Q&A for How to Practice Acting

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  • Question
    How do I get into acting with no experience?
    Jim Jarrett
    Acting Teacher
    Jim Jarrett is an Acting Teacher and the Founder of The Meisner Technique Studio based in San Francisco, California. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in teaching The Meisner Technique and is Sanford Meisner's last teaching protégé. Over the years, Jim has established schools in Los Angeles, California, Hawaii, and Sun Valley, Idaho. He also travels the world annually as a guest teacher at universities, performing art schools, and theater companies throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. His flagship school is located in the heart of the Presidio in San Francisco, California.
    Acting Teacher
    Expert Answer
    Try to make sure that your acting foundation is rock solid. Finding an acting teacher or series of classes or workshops that will hone your craft will be essential to sustaining a career as an actor.
  • Question
    How can I make it easier to memorize my lines?
    Lesly Kahn, MFA
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Expert Answer
    Visualize what you're saying. So if I asked you what you had for breakfast this morning, what do you do? You picture your breakfast this morning. You see the bagel and the cream cheese and the coffee and the orange juice and the eggs and the bacon and whatever else you ate. That's what you do in real life. In real life, people picture what they're talking about. Actors picture the lines on the paper. That's why they can memorize them. See what you're saying in your head as you're saying it.
  • Question
    How do I make my acting more authentic?
    Lesly Kahn, MFA
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Expert Answer
    What you never want to do is act like someone. That's the way to make sure that your acting isn't real. Instead, what you want to do is what people do. If a person is a nurse, they don't run around acting like a nurse. They just think the thoughts of a nurse. How do I help that patient? I better go get some clean towels. Oh, I have to go wash my hands now. I have to get the doctor. If you think nurse thoughts, suddenly you're a believable nurse. If you act like a nurse, you become a caricature of a nurse.
  • Question
    What if I love acting, but I'm too shy and afraid about people's judgement that I'm not worth it?
    Community Answer
    When you're acting, try not think about the real life. Be the character. It will help you with stage fright. Don't take the judgement of others so hard, use it to better your acting by infusing your performances with deep feeling, gained from experiences in your own life, to havefor empathy with your character.
  • Question
    I'm only 12 years old. What should I be doing for my future acting career?
    Community Answer
    Try some of the suggestions in Method 1. Record yourself doing a script and then re-watch it. Take notes on what you need to improve.
  • Question
    How do I join an acting group if my confidence is low and I have poor English skills?
    Community Answer
    Step out of your comfort zone and if you have to audition, practice a little.
  • Question
    How do I approach a director?
    Community Answer
    As you would approach any other person -- politely, thoughtfully and not when they're in the middle of doing something.
  • Question
    How can I learn the kind of acting I'm interested in if I am in a country that doesn't have that kind of acting?
    Community Answer
    Try doing research online and at the library, and if you're lucky, there might someone who's familiar with that type of acting that can teach you. There will be plenty of YouTube tutorials to assist you.
  • Question
    What if I was born with a medical condition, can I still act?
    Community Answer
    You can accomplish anything if you work hard enough. Don't let your medical condition stand in your way.
  • Question
    How much money do actors make in one year?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on how much acting you do and who you are working for. There is no specific amount actors make each year. Some actors make very little while others can make millions.
  • Question
    How can I act older to get into movies?
    Community Answer
    Try wearing things that make you look more mature. You could also try using a deeper voice and develop a more mature speech style. However, realize that there are roles for all ages, so this might just be a waste of time when you'd be better off looking for roles for your age.
  • Question
    Can I practice at home to become a better actor?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is really important to practice regularly at home if you want to be an actor. You can act in front of mirror, and then work your way up to acting in front of friends and family. Ask them for feedback!
  • Question
    How do I start acting as a teen?
    Community Answer
    Get involved in drama at your school. You could also take acting lessons.
