5 answers
Karma
Student
Coweta, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
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How long do I need to go to school to become and actress?
I want to become an actress. I'm 15
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2657
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Karma !
The length of time it may take you to train to become an Actress varies from person to person, but I have some advice for you.
Since you are 15 years old, you can begin your training at your high school. Your high school offers some very wonderful extracurriculars but not a Theatre Club or Acting Troupe. The closest group would be the Mock Trial club which would get you used to public speaking and being in front of an audience of classmates and teachers. Be involved in this club for all years while you're in high school. If there is no acting class at your school, and there are no acting classes for teens in Coweta, Oklahoma, ask your parents or family if they would accompany you to nearby Oklahoma City to visit and inquire about acting lessons at The Green Room Acting Studio. They have classes for teens via Zoom which would be fine to start out with online. There is also the Upstage Theatre & Performing Arts Studio in Edmond, Oklahoma that a family member can take you to. I left the link to their website for you below.
Make it a point to read a lot of plays, attend a lot of theatrical performances and watch a variety of films to observe the acting. Look online for Beginning Acting books to read, also.
After you graduate High School, you have several choices: enroll in community college for an Associates Degree (two years) in Theatre, enroll in a University for a Bachelors Degree (four years), pursue your acting career without going to college but having been trained in the community, move to a large city to pursue an acting career.
Everyone's journey toward the career is different. Although I do recommend attending college for a Bachelors Degree in Theatre, you will have to see where you're at with acting when you graduate high school. Only you will know if you are ready to start your career.
Do return here and ask more questions about this career. I wish you all the best !
UPSTAGE THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO IN EDMOND, OK www.upstagetheatreok.com
The length of time it may take you to train to become an Actress varies from person to person, but I have some advice for you.
Since you are 15 years old, you can begin your training at your high school. Your high school offers some very wonderful extracurriculars but not a Theatre Club or Acting Troupe. The closest group would be the Mock Trial club which would get you used to public speaking and being in front of an audience of classmates and teachers. Be involved in this club for all years while you're in high school. If there is no acting class at your school, and there are no acting classes for teens in Coweta, Oklahoma, ask your parents or family if they would accompany you to nearby Oklahoma City to visit and inquire about acting lessons at The Green Room Acting Studio. They have classes for teens via Zoom which would be fine to start out with online. There is also the Upstage Theatre & Performing Arts Studio in Edmond, Oklahoma that a family member can take you to. I left the link to their website for you below.
Make it a point to read a lot of plays, attend a lot of theatrical performances and watch a variety of films to observe the acting. Look online for Beginning Acting books to read, also.
After you graduate High School, you have several choices: enroll in community college for an Associates Degree (two years) in Theatre, enroll in a University for a Bachelors Degree (four years), pursue your acting career without going to college but having been trained in the community, move to a large city to pursue an acting career.
Everyone's journey toward the career is different. Although I do recommend attending college for a Bachelors Degree in Theatre, you will have to see where you're at with acting when you graduate high school. Only you will know if you are ready to start your career.
Do return here and ask more questions about this career. I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Joseph Manio
Screenwriter and Actor
2
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
For as you need to hone in your craft. The Film Industry is primarily about Work Experience than Education. In my experience as an Actor, I found that my experiences acting on set/actually working as an Actor proved to be more invaluable and useful than the things I was taught in Acting School. Which only scratches the surface in becoming the best you can be especially in acting!
I’d say, keep up with the classes and book some roles while you’re at it. When you’ve become confident in your craft/skills and don’t need classes any longer, then you’re all set and vise versa! Some Actors like to keep up with classes to keep their Acting Skills sharp. That’s something to think about as well, when you’ve come to that point.
I wish you the absolute best!
“Where we’re going we don’t need roads!”-Doc Brown, Back to the Future
I’d say, keep up with the classes and book some roles while you’re at it. When you’ve become confident in your craft/skills and don’t need classes any longer, then you’re all set and vise versa! Some Actors like to keep up with classes to keep their Acting Skills sharp. That’s something to think about as well, when you’ve come to that point.
I wish you the absolute best!
“Where we’re going we don’t need roads!”-Doc Brown, Back to the Future
Roshetta Fitzpatrick
Supervisor - Operations Support
6
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Roshetta’s Answer
To become an actress through formal education, you would typically spend around 2-4 years in school, usually pursuing a Bachelor's of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in acting or theater, which includes comprehensive training in the performing arts; however, the exact time can vary depending on the program and whether you choose to pursue additional post-graduate studies like a Master's degree.
Key points about acting education:
Degree options:
Most aspiring actors pursue a Bachelor's degree in theater or acting, which usually takes four years to complete.
Acting schools:
Specialized acting schools often offer intensive BFA programs focused solely on acting.
Community colleges:
Some people may choose to start with acting classes at community colleges before transferring to a four-year program.
Beyond formal education:
While a degree can be beneficial, many actors also supplement their training with ongoing acting classes, workshops, and practical experience in local theater productions.
Key points about acting education:
Degree options:
Most aspiring actors pursue a Bachelor's degree in theater or acting, which usually takes four years to complete.
Acting schools:
Specialized acting schools often offer intensive BFA programs focused solely on acting.
Community colleges:
Some people may choose to start with acting classes at community colleges before transferring to a four-year program.
Beyond formal education:
While a degree can be beneficial, many actors also supplement their training with ongoing acting classes, workshops, and practical experience in local theater productions.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Karma! 🌟 I’m loving your passion for acting already!
