Is An Acting Degree Necessary?
Acting takes study and practice. The journey to become an actor is not the same for everyone. But all actors need to do these four things to advance in their careers:
- Take classes
- Gain professional experience
- Acquire additional skills
- Find an agent
You don’t need to have a formal education to become an actor. Skills like creativity, speaking, literacy, dedication, memorization, and discipline cannot be learned off of the pages of a textbook but take practice and experience. However, a bachelor’s degree in the field will be helpful in honing the technical skills to be a great actor.
Aspiring actors can benefit from a formal college or university drama degree program. They can gain an understanding and appreciation of what goes on behind the scenes, the history of theater, stage production, dance, music, etc. College productions may also offer you the opportunity to be seen by agents and producers who are looking for new talent. In the US, you can find drama programs at almost every major public, private and community college.
Acting classes are also recommended for children. It provides them with life skills such as confidence and self-discipline which are necessary for them to manage fear and anxiety. They become stable and grounded individuals who can work well with others and create healthy friendships.
The Playground has produced many big-name stars for Disney Channel shows (e.g. The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and many others) and popular sitcoms. Our director, Gary Spatz, has worked with children in the entertainment arena for the past 25 years. He is known as one of the top coaches for young actors.
The Playground exemplifies that there is no need for formal education to be an actor. It’s just a matter of how dedicated and disciplined you are.
