To Learn From a Master

Acting classes are expensive.

Let me rephrase that.  Acting classes are totally necessary... and really, really expensive.

If you're like me, you might belong to several acting-related websites that send you daily deals for everything from reel production to teeth whitening.  Every so often, I'm tempted to click "buy" for a discounted class, but then I stop myself. When I do the research, it often becomes clear that the discounted class is not the one that's right for me at this stage of the game.  And I know it's risky, but I'd rather take no class at all, than waste my money on the wrong class.  Especially considering the clout training with distinguished names and institutions can carry on your resume.

For me, it's just better to wait for the right class at the right time.  This takes patience, most of which I've used up parenting my two-year old, but somehow I've managed to stay the course.

I just finished up a class I waited a pretty long while to take.  Very few people get in each session due to the incredibly small class size, so they always sell out fast.  And it was pricey.  But I'd just booked a couple jobs, so I put some of the money I earned back into my business.  Turns out my restraint and expense were worth it.  It was extremely difficult and revitalizing, just as I wanted it to be. 

It was also terrifically empowering.  Because the class was taught by a very successful actor/entrepreneur, there was a refreshing "no bullshit" policy.  No filling people up with compliments they hadn't earned.  No tearing down work that was good only to rebuild it and declare it good because the ideas had come from the instructor.  And no gimmicks.  Just solid training.

I've been fortunate to have some great teachers in my life, but learning from great actors, who also happen to be passionate and incredibly adept at teaching is truly a revelation.  My teacher absolutely knew of whence she spoke, so there was none of this "Let me tell you what you should do, even though I've never been in your shoes and have absolutely no idea how difficult it actually is."  In fact, the stories she shared from her experiences in the trenches, which continue today, we're a valuable part of the instruction.

I'm not saying a terrific director or former actor, who has long since hung up the acting hat, can't help a person to places of growth and artistic breakthrough.  Each can.  I've experienced it.  

But learning from a master of a craft makes me feel like part of a by-gone system, where people apprenticed or were mentored by the masters of their trade, and were informed by the masters' well established skill and experience. Of course the apprentices would make their own mistakes, but being trained in a thoughtful, well-rounded fashion, with warnings about pitfalls and trouble zones, is like having a detailed road map.  You can still get lost, but the odds that you'll eventually find your way are much greater.  

Right now I have a post-class haze.  I had a major breakthrough in an area I'd been struggling with, and I'm not sure where to go next, so I'm idling a bit until I make my next move.  It's a tricky spot to be in because there is really no excuse not to move forward.  Even when I'm momentarily contented, it's important for me to push myself to the next level, especially when I know what I'm capable of doing.  Stagnation is imminent when challenges are few.  I see that now.  I just have to figure out what's next.

Have you taken a great class recently?  Did the teacher's background impact you in some way?  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

(Photo by Alex Brown)

--Erin Brese

Comments

[Leysan Timirboulatova]

Could you please share those acting-related-websites that you're subscribed to? It's hard to find the good ones on your own!!

Thank you so much!

[Erin Brese]

Hi Leysan! Unfortunately in this capacity, on the Backstage site, I can't promote other businesses, but if you send me a message on Facebook or Twitter I'd be happy to send you the links. I'm @erinbrese on Twitter, and my Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/erinbrese

Good luck to you!

[jay]

why not just find another avenue to learn acting? theres not just one way of doing things acting can be learnt from many different angles .To rely solely on a teacher seems to be kind of silly .Like your expecting someone to give you what you need.Instead of going out and looking for it.The best acting class is life a class cant give you a real world experience.

[Erin Brese]

Hi Jay, thanks for your comments. I think you're right in that it is foolish to believe in one method, and that's why I don't. Many actors employ multiple avenues, teachers and schools of thought to improve their technique, myself included. And while I agree with you that life is a fantastic teacher, life doesn't usually teach one how to break down a script or various other technical aspects that can be necessary in certain situations. And we need to be prepared for each situation we encounter in our careers. If you are truly of the mind that only having life experience can make one the actor he or she is truly capable of becoming then I believe we may just have a difference of opinion. No dancer would take the stage with only life experience, nor would a musician or athlete, and I believe that actors need to be similarly technically equipped. But that's just me. We are each entitled to our own particular method(s), and I hope yours works for you. All the best, Erin.

[jay]

@ erin

@ erin

" No dancer would take the stage with only life experience, nor would a musician or athlete, and I believe that actors need to be similarly technically equipped" Couldn't agree more but.If all the dancer had was actual life experiences.Wouldn't that mean they're better equipped . Then the person spending most of there time learning to be technical ? After all isn't acting the process of Doing?

" life doesn't usually teach one how to break down a script or various other technical aspects that can be necessary in certain situations." that's true, the thing is the more focused you are.The more effective your brain can assimilate the information.The better you'll understand it ,you think you dont how to break it down.You do; when you read anything in life .I doubt you need someone there to help you break down what your reading.

If your focused enough it will come to you .Also being more open to whatever situation your put in.Can help you get a better grasp on things.These are tools you use every day in life to get by.Nothing changes when your acting .From what ive gathered the more focused and open you are in your every day life.When it's time to act you naturally are aware of what to do.

That's what i meant by life being a good teacher.I agree with you 100 % that it does help by having a teacher.At the same time a teacher or his/her classroom shouldn't be viewed as the only way to do things.