While working out the other day I read in this months Forbes magazine an interesting article by Anna Isgro on how many people on the Forbes 400 either never graduated from college, or never even enrolled!
How many actors can you name that have become successful without a traditional theatre education?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmmmm…. Johnny Depp?
I find that every actor is different. As far as I know, Tom Hanks didn’t go to any fancy big name conservatory. He did school plays, went to a community college, then went on to a Cal State University. BUT, he seemed really passionate. Always attended plays, studied other actors and it was more than part of his life, it was his life.
Denzel only did one year at ACT. BUT, he did do some Shakespeare while at Fordham I think it was. Along with some earlier acting in plays and what not.
It seems all great actors do Shakespeare,plays and what not. It helps to know Tom Hanks didn’t have to go to a big name school.
Big name acting schools is not a guarantee to success with London the exception. In America, there are many paths to take but ultimately, persistence, passion and patience leads to success.
In London, graduating from one of the finer schools that belong to the CDS (Conference of Drama Schools) http://www.drama.ac.uk/ makes a difference as West End producers look highly at your education.
I’m glad that you said that. I keep thinking that I’ve got to take all the courses at my conservatory. At the same time, since I’m low on finances I want to take some voice classes and whatever I can at my local community college. I’ve been looking online at their class schedule at some of the books I’ll be reading for their classes and I’ve read some of the books to get ahead.
What do you think about the whole learning process of acting? I know you learn by doing, but as far as a classroom setting goes, what’s the difference between teaching yourself and being instructed? After reading audition, I feel like I know how to audition and I practice what the book tells me, but is it still better to take an audition class?