Everyone’s path to becoming an actress is different, but you’re off to an amazing start by asking these questions. To help, here’s a fun and positive breakdown for you:
**1. Get Involved Now**:
- Join your high school’s theater club or any group that involves public speaking or performing. Not only does this build your acting skills, but it’s also a great way to make friends who are just as passionate!
- If your school doesn’t offer theater, start by looking for local acting classes or even auditioning for small community productions. Experience is key!
**2. Acting Schools & Degrees**:
- If you want formal education, after high school, you could go for a **Bachelor’s Degree in Theater** (typically 4 years). Some schools offer **BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts)** specifically focused on acting, which is super hands-on.
- Keep in mind, there are also **acting conservatories** or shorter programs you can choose instead of a 4-year degree.
**3. The Importance of Experience**:
- Acting is about practice, so it’s all about *doing* – auditioning for roles, joining performances, or even volunteering to help backstage (you’ll learn a lot and make connections!)
- Attend live theater, watch movies, and study different acting styles.
**4. Stay Positive & Keep Growing**:
- The road to acting can be competitive, so staying resilient and open to learning is key. Even the best actors continue to take classes and work with coaches throughout their careers!
**Bonus Fun Tip**: Start your own little “audition” for your family and friends to get more comfortable performing in front of others. 😆 It could be a fun way to practice!
Keep pushing forward, Karma! You've got this! ✨🎬💫
Everyone’s path to becoming an actress is different, but you’re off to an amazing start by asking these questions. To help, here’s a fun and positive breakdown for you:
**1. Get Involved Now**:
- Join your high school’s theater club or any group that involves public speaking or performing. Not only does this build your acting skills, but it’s also a great way to make friends who are just as passionate!
- If your school doesn’t offer theater, start by looking for local acting classes or even auditioning for small community productions. Experience is key!
**2. Acting Schools & Degrees**:
- If you want formal education, after high school, you could go for a **Bachelor’s Degree in Theater** (typically 4 years). Some schools offer **BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts)** specifically focused on acting, which is super hands-on.
- Keep in mind, there are also **acting conservatories** or shorter programs you can choose instead of a 4-year degree.
**3. The Importance of Experience**:
- Acting is about practice, so it’s all about *doing* – auditioning for roles, joining performances, or even volunteering to help backstage (you’ll learn a lot and make connections!)
- Attend live theater, watch movies, and study different acting styles.
**4. Stay Positive & Keep Growing**:
- The road to acting can be competitive, so staying resilient and open to learning is key. Even the best actors continue to take classes and work with coaches throughout their careers!
**Bonus Fun Tip**: Start your own little “audition” for your family and friends to get more comfortable performing in front of others. 😆 It could be a fun way to practice!
Keep pushing forward, Karma! You've got this! ✨🎬💫
Mel Rose
Voice Over Actor
8
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Mel’s Answer
Karma!
It's great to read that you're researching a career in acting!
I really think that Michelle (posted an answer before me) gave you some awesome intel. Not only did she accurately give you alternate advice about the different ways people prep for a career in acting, but she also offered you solid info to follow up online and locally. Lastly, her encouragement to get out there and become part of theater productions in your school and area is terrific. You can (and really should) read about theater, television/on-camera and voice acting, but the best way to learn is by doing it. If you don't find yourself getting cast right away, then volunteer to be part of the stage crew (stage crew is Soooo important ... no crew, no show...and you learn a lot behind the scenes too.)
Second: Once you've had a "taste" of acting, and you think you want to go forward toward an acting career, understand that most successful actors are coaching all throughout their careers (Yep! Even Oscar and Tony Winners). It's a wonderful career, but it's competitive and subjective ... meaning that there's a million reasons why you might not get cast for something, and it may have nothing to do with your talent or years of experience/inexperience (like ... you remind the casting director of a bad teacher, or mean relative). Acting is not for the faint hearted! Lol -- But if you love connecting with people through stories, by helping them to feel emotions, recognize situations, and consider circumstances they might never have considered ... or to just escape from reality for a couple of hours ... It's a completely rewarding career!
Best- Wishes in your journey forward in acting ... or whatever career you decide to pursue.
Mel
Mel Rose VO Actor
w: MelRoseVO.com
It's great to read that you're researching a career in acting!
I really think that Michelle (posted an answer before me) gave you some awesome intel. Not only did she accurately give you alternate advice about the different ways people prep for a career in acting, but she also offered you solid info to follow up online and locally. Lastly, her encouragement to get out there and become part of theater productions in your school and area is terrific. You can (and really should) read about theater, television/on-camera and voice acting, but the best way to learn is by doing it. If you don't find yourself getting cast right away, then volunteer to be part of the stage crew (stage crew is Soooo important ... no crew, no show...and you learn a lot behind the scenes too.)
Second: Once you've had a "taste" of acting, and you think you want to go forward toward an acting career, understand that most successful actors are coaching all throughout their careers (Yep! Even Oscar and Tony Winners). It's a wonderful career, but it's competitive and subjective ... meaning that there's a million reasons why you might not get cast for something, and it may have nothing to do with your talent or years of experience/inexperience (like ... you remind the casting director of a bad teacher, or mean relative). Acting is not for the faint hearted! Lol -- But if you love connecting with people through stories, by helping them to feel emotions, recognize situations, and consider circumstances they might never have considered ... or to just escape from reality for a couple of hours ... It's a completely rewarding career!
Best- Wishes in your journey forward in acting ... or whatever career you decide to pursue.
Mel
Mel Rose VO Actor
w: MelRoseVO.com