<p>Hi,
I am an aspiring acting grad student with little acting experience. I recently moved to NY for a fashion design job, but took some elementary acting classes and really realized that it was something I want to pursue. Since I already have my BFA in Fashion Design, I would eventually like to get my MFA in Acting/Theater. I realize that NYU, UCSD and Yale are the top rated and would like to make it my goal to audition for their programs next January. In the meantime (aka the next 10 months) is there a reputable school/instructor where I could take classes to really push myself in mastering the basics? I really feel this is my passion and am willing to do anything, but in order to stay in NY I must also have a part/full time job...I am afraid of wasting any more time not working to achieve these skills...any advice??</p>
<p>I may recommend getting an agent. There tons of them in NYC and they can recommend the best studio's for you. You may also want to get a day job in the time being. You can work at a club or restaurant. You can find plenty of different jobs in NYC. I may just see how going on auditions and acting classes go. After 10 months, then see if you really want to get a MFA. You won't have time to go on auditions if you want to get an MFA. If you want some idea's on who to contact (agents), you can pm me and I'll help you. I know some good agents in the area and have some connections with them. Good Luck!</p>
<p>sbibbo, where did you take your 'elementary acting classes'? Was it somewhere that has a progression of classes? If so, that might be one place to investigate. A summer program might be worthwhile looking into, too. How about Circle in the Square or Neighborhood Playhouse? Check their websites to see what they have available. One thing I'd caution, though, is that the students at these programs are likely to be those who have more experience than you do. It doesn't hurt to investigate, though, even a simple phone call to them, and if they don't feel that their program is appropriate, then they might be able to refer you to someone else.</p>
<p>Circle</a> in the Square Theatre School</p>
<p>The</a> Neighborhood Playhouse</p>
<p>With all due respect to early_college, the chances of someone with little acting experience getting representation by a reputable NYC agent is zero to none. Good luck with your search, sbibbo.</p>
<p>early_college, getting an agent in NYC is not like wherever you are (FL? GA?). The chances are close to nil to get an agent in NYC without acting training and some experience on the resume. It is hard enough to get an agent even with a BFA degree in hand. She could go to auditions in NYC, sure, but not through agent submissions. Further, her chance of success on the audition circuit will be slim without more training and experience. </p>
<p>I agree with AlwaysAMom that you may want to look into a summer intensive or one of the reputable acting studios in the city to help prepare you for auditions for graduate school. Also, while you may wish to reach for the top MFA programs, try to build a balanced list and look into a variety of MFA options that are out there, to increase your odds.</p>
<p>I totally disagree with soozie. It is harder to get an agent here, because there really isn't many agency's. They are a lot more picky here and it's hard to explain to someone who isn't in this market. I have gotten rejected by tons of local agents. I remember trying out for an agent three times. I know people in NYC who started out with no acting experience. Lots and Lots of agents like their talent pure and fresh. There are so many agents in NYC, and I'm sure one will want you. You have to start by sending in a picture of yourself to some agents. I may recommend a talent convention called AMTC. It helps you train with top people, and I got my first agent from them. You can definitely get an agent there. I was offered to go to LA and to do print modeling in NYC. It helps you a lot and the people are great there. Though, not everyone gets an agent. Acting is something which you have to have a huge passion for. AMTC cost money, but it's less than those "summer programs." Agents love new faces, but you still would need training. Lots of these studio's are too much money and its the agent who knows the in places. You may even want to call an agent and ask where they would recommend training. Good Luck!</p>
<p>early_college....I thank you for sharing your experience. Respectfully, I will explain that you are fifteen years old. I am 52 years old. I work with theater students. I have a 20 year old in this field. She has had a very well known agent in NYC since she was 10 years old and had offers from others in NYC as a kid as well. I have some inkling about this stuff. You have not secured a NYC agent yet yourself. </p>
<p>You do not need to spend one cent to get an agent (other than head shots would help). Conventions like AMTC are not the real legitimate way to secure a NYC agent for an actor. They hold conventions to make money and they also have a lot to do with modeling as well. There may be more agents in NYC than where you live, for sure, but more agents doesn't increase the likelihood of obtaining representation. There are a LOT more talented people vying for agents in NYC than in your market. Many of these people have a lot of training and experience. </p>
<p>As well, getting an agent as a kid (which you are) is not like getting one as a young adult like the OP who is likely about 22 years old approximately. A kid may be able to secure an agent with less training and experience. A 22 year old will need a resume and training. Even all those coming out of BFA programs cannot all obtain an agent. My D will be performing for agents in her showcase at Tisch in a week. I have no idea if she will get an agent out of it but she has far more training and experience than the OP. I do not think the OP can walk in the door of an agency right now and secure an agent for ACTING (not talking of modeling, which by the way, my kid doesn't do). I am also talking about reputable agents in NYC. </p>
<p>You say that the agencies where you live are "more picky." Let me assure you that the agents in NYC, the reputable ones that don't take YOUR money, are a lot more picky than in your market.</p>
