Acting Schools? Advice?!?

Question

This question is mainly about acting training. Ok, I've already decided I want to do acting as a career, so my question is which is better: a university program, a specific acting school, or just acting classes with a coach. I was also doing some research on some schools but was having a difficult time finding comments on the schools from students who attend(ed) it. I was thinking about The School for Film and Television, The University of the Arts, NYU, and Kansas State. Have you or do you know someone who's had a good experience at these schools? Are there any other good solid programs you know of?

Answer 1

I'm currently enrolled in an Actor's Training Program in Northern California that is working well for me. First you need to decide what kind of acting you would like to do and then find a school that specializes in that. For example, if you're into musical theater then the University of Michigan is one of the top schools for that genre. And if you're interested in a career in film then UCLA and USC are great schools. Definitely try to get your Masters in Fine Arts though. It looks impressive on a resume and it allows you to teach the craft to pay the bills while going on auditions. I hope that helps!

Answer 2

Private coaching is by far the best way to go. Also, advanced scene study classes are fantastic. These are the two best in LA by FAR:

http://www.cliffosmond.com/

Cliff Osmond's class is $250 if you pay before the first class.

http://strasberg.com/home.html

Cliff Osmond is very intense, you should be at an intermediate level for his class. Although I think he does have someone there teaching a more beginning type class. He is a truly amazing teacher. I was referred to him by the then casting director of Days of Our Lives, Doris Sabbah. He is good friends with her. He is widely respected amongst casting directors in LA. He has some awesome "special guest" casting people come to his class to see the students perform!

Answer 3

Hi!
I'm attending the Studio Program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy NY.
It's pretty good...
It's an intensive program, it last less than 2 years but during those years you are so busy with school you don't have time do do anything else.
I like it very much, sometimes I don't agree with the american vision of stage acting but that's because I have an European background (I'm from Italy).
Good luck!

Answer 4

My prejudice is in favor of private lessons and classes along with a great deal of experience in plays. There are very few decent actor training programs at colleges and univeristies,and you also have to be careful of rip off private acting schools as well. Having a mentor is important to help you decide the better options. My free book will help you a great deal. Read my profile and write me at my aol addres.

Answer 5

I had an acting teacher at a junior college, in Oklahoma. She was a very proud graduate of Northwestern University. NU is a very respectable school. It's very small compared to other Big Ten schools, but don't be afraid of its size. It's performing arts school is one of the best.
Also, UCLA and USC always have some of the best performing arts departments year after year, and their location is obviously a plus.
Break a leg! If you want to make it, believe in yourself and be persistent!

Answer 6

I know of several people who are attending Kean University and they say it has a wonderful theater school! Plus you are very close to NYC for auditions!! Check out their website for more details on what they offer.

www.kean.edu

Answer 7

NYU: Tisch college of the humanities is a factor of the college. i think of they supply all the above. Yale Drama college Columbia college %. college in case you bypass West Coast: UCLA USC