10 Types Of Acting Classes and How to Choose One

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Here you will find different types of acting classes that will surely aid you in becoming a much more successful actor.

There are many types of Acting classes 

  • Scene Study
  • On Camera
  • Movement 
  • Voice etc…

And each of these can improve and strengthen your ability to perform well in different environments. 

There are many Acting classes available in our world today. 

They all offer you somewhat different benefits and ways to go about your lessons to further enhance your acting career.

TYPES OF ACTING CLASSES

1. Scene study acting classes

Here the Acting process is analyzed from movies, tv, and theater.

Scene study acting classes offer;

  • A complete review/analysis from script to end-product.
  • Constructive feedback to aid your performance.
  • To help you discover your strength and weakness.
  • To aid experienced actors ( Not for beginners ).
  • To Develop your skill set, so that you can play different characters.
  • To help you learn new ways to approach a part.

There is also a Scene study class for beginning students who are new to acting.

Actors will be taught basic techniques and tools that will be used in their scene work.

They will also be knowledgeable in areas such as physical, emotional, and vocal performance so that they will make good choices throughout their career.

2. On-camera acting classes

HD Canon camera

Film and television actors are trained to never make mistakes on-camera. Whether it is a live appearance or a recorded scene in a movie, there is no room for error.

An on-camera actor must be able to deliver their lines flawlessly without hesitation, even when they are under pressure.

On-camera actors are usually required to project their emotions and speak with conviction.

They must also be able to project their voice without making an audible sound that is picked up by the camera.

The audience may not be able to see the actor’s face, but they will definitely hear if there is a mistake in the performance.

On-camera acting classes ;

are designed for actors/actresses to work well in front of the camera.

Actors will be trained to fulfill on-camera blocking and direction. 

It is easier to see where you went wrong than it is to see what you did right thats why scenes are rehearsed and recorded with directors’ making corrections, which will permit students to see how well they did on screen and improve further. 

On-camera acting brings out your most truthful performance. You need to be confident and comfortable in front of the camera si that it can capture your emotion to the standard that you want.

After you have taken an on-camera class you will know how to:

  • Trust the camera and act like a professional.
  • Act “in the moment” 
  • Film high-quality self-tapes.

What’s required today in films is the ability to be natural and truthful in front of the camera. 

It requires a new way of thinking and using your skills to the best of your abilities. 

3. Cold reading acting classes

In cold readings, you will often perform a scene without any or very little preparation. This type of acting is usually practiced in audition rooms.

Even though the material you will be given is not very familiar to you, you are expected to :

  • Connect with your partners instantly and be insync with the scripts enviroment.
  • Make good choices
  • Use stage directions well
  • Stay focused
  • Keep it simple
  • Relax and enjoy the experience

Having “strong cold reading skills” will help you win more auditions because a good director is just trying to get a feel for you and your personality.

A few tips on cold reading

  • Don’t be afraid to take your time. Usually the audition panel will give you a few minutes to look over your scene. Use it to your advantage
  • Don’t try to memorize the script.
  • Memorize your first and last lines. This way you will be able to show that you are connected to the script/scene and the person reading opposite of you.
  • Connect with your scene partner(s). 
  • Break down the script. That is: script analysis and character breakdown. 
  • Train for it. The more times you pick up unfamiliar material and work on it, the better you will get. Preparation can really make a difference. This will help you repeat larger sections of words at a single glance.

4. Classical Acting Classes

Classical acting is developed using the teachings of Michel Saint-Denis and Konstantin Stanislavsky.

This type of acting class is used to train actors to use their bodies, voices, and minds to create and portray their characters. 

The training is physically demanding and requires a lot of commitment. In order for an actor to embody a character, they must have an open, adaptable body and a voice that is free from stress/tension.

Classical acting;

  • Encompasses different acting techniques used together.
  • Focus on precision and action.
  • Never deviates from the script in performance. 
  • Performs in a wide range of projects and play roles well beyond their traditional casting.
  • Teach voice and movement techniques, reading Shakespeare and other classical literature, and how to perform it well.

5. Improvisational, or improv, acting classes

Improvisation is a form of theatre that is more creative and dynamic than traditional acting. In improv, the actors create scenes and stories on the spot with no pre-planned scripts or rehearsals.

Usually, improvisers will take a suggestion from the audience.

Improv is very unique because once you see the show/performance, that’s it.

You will never see a show like that ever again. Improv is different every time.

Improv is both comedy and drama based. Usually comedy though.

Improv is spontaneous, entertaining, and fun.

In Improv acting classes, through exercises and games, students will learn the basic skills of improv and have fun developing their imagination, and confidence.

Teamwork = Improv, You will need the person next to you as much as he needs you.

TYPES OF IMPROVISATION

  • Harold
  • Musical improv
  • Dramatic improv
  • Short-form improv

6. Movement acting classes

Beautiful women wearing a blue dress dancing bale

Actors should feel free and comfortable to express their impulses, listen to and engage in a form of dialogue with their videos.

An actor should be in sync with their movement as a Musician is in sync with his/her Instrument.

