How to Improve Your Acting Skills: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Take Acting Classes

Action Item: Enrol in a reputable acting class, workshop, or short course.
Why It Matters:
Taking acting classes is one of the most effective ways to improve your skills. Classes offer structured learning environments where you can explore different acting techniques, receive feedback, and work with other actors.
How to Do It:

• Research: Look for classes or workshops in your area. Many prestigious schools and local community centers offer acting courses.
• Online Options: If in-person classes are not feasible, consider online courses.
• Commitment: Dedicate time to attend these classes regularly. Consistency is key to making the most of the learning experience.

Benefits:

• Diverse Techniques: You’ll learn various acting methods such as Method Acting, BEAT, Meisner Technique, and Stanislavski’s System.
• Constructive Feedback: Instructors and peers will provide valuable insights to help you improve.
• Networking: Connect with other aspiring actors and industry professionals.

TIP:

• Don’t just choose acting classes that are too easy or just make you feel good. While it is great to feel that you are working within your comfort zone, you may not be learning anything. On the contrary, take classes that challenge you. Chances are, these are the ones that will end up teaching you the most valuable lessons.
• Avoid classes that are run by peers only. While your peers can provide you with valuable insights, you also run the risk that the feedback they give you may not be good for you. Ask yourself: are your peers really in a position to comment on the workings of your emotional, behavioural, and physical instruments?
• While it is great to be versed in a variety of techniques, trying to learn more than one at a time may create confusion. Good acting techniques are grounded in a philosophy, and possess a sound process for instruction and for acting practice. Often, they are aligned to the inventor/practitioner’s POV about acting training. Some of these philosophies may compete. Such as for example techniques that focus on behavioural action vs emotion and instinct. You run the risk of getting confused, so we’d advise experiencing enough of the ones that appeal to you and adopting an eclectic approach based on which aspects of each technique appeal to you.

2. Practice Your Acting Skills Regularly

Action Item: Establish a consistent practice routine.
Why It Matters:
Regular practice is essential to hone your craft. Like any other skill, acting improves with consistent effort and dedication. There is a wide misconception that acting is an intellectual pursuit. While many actors may know the importance of acting, how many actually commit to a daily acting practice regimen? Do you?
How to Do It:

• Daily Practice: Set aside time each day to practice monologues, scenes, or improvisations.
• Record Yourself: Use a camera to record your performances. This allows you to review your work and identify areas for improvement.
• Work on Different Genres: Acting does not take one form or shape. On the contrary, there are different styles of acting which are very dependent on the genre or style. Think of the acting style in a Wes Anderson film vs a rom-com such as Bride Wars or The Hangover. At the academy, we believe this is so important that our teaching methodology involves a genre and style-centered approach to give our students a competitive edge in the audition. So, challenge yourself by performing scenes from different genres – drama, comedy, thriller, etc. And if you can’t exactly figure out the difference, receive special instruction on it.

Benefits:

• Muscle Memory: Regular practice helps embed techniques into your muscle memory, making them second nature during performances.
• Self-Evaluation: Reviewing recordings helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
• Confidence: The more you practice, the more confident you become in your abilities.

TIP: Do something every day. Like going to the gym, you need to exercise the physical (behavioral, physical, vocal, and emotional) aspects of the craft. Exercise the intellectual (scene analysis) is of course also important.

3. Learn by Studying Other Actors

Action Item: Watch and analyze performances of accomplished actors.
Why It Matters:
Observing and analyzing great performances can provide insights into various acting techniques and styles.
How to Do It:

• Watch Films and Plays: Pay attention to how seasoned actors deliver their lines, use body language, and convey emotions.
• Take Notes: Write down observations and try to understand the choices the actor made in their performance.
• Read Biographies and Interviews: Learn about their training, preparation methods, and how they approach different roles.

Benefits:

• Inspiration: Gaining inspiration from accomplished actors can motivate you to experiment with new techniques.
• Understanding Nuances: Studying experienced actors helps you appreciate the subtleties of a powerful performance.
• Learning from the Best: Emulating techniques from renowned actors can elevate your own performances.

4. Improving Your Acting Skills by Joining a Theatre Group

Action Item: Participate in local theatre productions or join an acting troupe.
Why It Matters:
Being part of a theatre group provides practical experience, which is invaluable for improving your acting skills.
How to Do It:

• Local Theatre: Search for community theatre groups or amateur dramatics societies in your area.
• Audition: Audition for different roles, even if they are small. Every role is an opportunity to learn.
• Volunteer: Offer to help with backstage work if acting roles are not available. This can provide a broader understanding of the production process.

Benefits:

• Live Performances: Performing in front of a live audience helps you manage stage fright and adapt to real-time reactions.
• Collaboration: Working with directors and other actors enhances your ability to take direction and collaborate creatively.
• Resume Building: Participating in theatre productions builds your resume and demonstrates practical experience to casting directors.

5. Create Your Own Work as an Actor

Action Item: Set up your own Theatre Group, Theatre Show or Make a Short Film.
Why It Matters:
Being proactive in your ongoing development as an actor keeps you engaged, empowered, and connected.
How to Do It:

• Meet & Collaborate: Find people in your city or local area that want to go on the same journey with you.
• Development: Establish a process for meetings that will help you progress the project.
• Fundraise: Depending on the size and scope of the project, you will need to get it off the ground. Regardless of the terms everyone is working on (deferred, minimal pay or industry rates) you’ll need to put together that pool of funds to get things moving.

Benefits:

• Control: Creating your own work gives you control over your career.
• Learning a new set of skills: Learning how to get your own stuff off the ground will teach you an invaluable set of new skills.
• Keeps you moving: Being the instigator for new pathways to meet your career goals, keeps you moving, nimble and dynamic in the industry.

6. Improve Your Acting by Exercising Your Physical and Vocal Skills

Action Item: Incorporate physical and vocal training into your routine.
Why It Matters:
Acting is a physical and vocal art form. Strengthening your body and voice enhances your ability to portray different characters convincingly.
How to Do It:

• Voice Training: Consider taking vocal lessons or using resources like vocal exercises to improve your diction, projection, and range.
• Physical Conditioning: Engage in regular exercise, yoga, or dance classes to increase your physical stamina, flexibility, and body awareness.
• Breathing Techniques: Practice breathing exercises to control your breath, which is crucial for maintaining vocal strength and managing nerves.

Benefits:

• Versatility: A strong, flexible body and voice allow you to take on a wider variety of roles.
• Endurance: Physical conditioning helps you endure long rehearsals and performances without fatigue.
• Expressiveness: Enhanced vocal and physical skills increase your ability to express emotions and intentions clearly and powerfully.