What are good acting classes for beginners?

Good acting classes for beginners recognize there are certain roles a student can excel playing right away. The key is for the teacher to discover what roles a new actor can connect to readily, and also determine what roles may be more of a challenge. For example, an outgoing, funny student may excel when given comedic roles. However, this same actor might be more challenged when playing a dramatic, vulnerable character. Beginning students should be given roles that they can readily connect to, and succeed in performing. Later on, the teacher should introduce the student to roles that push them further.

In addition, any good acting class for beginner should make a priority of creating an open, positive, supportive environment. It is vital that a young actor feels welcome and comfortable when beginning a new acting class. It does not matter how much a teacher knows, or who they have taught, if they are unable to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Some of the ways a teacher can accomplish this include making an effort to know each student on the first day (including their name!), and highlighting something positive the beginning student did. It is also advisable that the teacher introduce group exercises as students are far more likely to become comfortable if they get to know the other students.

Beyond this, an acting class for beginners should include elements of voice and movement. Typically beginning actors need help with diction, vocal projection, and breath control. Very often you will see a new actor speak too quickly, and oftentimes too softly. A large part of this is the simple fact that many beginning actors are not used to having to project their voices. Consider the fact that most young actors are often told to be quiet at school, and it is easy to see how difficult it can be for a young actor to suddenly change how they use their voice.

It’s important to remember voice and movement exercises should be fun for the student! Highly technical voice and movement exercises can alienate the beginning actor. The focus should be on making voice and movement exercises fun, and risk-free. One way to help in this regard is by having the teachers actively participate in the voice exercises. A teacher’s participation can make the student a more clear example on how the exercises work, as well as making the student feel less on the spot.

In short, a good acting class for beginner is one that is positive, welcoming, and seeks to really understand the individual student. Confidence is absolutely vital for actors, and thus it is essential that this quality is encouraged at the beginning of classes.