frog-pet, Terry here, I am a happily succesful actor (sorry for throwing that into your face - but I am speaking of the experience I ahve gotten throughout the years): I have no clue where you live. That IS important as if you are from the US/UK? Canada or Australia in order to get into the "bigger" production you will need your equity form And that might be rather tricky: no job = no card/ no card = no job....!
Regarding training: also difficult to answer as I have no idea how good yu are; being discovered while shopping that might just remain a dream (but hey dreams do come true)... training is good; as like in every kinda trade; there are some easy to be used skills to learn. If you do not have the chance to go to an official school; try to find anything in your community (free classes and so on). Also keep on trying to find community productions in order to learn the trade and try also to find different kind of roles. That way you will learn to deal with different kind of characters.
Good luck - do not give up - believe in yourself and keep the passion as that is THE most important thing; love what you do...
Salut
t

Answer 4

"College" isn't the issue...training and experience are the issue. It just so happens that, for many young would-be actors, college is the easiest (and, in most instances, the best) way to get that training and experience.

If you've done coursework and workshops, I would suggest that the time has come for you to get out and start auditioning. See what kind of response you get out in the "real world;" it might be that you're cast-able just as you are. If not, further training might be warranted...but remember, when you walk into an audition, nobody ever asks to see your degree; they just want to see your WORK.

Answer 5

there are a number of transformations. case in point in theater you utilize very super expressions so the objective audience can see. In action picture your expressions could be alot much less with the aid of fact of close united statesit will seem un real looking. additionally, you do no longer ought to projecet as lots in action picture as you could on degree with the aid of fact of booms. so which you will in all possibility be good as quickly as you toned each and every thing down somewhat

Answer 6

i'm working on my way to go down this sort of root, i suggest you go and do a 1 or 2 year course at a drama school, they take all ages from 18+

Answer 7

There is no short cut to success im afraid

Answer 8

HEy would you want to be in our movie?were filming high school musical.....we have all the karaoke every song...we need Troy,Monique,Ryan,Sharpay,Troys dad and alot of extras so please email me at [e-mail] ill send you more info!

Answer 9

If you have what they want and you present it professionally then its perfectly possible...go for it! :)