<p>Not that they need it, but I'm gonna have to back up Sooz and Alwaysamom on this one. I know people in NYC who have graduated from pretty much every top drama program in the country who still haven't been able to get legit agents. There are entire books on the subject of getting one's interest as well as their care and feeding when you do get one. (The best is An Agent Tells All) There are even expensive seminars on the subject that desperate, unrepresented actors flock to like cattle. It takes a hell of a lot more than just a "picture of yourself," too. You need expensive headshots, a fairly extensive resume, a high quality reel, and usually a recommendation from a heavy hitter in the industry to even get your foot in the door to talk to most of the good ones ... and that's IF they have an empty place on their roster for someone of your "type." There are some exceptions; but typically, someone coming out of one of the top drama schools that is lucky enough to get signed right off the bat has to start with an agency that might be termed "second tier." </p>
<p>sbibbo,
Other than Circle which I'll opine is probably one of the best since I believe they teach a variety of techniques, you might want to look into the William Esper Studio or HB Studio as well as some other places like the night programs at Atlantic Theatre Company or the Adler School. I don't know if you've seen it or not, but there's a great running blog by an MFA student that will give you a peek into what you'll be getting into in an MFA. We aren't supposed to link blogs here, but Google "Angela Learns to Act" to find it. Look at her 12/19/08 post to grad school hopefuls where she gives a lot of what seems to be good advice. </p>
<p>Actually, I recommend anyone who is interested in a BFA conservatory read that blog all the way from the beginning to get some idea of what to expect because most of what she describes besides the understudying (replace that time with Gen Eds) is very similar to my own first year experience although her teachers seem a bit nicer than some of mine were. ;)</p>
<p>I'm not going to argue. But it may seem like I may be talking more about film acting. I totally disagree with you about AMTC. You would have to experience it yourself. AMTC wasn't an agency, so I don't see your point. You may be 52, but to me it seems like you know more about MT than film acting. You say you know a lot about Theater, but not much about film acting. I know lots of agents would disagree with you because they told me what I've told you. And yes they are legit. I may be talking more film acting and maybe this person is talking about just Theater. I wouldn't suggest theater studio's if this person wants to do film acting. They just said Acting/Theater, and really didn't say if they wanted both. I'm assuming they don't want to do film acting, so I may not be the best to answer questions about Theater. Also, you don't have to go to a top drama school to be an actor. You can get it from other places. Experience is what you need but this person should at least try getting an agent. A person coming from a second tier program may get the agent and the better school's student may not. It is about the look and personality and not the school you went to. You know how many students have graduated from Tisch? This person may not get an agent, but they should try and make some connections.</p>
<p>I am talking about film acting because that is the direction I'm being encouraged to go in first and I've been getting advice from people who are big time in the biz as well as the faculty at my school who know the ropes. Getting a good agent for screen acting is harder than even for just theatre or MT. Those people are looking for instant money makers who are already union or union-eligible and ready to book a lot now. They aren't interested in developing talent. While the first step is obviously having some natural talent and good training; the best path to getting a decent agent is to build a reel through student film and non-union gigs, do what it takes to join SAG, and get seen by casting directors and other industry types first. It's their recommendations that'll get you in the door to the good agencies. They are actually among the most important people to attend college showcases. </p>
<p>Of course you don't have to go to a top drama school to be a screen actor, but you do need to be able to show a lot of training and experience. While film is primarily a director's art where it's been proven that a good director can get an Oscar winning performance out of an American Idol reject with no acting experience, don't be fooled into thinking that most don't have a lot of training just because they never went to college. Most have extensive training in small pro studios and with private coaches. However, the best (people like Ralph Fiennes, Cate Blanchett, and Daniel Day Lewis) are not only trained, but classically trained. There are distinct differences between acting for the camera and stage acting, but the basic techniques are the same and you'd be well advised to concentrate on becoming a good actor first knowing that what usually makes for an appealing child actor doesn't translate well into adulthood. There are entirely too many poorly trained or completely untrained bimbos who've had a lot of smoke blown up their butts walking around New York and LA thinking can get by with "a few acting lessons" to get their "big break." Don't be one of those people!</p>
<p>I hate to curse myself because a lot of things can change, but I've been really lucky to have been "seen" now (No telling where student fillms might show up. :)) and have some people with pull who are going to get me Taft-Hartleyed to become SAG eligible this summer. Hopefully there won't be a strike and I'll be able to land a good agent from my showcase next year. I'm definitely being groomed. We'll see ...</p>
<p>I agree fish, but my post was to sooz. Sorry my fault on my part. I think I could get one easily, because my agent actually has an agreement with another agency in NYC and LA. I also have made connections when I went to AMTC. I do think some agents like kids fresh, but many child actors don't have much experience. I would be planning on getting an NYC agent when I go to Bard at Simon's Rock. I later would like to go to NYU, NU, or USC. I do think some people can be good stage actors and terrible film actors. Katie Holmes didn't do that hot on Broadway. I have had training for film acting and when I was younger I got lots of experience with Theater. I never had training for classical acting or MT because I don't plan to go into that. I rather do Modern Theater and film acting.</p>
<p>Early_College....most college BFA Acting programs teach acting....primarily for theater but also for film. Very very few just teach you to be a film actor alone. </p>
