Are Acting Classes Worth It?

When beginning the journey to become an actor the options and opportunities seem overwhelming and the advice is varied and often contradictory. One question I encounter from actors is,

“Are acting classes worth it?”

Being an actor and an acting coach you’d expect my response to be a resounding “YES!” So you might be surprised then to hear that my answer is actually, “sometimes.” 

In every market, large and small, there seem to be no shortage of places to enroll in to train as an actor. Couple that with the internet and the choices are endless. Actors should be honest with themselves in exploring the many opportunities available to them by answering a few questions. 

“Where am I in my artistic journey?” 

Are you someone who has a TON of school and/or community theater experience and you’re looking to level up to a professional? Acting classes are not only “worth it” in this case but completely necessary. In this case it is crucial to find an instructor who knows the ins and outs of the entertainment industry and can guide you through building your career and honing your skills for auditioning, working on set or rehearsal process, and navigating finding an agent or manager. There is a ton of misinformation on social media so finding someone you trust is key. A trusted coach will be worth their weight in gold and save you time and money in the long run.

“I want to get started in acting but I have no idea how!” 

Acting classes can greatly boost your confidence both as a budding actor and as a person! In classes you will learn skills that cross over into daily life. Auditioning skills turn into great interview skills. Acting skills translate into every area of communication, presentation and human interaction. People who want to audition for local productions will learn how to analyze a script, submit for auditions and basic film and theater terms that will help them feel more confident in taking action in their community offerings. 

“Am I looking for something fun to do?” 

If this is the case, yes, acting classes can be so FUN! Many classes allow audits so I always recommend auditing a few and getting the vibe. Try out a month or two of classes and see where it takes  you. You may learn that acting isn’t for you, or you may get “the bug!” Either way you’ll find taking the risk is absolutely worth it!

“Am I looking for validation and accolades?” 

Oooof. This is a tough one to answer honestly. In my years as a coach I’ve occasionally encountered actors who aren't interested in growing as an artist, putting in effort, or receiving any critical feedback. If you aren’t interested in any of the above, acting classes are not worth it. While every coach has a personal style with some leaning more heavily on praise and others pushing harder, every coach wants to see growth. A healthy amount of constructive criticism is required here. If you’re not ready to accept it then acting classes may not be right for you. 

“Can I afford it?” 

Having a budget isn’t a bad thing! If you are working to become a professional, acting classes are a necessary cost of business. That doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive class is the best class for you at this time. If you are still exploring acting as a hobby it may be better to keep your investment low here as you are feeling out whether or not you think acting is your thing.

“Do I have the time?” 

In person classes far away from your house where you have to fight traffic each week might prevent you from wanting to attend regularly. Additionally, some classes require rehearsals in between classes. Finding a class that meets your goals and schedule should be a consideration in determining whether or not acting classes are worth it to you. Those who have found a class they can be successful in, whatever success means for them, will often sing their praises. 

My final word of advice would be to ask any actors you know for a referral to help you in your search. When you’ve done the research and narrowed down your options, audited a few classes, and determined who to study with, you can rest assured your investment in acting classes is worth it.