Movement training for actors helps strengthen and free the body.

It also helps release any form of physical tension and free the breath. 

An actor’s creativity and imagination must match with the ability to express and the body and voice.

Movement training makes actors aware of their body, physical intention and helps free their expressive movement. 

When you take movement acting classes, you will learn :

  • Opening of expressive range 
  • Basic movement skills like strength, flexibility, coordination, agility and movement flow.
  • The ability to sustain your concentration and consistency
  • The ability to play and connect physicality to image
  • The basics of scene work and how to ensure that your performances are even across all platforms.

7. Vocal and singing acting classes

women singing and playing guitar

Vocal and singing acting classes will engage you in practical exercises, giving you clear tools to develop your voice work independently, improve range and resonance. 

In order to improve acoustic parameters of the voice, vocal training through singing and acting lessons are essential. 

Acoustic changes in voice make an impact on a listener’s emotion and can be used to identify the quality in singing performance.

You will learn key exercises to improve your vocal confidence drastically in performance environments.

The classes will work on your : 

  • Breath and awareness: Breathing freely is fundamental to the technique for any performer. The more you are aware of your body and breath habits, the more your speaking & singing tone will be better. Aids a long speech as well.
  • Range: The vocal range of classical performance covers about five octaves.
  • Vocal Anatomy: Produce a good soothing tone.
  • Release: Learn how to relax the muscles around the larynx and jaw.
  • Tone: Establishing a strong vocal tone to explore natural range and resonance.
  • Ability to Develop truthful characterization.
  • Ability to respond to a wide range of musical theatre genres.
  • Capability to perform audition material with full confidence.

8. Stage combat acting classes

A man in a fencing suit

Stage combat acting classes are all about teaching the art of armed and unarmed stage combat thrills.

These classes give actors a strong physical awareness, engagement, clarity, and the ability to listen. They learn how to rely on their senses and control their body in dangerous situations.

Emphasis is on the actor’s use of body, movement, and style. 

Students will learn the basics in the mechanics of conflict and acting it truthfully, Stage Combat Safety, and necessary skills pertaining to Unarmed Combat and Found Weapons. 

Over time through proper warm-up techniques and disciplined repetition, stage combat students achieve the confidence and physical ability to take on a professional role that requires stage violence.

After taking a stage acting class: You will have 

  • Knowledge of basic safety procedures and working skills .
  • Ability to develop the use of body and movement.
  • Deep understanding of the process.
  • Skills in advanced physical warm-up, concentration and individual strengths.
  • Ability to continue the journey of creative growth.
  • The ability to use props like swords, guns and other weapons and how to handle them safely

9. Acting Technique Classes

This type of acting class is one of the most common.

Acting is a craft that can never be perfected but taking a class like this will improve your acting skills.

Acting technique classes will help you learn the ins and out of acting by using specific methods like;

  • Stanislavski Method
  • Classical Acting Technique
  • Method Acting Technique
  • Meisner Technique

10. Commercial Acting Classes

A commercial is a short piece of television advertising in the form of either a 30-second or 60-second advertisement. In order to be successful, commercials are required to showcase a unique and effective message to sell their products or services.

Commercial classes will teach you everything about commercials – from auditioning, to reading scripts, to improvising, to behaving on a commercial shoot, and so forth.

Commercial auditions are a great way to get your foot in the door of the industry. There are many different opportunities available to those who excel at commercial auditions.

When auditioning for a role in a commercial you should :

  • Dress the part
  • Show your unique personality
  • Show up early and work long
  • Have headshots prepared
  • Have your resume ready
  • Show openness and enthusiasm
  • Be ready to do improv 

HOW MUCH WILL MY ACTING CLASS COST?

Acting classes are expensive. It depends on where and what type of class your planning on joining.

An average acting class costs $150-$2000 but if you hire an acting coach it can cost anywhere from $20-$100 per hour.  

So, there are a lot of factors to determine the cost. But one thing is certain, an investment today could make all the difference in the future of your acting career.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ACTING CLASS

7 white doors and 1 yellow door

If you’re taking an acting class you should be in the culture and the school should have a clear strategy for implementing its acting philosophy and practices.

The options are endless, there are so many acting classes today it’s hard to figure out which acting class is best for you.

That’s why choosing the right acting class will assist you in being successful in your acting career.

Here is how you can choose the best acting class for you:

  • Make sure the acting class has a clear philosophy and a solid structure.
  • Be certain that your acting class fits your style,schedule and requirements.

WHICH DEGREE IS BEST FOR ACTING ?

square academic cap and a shirt

This is our list of which degree is best for pursuing acting:

1. Communication Degree

2. Film Degree

3. Drama Degree

4. Musical Theater Degree

5. Stage Management

6. Costume Design Degree

7. Screenwriting Degree

8. Directing/Theater Production

9. Media Studies Degree

10. Theater History Degree

CONCLUSION 

Taking acting classes can be tricky and daunting. The best way to make sure that it’s a good fit is to research the class, teacher and facility before signing up.

Leave a comment with your opinion or any questions you may have below…

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