  • Question
    My school doesn't have a proper drama program, and my city doesn't have many plays. I want to develop my resume and gain experience, but it's hard here, as a 12-year-old. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Get into theater camps and programs that you might have to pay for. You still learn a lot and it fills up your resume. I'm 14 and most of my resume consists of playwriting and performing programs. I've only been in one professional show, and I got that show because of the people who taught the theater program I've been doing.
  • Question
    How can I practice acting if my school does not have a drama club?
    Community Answer
    You can still practice on your own. There might be videos online that can help you learn to use different acting techniques.
  • Question
    How can I get a big role, like on Disney or in a movie?
    Jnerdahl
    Community Answer
    First you want to get an agent, start by asking your parents and searching online. Then that agent should get you gigs, but you might have to be prepared to start small, like in commercials.
  • Question
    What if I have anxiety and I get scared, and I need my parent on set?
    Community Answer
    Remember that you are never really alone, in your heart your loved ones are boosting you confidence and strength. If you keep having anxiety attacks on set, you're not ready for acting yet.
  • Question
    What if I am a kid? Would it still apply?
    Community Answer
    Yes! People of all ages can practice and sharpen their acting skills. Some of the most famous actors and actresses today started acting as kids, such as Emma Watson, Jodie Foster, and Elijah Wood. Becoming a star when you are a child is very difficult, but you can be anywhere from an infant to a senior citizen to practice acting.
  • Question
    Would making short webshows on YouTube help build my skills up?
    Community Answer
    Yes, definitely, that is a very good idea and it will also boost your confidence.
  • Question
    How can I memorize the dialogue effectively?
    Community Answer
    There are some good tips in wikiHow articles Memorize Your Lines and Memorize Lines .
  • Question
    What if i really want to act and I'm really good at acting, but i just can't handle having people watching?
    Mezza Thomson-Evans
    Community Answer
    Start off acting in front of a family member or close friend, then invite more people to watch, then join a drama group to build your confidence further and learn the technical aspect of acting.
  • Question
    Whenever I have an audition, what should I do if I'm over panicking and having doubts that I won't get the part?
    Community Answer
    Take deep breaths. Even if you have extreme butterflies, make the casting directors think that you are calm and confident. If you do not get the part and you are frustrated, still act as calm as possible, and try again next time.
  • Question
    What are the major challenges we face in getting into an acting career and how we can face them confidently?
    Community Answer
    Acting is all about learning to deal with rejection. You are not going to get every part you want. People will tell you that you don't look right. You have to accept that and be able to keep moving forward.
  • Question
    How do I practice my acting skills other than in front of a mirror?
    Community Answer
    Find scripts, monologues, and cold readings and practice them while recording yourself on camera. This is effective because you can go back and watch it and pinpoint areas you need to work on. Also, try doing it with a friend to build confidence and work with others.
  • Question
    What if my parents are set on me being a doctor?
    Community Answer
    It’s your life! You can be whatever you want, regardless of whether your parents would approve.
  • Question
    Are there any age limits on starting an acting career?
    Community Answer
    No, there are no age limits on acting. Even young kids can have strong careers in acting!
  • Question
    I told my mom I want to be an actress right now, but she said it won't happen until I'm older. I feel like I should become one now, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try auditioning for some community plays, or even just plays at your school. You could also try out for local commercials. Tell your mom you just want to get some experience so you'll have something to put on your resume, acting school applications, etc.
  • Question
    How can I learn to handle the pressure if I want to be an actress?
    Community Answer
    You will have to keep practicing, and dealing with the pressure will get easier over time. You can ask experienced actresses for advice on how they learned to cope with the pressure.
  • Question
    How do I practice acting when acting is not a thing where I live?
    Community Answer
    There are always things you can do to start. Ask yourself, "What is the biggest city near me?" Look up acting classes and agents there and see what they can offer you. Begin to participate in school plays and join the drama club at your school! Search up monologues on Google and rehearse them. Record yourself, play the video back, and see how you can correct your technique.
  • Question
    What are the materials needed as a beginner?
    Community Answer
    Your skills and motivation! Books can be a really good help too! Try looking for acting books or even actors' biographies.
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