<p>Again, getting an agent as a child is not the same as a young adult which the OP is. A child may get an agent on a look or whatever, and not have to have oodles of training. That is not so much the case for an adult over 18 (and I am NOT talking about modeling agents). Also, you should not have to pay one dime to get an agent such as the convention you went to. When my D got an agent, it cost us nothing. She only pays a percentage for work she books. </p>
<p>As far as film acting, many of my daughter's friends in her acting program are seeking careers on film. They still study acting for the stage. Some of her friends aleady have agents and have been in film and on TV, including major motion pictures. I can think of a couple of famous child actors who are now in her acting program at Tisch where they study acting (for stage) even though they have starred in major motion pictures. </p>
<p>You said you would not recommend theater studios for the OP if she wants to go into film. To the contrary, many of those in the top acting programs in colleges (including fishbowlfreshman) are in conservatories that teach acting for the stage (and may include some training for the screen, but the training is not exclusively for film). Even those pursuing film acting, study in theater/acting programs, in other words. </p>
<p>Please understand that many who are posting here are either college students, parents of college students, or those in the field. I really appreciate your input as a young actor and that you are seeking information (good thing to do) and asking a lot of questions, since you are 15 and looking toward college some day. But many who are posting here are past the stage (no pun intended) you are at and so there is a lot to be gained. Likewise, those who read the forum take into account the experiential background of those giving "advice."</p>
<p>Actually I only see parents on this board, nothing else. I may see one or two students but that's it. Have you had actual experience in film acting? Tell me about how a day is on the set? If you want an agent you don't have to pay one. You weren't paying for an agent to go to AMTC. You were paying for the experience and training. I could have got an agent from other things. It was a great experience, just how your daughter felt at NYU. I wouldn't recommend theater training if she wants to go to film. I would just go to a studio and it's not the same as a BFA. You don't have to do that. Also, I don't see anybody's kids asking questions here. I don't see people who have had experience in the field. That's why I like Yahoo Answers better, because you get teachers and professors too. I do appreciate lots of your help when it comes to a BFA program. But I don't have some of the same views.</p>
<p>Early_College, this thread is now veering off topic, but I won't ignore your questions. </p>
<p>No, I am not a film actor. I wear two hats on the forum....one is the parent of a senior in college earning a BFA in Drama and two, I am a college counselor who advises students of all types, including theater/acting, who are selecting, applying and auditioning for college. </p>
<p>While YOU do not recommend theater training for someone who wants to go into film (which by the way, my own kid is not seeking film), that is indeed the kind of training many who attend college do who want to go into acting for the screen. Sure, you don't even have to go to college at all to become an actor! But as this is a college forum, we are discussing BA, BFA, and MFA programs for those who wish to study acting. And most of these programs have theater as the core of the training and then many of them have some courses in acting for the screen. If you want to go to college, that is what you are going to find at most programs. And you can come out of those programs well trained as an actor who auditions for film. </p>
<p>By the way, on the Theater and Musical Theater Forum, there are faculty, department heads, acting and singing coaches, etc. who participate, as well as students and parents. You may disagree about who posts on CC, but I have been on CC for seven years and you have been here one month.</p>
<p>Film and Theater are totally different. It took me a couple years to transfer over to film acting. I was very theatrical and in no way was Theater helping me for film. I had to tone it down a lot and I needed to train. I couldn't use the same training for film acting. I also don't see any department heads or coaches on this forum and this isn't MT. I haven't seen any on this particular thread and that's how I've been making my inferences.</p>
<p>I have also made an early_college thread. I have yet to see you post in there. That's why I ask my questions on other people's questions, because no one answers my threads.</p>
<p>Theater and film are different, no question. But if you want to go to college for training as an actor, it is going to include training for the stage and that will be a primary focus even if there is courswork in acting for the screen. If you want to get screen acting training outside of college, great. But this is a fact about the college programs. You need to know this. </p>
<p>You made a thread called "early_college" with a slew of questions which is why nobody likely responded. The way CC works and what you truly need to adhere to is to start a thread on a TOPIC and then the discussion on that thread needs to be related to the original topic. We can't have threads that have general discussions about everything on one thread. These forums try to have an organized system so that people can find information on various topics. </p>
<p>So, if you have questions, you need to start a thead on ONE question per thread. For instance, if you want to ask about colleges that train for film acting, start a thread on that. If you want to ask about transferring into BFA programs, start a thread on that. If you want to ask about graduating HS early, start a thread on that. </p>
<p>I chose not to post on your thread that had several topics at once. As well, I am a volunteer who tries to help people but I pick and choose. I am not paid to post here and I do this for a job off the forums and am offering my time for free on the forums but there is a limit to how many hours per day I can volunteer and I do not respond to all threads but just the ones I feel like posting on.</p>
<p>PS, if you post on other people's threads, that is absolutely fine! But try to keep the discussion on their threads to the original topic. If you have a new question on a new topic, start a new thread on that topic.</p>
<p>Ok, well I will keep that into consideration.</p>