Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 11/7/2007

Question
Hi,
Where are the best, most respected acting schools/workshops in DFW?

I just relocated to the Dallas/FT. Worth area from Florida. I am a 22 year old. I love to act. I have been tons of plays and independent movies. It is my passion, therefore...I need to jump in full throttle and pursue my career beginning with training. I want to do it all! Broadway and Hollywood feature films are my ultimate goal.
Should I go to SMU or UNT and major in performing arts? Or should I go to one of those private acting studios like...KD Studio(Dallas), Texas Actors Studio(Euless), or something like the Casa Manana Theater for classes?

Please help. I want to train and get spotlight, where can I go without being scammed by some fake school? I have looked into legit acting programs and just get the runaround. I want to pick the perfect place to start my new career!!

Thanks,
Shannon


Answer
Hey Shannon,

Gee, it is hard to say. It really depends on where you want to go with your life. I was advised as a young actor to "always have a backup plan". You have to weigh the alternatives. A theater degree could afford an avenue to teaching as a backup to keep "grease on the table" while you struggle along, but it can be restrictive trying to waddle through 4-5 years of school before freedom to fly.
The upside, is that you would likely be able to take off from a teaching job to audition and work, yet still have some security. You have to think "what if I never get wealthy doing what I love?" Being a struggling actor can wear on you -especially if you can't afford clothes to audition or headshots to do it. I have done what seems like a hundred jobs to get where I am.
KD has a good reputation. Many of the other schools are good too. I think some universities teach less than private classes. You should be able to audit a class to meet the teacher and see their style...and tell by your gut if they know what they are teaching. Even if you aren't experienced, you can get that feeling. Just don't sign up for some talent service that wants you to get pics by their own photog or take classes to be in their agency.

Take classes from different teachers to get exposed to many styles and thoughts. It took me years to really "get it".
I discovered that in theater, you are having to be bigger than life to convey emotion, so you are trying to convince an audience. In film, you are trying to be true to life, for the most part, and you need only convince yourself of the reality of your character and surroundings. If you can believe you are really there, all the rest takes care of itself.

Best,

Taylor