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Do you have to go to college to become and Actor or actress

Your just acting not really doing math,ela, and world History and other subjects. But it is good to learn more about those subjects. #actor #actress #acting #film #theatre #theater #performing-arts

film acting theatre actor performing-arts theater actress
Thank you comment icon It depends on the individual. Some learn best in a structured environment like college and others by observation. Acting classes by a real acting coach is a necessity. The best part of a college or university is there are departments within the acting school, drama, improve and comedy. If you chose to go it on your own you'll have to find credible programs for each of these. They might not all be close by or available without schedule conflicts. I hope this helps. Break a leg Doris H, you got this. David Broer-LeRoux
Thank you comment icon I agree with David’s great answer! I went to college for theatre, and I loved the array of classes that were offered. If I had decided to skip college, I might not have chosen to taken things like Kabuki or Shakespeare, and perhaps my range wouldn’t be as wide today. Many programs will also have you study things like makeup and set & lighting design, and you might discover a new love. The actors I went to school with are still my closest friends today; I think it’s important to have a strong suppprt system. Also, if you want to teach in colleges someday, you’ll usually need an MFA. All that being said, no, you don’t need to go to college! But you definitely need to go to class! And either way, research the teacher/class/college before you pay. Jamie Soltis
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Cheryl (Sheri)’s Answer

I agree with both of the answers given by David and Jamie, but, I don't think you HAVE to learn these things in college. If you took any Theater and/or Drama Classes in High School AND you had a good instructor, that SHOULD give you a good foundation for you to build on.

You haven't stated WHAT kind of Acting you want to go into.....

Cheryl (Sheri) recommends the following next steps:

The next step? If it's STAGE ACTING, my suggestion would be for you to audition for your local COMMUNITY THEATER for a play/musical/drama that you think you would be interested in and/or are familiar with
If it's FILM ACTING, then you should seek-out a school/academy that specializes in those fields like the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles CA and New York. Being as you are not in either of those cities, I would suggest you look and see if there are similar places/schools like this in your own city/state.
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Brittany’s Answer

This is a great question. The answer is no. School isn't necessarily for everyone - but if you truly want to become an Actor or Actress it is something you have to be willing to study. The more you know about people, the more you understand about how to access your emotions and work on a character the more likely it is that you will succeed. Acting is a really tough industry to be a part of, and sometimes it's helpful to spend some time studying to decide if it's truly what you want to do. I went to university to study film for 2.5 years but left early because as exciting as the program was, I didn't feel it was helping me grow in the ways I needed. I then pursued a different approach to my studies, I went to intensives for acting, studying for 1 week - 4 weeks at a time, working tirelessly with really phenomenal coaches. I went to weekly classes to learn and watch and understand what it took. I think at the end of the day it is up to you to decide whether or not post-secondary education is for you, but no matter what you want - if it's your dream, work for it, and be willing to work hard. The best advice I can give - is that no matter which you choose, educate yourself - learn about people, learn about behaviour, study people and mannerisms, understand yourself the best you can.

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Scott’s Answer

This is a great question. The truth is that you do NEED to go to college to become an actor or actress; however, connections and courses can help pave your way into the industry. Having connections to the places you would like to work and skills to succeed in this field goes a long way.


Even most actors and actresses on tv started out on small roles building their resumes up OR were discovered by someone already embedded in the industry.


Determine where you would like to act. Do you want to be on television? Do you want sing in the opera? Do you want to perform on Broadway? Knowing your goal and approaching colleges with proven track records at employment after college will go along way in helping you reach your dream acting job.

Scott recommends the following next steps:

Determine what type of acting you would like to approach.
Look for colleges that specialize in acting for that medium.
Talk to professors and visit the college to determine if it is the right fit for you.
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