Expert: Kitty Kavey - 3/3/2006

Question
how do you get a good acting school? where did you go? is California agood acting college career place?


Answer
There are specific acting schools, as well as universities and colleges that offer acting courses.  You would have to decide which is best for your specific needs.  There are schools that focus specifically on theater acting, commercial acting, or film acting - as well as offer courses in television and soap opera acting.  You can also find specific classes in auditioning techniques, monologues, methods, improv/comedy, teleprompter, hosting, etc.  

I definitely recommend taking at least an auditioning class in the type of acting you are interested in doing.  Other than that, I feel that quite often learning on the job can teach you the most, in the least amount of time.  But if you don't feel comfortable doing that, certainly there are both short and long classes available all over the country.

Both Los Angeles and New York have hundreds if not thousands of classes, courses and schools available for the various types of acting and actors.  I've taken classes in Florida, New York and Los Angeles - although much of what I've done has been geared towards the disabled (since I am).  Most places will let you audit a class or course so you can see if it's right for you, and I highly recommend doing so before you spend any money.

Depending on where you plan on working, you may want to take classes in that area, as quite often you make connections and network with classmates and teachers.  So if, for example, you were interested in theater acting or soap operas, you may want to look for classes or schools in New York, as that is most likely where you'll end up.  If it's feature films, or television I suggest coming to Los Angeles to study - as most feature film casting is done out here, and a lot of television.

Of course, as I mentioned, it really depends on your specific situation, and your interests.  There's certainly plenty of work in commercials and background work in Miami - which also has a huge Latin market for Spanish speaking talent.  Smaller markets also tend to have indie films, local theater and commercials (as well as voiceover work).

Good luck to you,
~Kitty