Are Acting Coaches Worth It?
When embarking on the exciting journey of acting, you might wonder, Are acting coaches worth it? The answer often depends on your level of experience and how you approach these classes. For beginners, investing in yourself through private acting classes, drama classes at theatres, or even professional acting classes at film or theatre schools can be invaluable. However, as you gain experience, the direction and focus of your training may shift.
For Beginners: Learning the Basics
Beginners often feel confident in their abilities and may believe they already know everything or have no room to improve. This belief is often rooted in what is known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect, where individuals with low ability at a cognitive task suffer from chronic self-awareness deficits. In other words, they overestimate their abilities. Engaging in basic acting classes can help break down these initial misconceptions and open new doors to improvement.
A weekly acting class is a great way to dip your toe in the water and see if acting is right for you. These classes are often great options in cities, offering private coaching, drama classes at theatres, and professional-level acting classes at film or theatre schools. These options mean that you can practice and improve after work or on weekends. The more you put into these classes, the more you are likely to get out of them.
For Experienced Actors: Pushing Boundaries
Once you have some experience, the type of acting class you need may change. Instead of basic lessons, you may need to engage in higher-level training. Sometimes, these classes are called Continued Professional Development (CPD). These classes are designed for actors who have some experience and are ready to be challenged at a deeper level. CPD classes might be taught by experienced professionals, directors, or even casting directors.
One key piece of advice when taking these advanced classes is to ensure that your focus is correctly aligned. The primary goal of a CPD class is not to be with a director or consider it an opportunity for casting. Instead, these classes are designed to push you as an actor. Engaging with a director without a carefully planned approach might result in a misplaced focus and a waste of your time and resources.
Instead of taking on another CPD class with the wrong mindset, consider investing in other areas that can enhance your career. New headshots, a well-crafted voice reel, or even new equipment for self-taping might be more beneficial. These elements can significantly boost your readiness and marketability.
As an example, in Hollywood, Los Angeles acting classes are commonly attended by professionals. Even accomplished actors like Charlize Theron, despite her experience and fame, are known to attend acting classes to continue their professional growth and stay sharp.
In conclusion, whether an acting coach is worth it depends on your level of experience and your goals. For beginners, basic acting classes can be extremely beneficial. For those with experience, CPD classes that push boundaries can be invaluable.