Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.
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 Seattle acting classes
Recent success stories from people in the Seattle area.
Kamree A.
First and foremost shes brilliant. Shes energetic, observant, receptive, flexible, attentive, animated, modestly eclectic, very approachable, very knowledge and I personally recommend her 12 times out of 10. She has taught me techniques, and new ways to expand my vocal range, how to "tell the story" of songs, how to make a song my own and articulation is key. I can go on and on of what shes taught me but I'm a better vocalist and performer than I ever have been in my life and I cant thank her enough for it. If you're reading this just give her a call you'll love her trust me😊
Joanne Klein Singer/Actor/Teacher
Jack S.
John is great at finding weaknesses in the actor's analytical and emotional skill set. He teaches you how to strengthen these weaknesses based on the teaching approaches of Uta Hagen, Konstantin Stanislavsky, Sanford Meisner and his background as a writer and director. I love his up beat teaching style and endless forms of motivation. Your success is tied to self-motivation and hard work, but John can definitely show you how to acquire the tools to become a professional actress/actor.
John Jacobsen
Margie S.
Well, of course, it helped that we are both sopranos! That said, she was good at paying attention to both my potential and my limits as a singer. She did an excellent job of teaching me to breathe properly which is far more necessary for a singer than I had ever imagined. So is posture. The more voice lessons I had with her, the more relaxed and confident I grew. And I had a lot of fun just being near her and listening to her sing something before I attempted to sing the same thing she had just sung. In her presence there was a beautiful balance between the hard work of singing and the joy and fun that singing brings to our souls and bodies.
Voice Lessons with Natalie Ingrisano, soprano
Jerome R.
Studying under Rendon was such a fulfilling, inspiring, and motivating experience. He makes every single class an extensive and rich learning opportunity for growth. One of the important things I love about coaching with him, is how he held himself and his expectations for the classroom; Setting a precedent of excellence, diligence, and focus from start to finish. I admired his dedication and commitment to every individual student, believing in their abilities, and pushing them beyond what they thought capable. I valued his approach to teaching stage and screen acting, crafting various and effective exercises to challenge students, dissecting and analyzing scripts and screenplays, and encouraging students to explore and “play” as they work.
Expert Coaching For Stage and Screen
Mason W.
During a time when I wanted to take advantage of the opportunities provided by long-distance online lessons, I was very lucky to find Alina. She conducts virtual classes smoothly and effectively, and she's incredibly lively, warm, and encouraging as she works with you on your chosen vocal goals. I've been singing for a while now, and she's helped me unlock exciting new sounds and styles in my voice, all while sharing healthy and helpful techniques for some of my problem spots. I know I'll keep her vocal wisdom handy for a long time to come!
Alina's Voice Studio
Tyler K.
When working with Chelsea, one will notice that when she is talking to you it’s like there is no one else in the room- not in an intimidating way, but in a completely giving way. She is continually giving of herself as an instrument of making art- whether acting or directing, she is present, focussed, vulnerable, and selfless with her time and emotional investment for not only the project at hand, but for the relationships she makes during the project.
Chelsea is an incredible listener. As an actor, director, and teacher she respects the work and viewpoints of fellow artists so that it makes what we do a truly collaborative experience. She has an impressive resume and, as a multifaceted artist she is knowledgable and credible and therefore able to communicate affectively with anyone. She is empowering, efficient, so very intelligent, talented, and exceptionally kind (a rare combination of qualities in my opinion). I would share the stage with her or sit behind the production table with her anytime.
Chelsea LeValley- actor, director, instructor
Valerie M.
Marianne is one of the most knowledgeable, creative, and fun acting/voice coaches I have worked with. She is so brilliant and is generous in sharing her magical tools so you can keep them in your toolbox for the future. It feels like she could solve any theatre-related problem in the world-- she is so wise! Marianne's deep well of knowledge has taught me so much-- from contemporary to classics to dialect coaching.