Let’s be honest—at some point, every new actor asks themselves:
“Should I be taking a class right now?”
And the answer, for most people, is…
Yes. Almost always.
But here’s the catch:
Only after you’ve figured out whether acting is actually something you want to pursue.
And for that? You need to get on a set.
Step One: Make Sure Acting Is Actually for You
Before you sign up for a class, spend a day as a background actor. Seriously. You’ll learn more than you expect:
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How a working set actually feels
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Whether you can handle the hurry-up-and-wait
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What it means to hit your mark, take direction, and stay in character when nobody’s watching
More importantly, you’ll find out if you like being part of that world—or if it just sounds cool in theory.
Once you’ve done that and you’re still excited to move forward?
Then it’s time for class.
What Acting Class Really Gives You
Acting classes aren’t just about learning technique. They’re about:
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Building confidence
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Getting honest feedback
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Practicing in front of people (just like you will on set)
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Learning how to adjust in the moment
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Finding community, encouragement, and yes—even friendship
If you’ve never performed in front of a live audience (even if it’s just your classmates), you’re missing a key muscle actors rely on.
In-Person vs Virtual: What’s Better?
If you can take a good in-person class, do it. There’s no substitute for:
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Feeling the room
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Reading energy from scene partners
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Adjusting in real time
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Being watched (and directed) by someone in the same physical space
BUT—virtual classes can be a great resource too, especially if you:
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Live in a small town or rural area
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Work odd hours or care for others
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Just need to get started before a local option opens up
Virtual classes can still provide structure, feedback, and skill-building—just be honest about your focus. It’s a lot easier to check Instagram during a Zoom scene than when 10 people are staring at you from folding chairs.
How to Find a Good Acting Class
Look for these green flags:
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Clear structure and curriculum
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Qualified instructors who still work or stay connected
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Real scene work (not just theory)
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A chance to audit before committing
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Feedback that’s kind, specific, and actionable
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Transparent pricing and respectful boundaries
Beware of classes that overpromise (“Netflix in 30 days!”) or pressure you into long-term commitments before you know if it’s a good fit.
Upsells aren’t the enemy—bad timing and inflated promises are.
Still Figuring Out Your Next Step?
If you’re just starting out—or starting again after a long pause—you don’t have to rush into a class.
You might need a better map first. One that helps you:
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Understand the business
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Avoid beginner traps
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Build confidence before you spend money on the wrong thing
Here are two resources to help you do just that:
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Start Where You Are – A mindset-first guide for second-actors and late bloomers
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The Working Actor Starter Kit – Practical steps to get on set, prep your tools, and move forward without spinning your wheels
Want to learn more before grabbing a copy?
Heads up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).
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