Do I really need to go to acting class; my friends think Im a natural performer? Isnt acting all about knowing lines anyway?

If only acting where all about knowing lines. If it where that simple everyone would be an actor. Acting requires skill and discipline on many levels and to start to learn about these skills and disciplines acting class is the PERFECT place.

An acting class is not like any other class, history or English or pottery. There is no formula or textbook regurgitation to passing an acting class.

Acting class is very different; really it is the study of YOU! Of the Self!

Great acting comes from a place of knowing. Knowing your truth, knowing how to relate, knowing how to connect and communicate.

Acting class is the place where you go to KNOW more about YOU!

The way to learn more about your Self is to put yourself out there. Try a love scene. How do you feel? What happens when I allow myself to be funny or sad? How does it feel? Are my instincts tuned? How do people react? What can I do to go deeper?

An acting class should be a safe environment where you can learn to express yourself. All of you. And even if your efforts flop this is the perfect environment because it hasnt cost you anything in terms of losing a job or making the wrong impression with the people that count.

Find an acting class or acting teacher that is supportive and encouraging, one that is constructive and objective not critical.

Acting class, first and foremost should be FUN but also challenging! You want it to be a place where you are continuously discovering, going deeper, and pushing your comfort zone.

Use your acting class to try everything. Dont shy away from your impulses, urges, and ideas, embrace them. This is how you will grow as an actor.

This is the place where you can really screw up, fall flat on your face, and it doesnt matter. This is the place to learn to push the boundaries, to discover who you are and how you work as an actor.

Also I find that when you are continuously working on your craft in such an environment youre in a state ready to work, you have greater confidence in your ability. Youre prepared to nail that role!

So go out there, take an acting class and:

Express yourself

Learn the craft, Gather the tools

Find your Technique

Make mistakes

Learn the Lingo

Work with other like-minded people

Meet people and start a theatre group

See if your have what it takes

Practice, Practice, Practice

Add to your resume

Free yourself up

And most importantly;

Have fun!

To Your acting

Leanne Mauro