Orlando Acting Classes
Preparing Yourself for Acting Classes in Orlando
Are you thinking of trying out some acting classes in Orlando or Central Florida? Looking to get Film and TV training? Well, the right training is a crucial component to help you prepare for your auditions, keep it going on set, and to ensure that you get all the right tips and tricks to navigate the Southeast market. However, if this is your first time joining an Orlando acting class, then try to ensure that you have some preparation and research in before you even reserve your spot.
If you've never been in an acting class, it may be a bit scary as you’re stepping into a new world and want to make sure that you’re doing it right. To help make sure that you are well prepared for what’s to come, we have come up with some things to keep in mind.
Be Optimistic
First thing’s first, don’t be scared of what’s to come. You’re surely going to have people telling you what a scary world it is out there. But don’t start thinking about all the worst-case scenarios. They don’t always happen and they certainly won't all happen to you. There’s a rare chance that you might end up in a difficult position.
Make your mind up that you’re going to push through and make the most out of your time in your acting classes. Say goodbye to worries and take on a more positive approach to your acting class. It will carry into your career as an actor and those around you will appreciate the optimism.
Mentally Prepare Yourself to Work in Groups Or Individually
This mainly depends on the type of acting class you’re opting for. But, either way, you need to make sure that you are prepared to work individually or in groups. Acting is a collaboration --never a single person thing-- so keep in mind that you will need to work with other people.
Work on your people skills so that you don’t have a difficult time adjusting with them. Also, you want to ensure that you’re able to communicate with your teacher. The better you express yourself, the more you will be able to grow as an actor.
Get Comfortable in Showing Others Your Skills
The key component to acting is vulnerability. It’s common to be worried about what others might think about your skills. If you’re not going to put yourself out there, then you might not get the response that you’re looking for. The best thing to do is to get yourself comfortable with showing others what you can do. You don’t have to start in front of a big group to help yourself with this.
To start expanding your vulnerability, enable yourself to not only be more comfortable sharing your thoughts with other people but also listening to others around you. It’s best if you start doing this before your class starts so that you are already open when you’re working with other people in the class.
Be Prepared for Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Drama classes are filled with breathing and relaxation techniques. These are mostly done to help students warm-up for the classes and to connect with their bodies. If you're unfamiliar with these practices, it may seem a little uncomfortable at first. But, by practicing your vulnerability in class and committing to the exercises, these techniques will eventually unlock your breath, your mind, and your body to be able to tackle anything thrown at you in class.
By practicing breathing techniques at home, you will continue to exercise that muscle and be able to ground yourself more quickly in class. Things will seem much easier to grasp on to, and you will feel like you know your basics. (They can also be a great way to get the tension out of your body and make sure that you are relieved of your anxiety before your acting class, if it's been a rough day.)
Enjoy the Drama Games
Similarly, drama games are essential to study acting. If you have been a part of the theatre department in your school, then you might have an idea about what these are. Even if you don’t, continue to keep an open mind, just as you have been with the breathing techniques.
Each drama "game" has a deeper teaching embedded. On the surface, it may seem silly but the methodology within was specifically chosen by your teacher to help guide the lesson for that day. So remain open, vulnerable, optimistic, and commit fully to anything your teacher asks of you.
Emotions...
Yes, you will be put in uncomfortable spots when asked to tell certain stories. Acting relies on discomfort. It asks us, as actors, to bring these stories to life in order to make other people think. This isn’t an easy task and requires a lot of training to make sure that you’re able to perform your best.
No one plans to be emotional. We are always surprised by true joy, anger, sadness, jealousy... But, by continuing to focus on being more and more vulnerable in class and continuing to put the work in, your acting teacher will be able to help you reach those places consistently where you are emotionally connected to the story.
Be Prepared for Improvising
As you go about your acting class, you will have to perform with other people, and there will be times where you’ll need to improvise. It may be a part of the warm-up, it may be a way to get yourself out of your head, or it may be a way the teachers asks you to explore your scene.
But remember this: improv is not inherently funny. There is no pressure to be creative or to entertain the class; that is usually counterproductive. In these moments, focus on your breath and your thoughts. Put the script into your own words. Focus on your scene partner. Let a new story evolve out of what was already happening. When done without pressure and without trying to be funny, you will open yourself up to discover completely new things about your scene or monologue.
Be Open to Learning
What all of this boils down to is that you are taking on a new craft that takes years to become proficient and a lifetime to master. There is always something to learn from a teacher, a classmate, or yourself, if you are open. This openness is what will get you booked, get an agent, and keep you working for as long as you'd like.
If you’re in search of acting classes in Orlando, whether you’re in search of private lessons, classes, workshops, or anything else related to acting, do your research and prepare yourself for this new journey. You'll last longer, you'll get more out of it, and you'll love every moment.
-J
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Jordan Woods-Robinson is an Actor and Head Honcho at Book From Tape Acting Studios in Orlando, FL. He challenges his actors to harness impulse as a tool, to trust their guts, to work on their feet, to break rules, and, overall, to make bold choices that make a lasting impression through tape. Email Jordan