For beginning actors or their parents, choosing an acting class may seem like a daunting task. But there’s good news: It doesn’t need to be! There are some basic guidelines for choosing the one that will fluidly take the actor from the class environment to the set. It simply boils down to asking the following questions:

Do working actors come out of the program? Let’s be frank: If people who make a living as actors do not come out of the program, you are at the wrong studio. You want to choose an acting class that has produced network and cable television series regulars, Broadway stage actors, and major motion picture performers. If you find that some of them have gone on to win Emmys, Golden Globes, or Tony Awards, that’s even better. But be warned: Studios like this are few and far between – so if you find one, you’d be smart to pursue it. 

Does the studio support the student in the working world? You want to be part of a studio that teaches the “whole package” – the acting craft and administration skills. What good is an acting class if its students are untrained to apply their newly acquired skills in the real world, where business savvy is nearly essential to their professional success?

You need to select acting classes that offer practical support; a place that prides itself on teaching actors to be independent self-starters in their professional experiences. To be specific: As a working actor, you will need to apply some business administration skills in addition to your acting methodologies.

After all, agents and managers don’t select themselves; finding the right roles can be tricky; and, you’ll find, auditioning is a skill unto itself. If this is a hard pill to swallow, don’t worry: The right studio, acting classes, and instructor can teach you what you need to know to succeed in this arena.

Is the head instructor accessible to students? A studio that boasts the name of an owner or instructor you never see is hardly worth your time. Choosing an acting class that allows for interaction between the head instructor and students is paramount.

And if an interview is required prior to enrollment: Don’t be afraid! Use this as an opportunity to put your best foot forward and ask some pertinent questions about the program. Also, if additional instructors are involved, a small staff of accomplished, working actor instructors is ideal.

Choosing an acting class can be a simple, even fun endeavor that helps you improve your research and interpersonal skills. After all, those will be major components of your job as an actor – and it’s never too early to start learning them.