Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.
How much do acting classes cost?
Acting classes cost $25 to $65 per hour on average for group classes or $50 to $150+ per hour to hire a private acting coach. Prices vary depending on where you live and the instructor's experience and reputation. Acting studios that offer ongoing weekly classes typically charge $150 to $350 per month.
Acting courses and workshops can cost as little as $200 to as much as $2,800+,depending on the content, number of sessions, and the instructor's demand. Some acting workshops are short, 1- or 2-day intensive classes focusing on one aspect of the industry, while other programs last 4 to 8 weeks and cover several topics, methods, and techniques.
Most studios offer a free trial class so you can get a feel for the teaching style and decide if it's right for you.
Are online acting classes worth it?
Online acting classes are worth it if you want to pursue acting and are unable to attend acting classes in person. With online video calling platforms like Zoom and Skype, you can now study acting with the best in the industry from the comfort of your own home! Many reputable acting coaches—including those right here on Lessons—now offer online acting classes and teach the same methods and techniques that they teach in the studio.
Do you need acting classes to become an actor?
You technically don't need acting classes to become an actor. However, acting classes can help you gain confidence, learn new methods and techniques, analyze scenes and scripts, and build new industry connections and relationships. Acting classes can also teach you about the business side of acting, which is as important as acting itself.
How long do acting classes take?
Acting class length varies depending on the studio and the type of class. Some studios have 2-hour classes, while others have classes lasting 3 to 5 hours. Depending on the location, acting classes may be offered in several formats, such as ongoing weekly classes, weekend intensive workshops, and training programs that can run anywhere from 2 to 8+ weeks.
What skills do you need to be an actor?
While the necessary skillset varies depending on the type of acting you pursue (think Broadway theater vs. TV commercials vs. film), all actors need a broad range of skills to portray the expressions and emotions of a character so effectively that they temporarily transport the audience to a world where the actor is indeed that character. This often involves:
Memorizing lines and stage cues
Analyzing scripts and scenes
Developing a character's emotions and physical expressions
Working with other actors, directors, and production crews
Adapting to unexpected changes and situations
Speaking clearly and adjusting one's voice to align with the character
Learning and developing different acting methods and techniques
Being comfortable in front of an audience or camera
Reviews for Scranton acting classes
Recent success stories from people in the Scranton area.
Jos Alejandro R.
I am writing this testimonial to express my sincere appreciation for Debra’s outstanding work as my acting teacher. I decided to take acting lessons with Debra, not to become an actor, but to improve my overall English communication skills, networking skills, interpersonal skills, presentation skills, business communication skills and my interviewing skills.
Spanish is my primary language and English is my second language. I worked with Debra while I was in Boston, MA as an exchange student because I wanted to work on refining my English.
In all our sessions, regardless of the time of day, (when I went back to University in Columbia there was a time zone difference) Debra was precise in outlining the topics that would be covered in the beginning of each and every session and she would explain the next steps that we would be taking at the end of the session for the next appointment. This demonstrates not only her commitment to each individual session, but also her dedication to the overall curriculum and connections of what she intended to teach me while we worked together.
In addition to her professionalism and rigor, she is also a person of great trust who is kind, clear, compassionate, and incredibly insightful. Beyond the topics that we covered in our 10 sessions, I also sought her advice on many personal and professional matters that related to business while communicating effectively in English. In every session Debra always helped me.
I want to reiterate that Debra is a very trustworthy person and a consummate professional. She is an elite acting teacher with a comprehensive methodology. Her reputation, transparency and integrity are of the utmost importance to her evidenced by her offer of one FREE acting class.
After taking one FREE acting class with Debra, I felt very comfortable about working with her and very confident about making the investment in myself. Every penny I spend on my training with Debra has been well worth it, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented acting, public speaking coach and life coach.
In fact, Debra not only met my expectations she exceeded my expectations. I am eager to have the opportunity to continue to work with Debra again sometime in the near future.
PRESENT to PROSPER
Noura M.
"Ken Aram is a skilled teacher who effectively conveys a love for drawing to kids online, and he has taught my children very well."
Ken Aram
Maurice D.
Karen is very personal and in tuned with actors she works with. She’s detailed and focused on bringing out the best with those she works with.
Karen Vaccaro Acting Coach
Tony B.
The honesty. Plain and simple. Jason gives honest and real feed back with no fluff. And it is in a way that is meant to help you grow and not feel criticized or that you messed up. He has a deep understanding of script analysis as well as what it takes to tap into your emotions once the intent of the character is understood. Has helped me grow as an actor exponentially. Highly highly highly recommend!!
Acting & Audition Coaching
Matt A.
Landon made Theatre fun for me again. His technique is very simple, yet effective. And he knows the ins and outs of what audition materials work and what doesn't work. He will be brutally honest with you, but in the most loving way possible. On top of all of his many years working in the professional theater realm, he also is a very kind person and he's not someone you need to be intimidated by. That is just as important. You need to feel comfortable with your director/instructor. Landon is talented, kind, and he knows what he is talking about.
Lessons With Landyn
Genevieve H.
I am proud to say that Miss Lee taught me everything I know about sparkling onstage and fundamental vocal technique. She encouraged me and my sister to expand what we thought was possible from our range of voice and expression. Through Miss Lee's enthusiasm and experienced guidance, we learned how to act like professionals and perform with confidence. As a result of her training and support, we have been successful in many other performing endeavors throughout high school and college.
Lee Colee', Acting, Voice & Vocal Performance Coach
Charles C.
I'm a 74 year old retired man. I have always loved acting but have had some minor challenges due to bad eye sight and I'm not that computer savvy.
Jim helped me learn how to use an I-pad my grand daughter gave me to help me expand fonts to read scripts. Though I'm only doing this so far for a hobby, I can see huge improvement in my ability to memorize scripts and act convincingly.
Jim encouraged me to audition for the community senior center's drama club. I couldn't believe it I got right in and enjoying meeting new people (I'm widowed). Jim has been a Godsend.
I'm finding new joy and I'm enjoying seeing local theatre productions. I appreciate his kind, patient, and professional matter. Acting lessons with Jim is what got me through the horrible isolation during Covid quarantine.
He is also incredibly knowledgable on health such as veganism, breathing/meditation and is encouraging me to get into a healthier lifestyle.
My voice/sinuses improved after giving up dairy. I used to get chronic sinusitis. So I feel acting has been beneficial to my overall health.
Though Jim is pricier than other teachers in the area... I believe you pay for what you get. The extra money I pay is well worth it. The two other acting coaches I used before Jim...were mediocre and treated me like an invalid. Jim continues to inspire me to be the best I can be in all areas of my life. I consider him a good friend and he is one of the best educators out there.
Spencer Artist Development
Sean R.
Hannah is a fantastic teacher! She is professional, always aware of the time and how best to utilize it. She is encouraging, expressing what strikes her in my performance and how it can be better. She is not judgmental, that is, she only gives constructive criticism, never destructive criticism. She sees acting as playing and so encourages my silly side, wanting to try different things to see how the performance looks and feels, which is a lot of fun! She is easygoing, asking me if I am okay with what we are doing or if I would prefer trying something different. I always look forward to class; I am super excited to see how I grow in my future lessons with her! :)
Hannah Keefer Acting Lessons
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