Expert: Phil Nemy - 6/9/2009

Question
Hi Phil,

I am a 32 year old Indian woman and work professional as an Engineer. I finally know that I want to change career paths and get into acting. I am interested in TV and Film acting. Theater never for my interest going.

1. I would like to get comprehensive training in all acting techniques before I pursue a professional career. Where should I be in terms of locations in the US to get both trained and to get noticed? I have read several threads that talk about good drama schools all around the country. But are there less chances of getting a break, say if I get trained in a good school in Boston instead of going to a decent school in LA for being casted on TV and Films?

2. Also should I do a Bachelors or a Masters program? I need to hold an engineering job for the next few years and can go to school only in the evening. So, what schools would you recommend for a working person? I am interested in hands-on training in acting rather than theoretical classes. What kinds of schools should I be searching for?



3. I live in the SF Bay Area. Does Bay Area have any reputable acting schools that are respected in the industry circles in LA?

Thanks a million for answering my questions. Sorry, I had so many of them. I just need help starting and would like to make the most informed decisions that I can.  

Answer
Priya,

Thanks for writing. Here are your answers:

1) In my opinion, the best actor's training is training for the stage. So enroll in a college or university that offers a BFA in acting. Schools in Los Angeles and New York City will obviously be closer to where most film, television and theater is cast. That said, going to a top-notch acting program in Boston or Pittsburgh or Dallas

2) A Master's program will give you a higher level and more disciplined level of training than a Bachelor's program would give you, but either would be beneficial to you. But as far as a I know, there are no quality university/college BFA or MFA programs that are taught ONLY at night. You need to make a decision about whether you wish to pursue this or not. You can't have it both ways. The schools with strong acting programs include Carnegie Mellon, NYU, Boston Univ, Webster University, Brandeis, SMU, Univ of Wash. at Seattle, NC School for the Arts, American Conservatory Theater, and Calif. Institute for the Arts.

3) Yes. American Conservatory Theater on Geary Street in SF has an excellent MFA Actor's Training Program.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil