Is there a standard training to become an movie actor/actress?

[cjseliga]

I've heard the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem had a pretty good theater/acting program as well.

[Roselvr]

Originally Posted by RobertFisher

In some countries there are nationally- and industry-recognized schools specifically to groom actors and actresses. Students come out possessing the basic skills needed to be an actor/actress (not that most will make it big or even just make it).

Is there such a thing in the US? I did a rough search, the suggestions seem to center around "take part in high school plays and musical", "study theatre or drama in university", "practice", "get agent"... This does not seem like a very focused path.

Is there a "Harvard of the acting schools"?

Google? acting classes California

acting classes Redwood Shores, CA

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by jtab4994

The kid also has to want to do it. J.K. Rowling lamented that she had found her "perfect Harry" in Ireland while they were casting the first movie, but he wasn't an actor, so that was that.

I know a family whose young daughter has had bit parts in major Hollywood films, but I have no idea how they got hooked up with the business. It might have just been a case of some talent agent catching a glimpse of her somewhere, or the Mom signing her up for a contest. The point is, she did not go to acting school.

Sometimes working as an "extra" can get your foot in the door, if you're good. If you happen to live in or near a city that film crews sometimes travel to, they advertise locally for extras for crowd scenes and whatnot.

[AtlJan]

Originally Posted by RobertFisher

In some countries there are nationally- and industry-recognized schools specifically to groom actors and actresses. Students come out possessing the basic skills needed to be an actor/actress (not that most will make it big or even just make it).

Is there such a thing in the US? I did a rough search, the suggestions seem to center around "take part in high school plays and musical", "study theatre or drama in university", "practice", "get agent"... This does not seem like a very focused path.

Is there a "Harvard of the acting schools"?

If you are interested in film/tv, you need an agent. To get an agent the best way is to get to know a legitimate acting instructor in one of the markets such as LA, Atlanta or NYC. Do some research into acting schools, I'm not talking about colleges/universities. I mean evening/weekend classes. The acting school will have industry showcases with agents in attendance. Industry showcases are open to students who have studied at the school and are ready. Acting in student films is good. Being an extra is not. A legit agent will not ask for any form of payment up front. They should not charge you a fee for headshots or training. Legit agents only get paid when you book a job.

You can start at any age and you do not need a certain look, and you do not need a 4 year degree. Agents need a variety on their roster. Sometimes the oddball demographic folks are easier to book than the regular joes. Training IS essential. By getting a good recommendation from a known acting coach, the agent also has someone to attest to the fact that not only can you act, but you also show up on time, are easy to work with etc. Start there.

If you are interested in theater, I can't help you, as I don't know anything about that route.

[Cida]

Originally Posted by RobertFisher

In some countries there are nationally- and industry-recognized schools specifically to groom actors and actresses. Students come out possessing the basic skills needed to be an actor/actress (not that most will make it big or even just make it).

Is there such a thing in the US? I did a rough search, the suggestions seem to center around "take part in high school plays and musical", "study theatre or drama in university", "practice", "get agent"... This does not seem like a very focused path.

Is there a "Harvard of the acting schools"?

Basic training to become an actor involves waiting on tables.

If you're asking just out of curiosity, one of the best is the Yale School of Drama.

If you're asking for the kid, this doesn't sound promising. Looks and acting are two different things.

[bigbear99]

Culinary School so you can get a higher wage between acting gigs.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by RobertFisher

Not a skill, but it is a critical "quality", no?

No. Two names: Jason Alexander ("George Costanza" on Seinfeld), Meryl Streep. And there are many others who are great actors, but aren't good-looking: Rhea Perlman, Andy Kaufman, Danny DeVito, Michael Richards. I'm sure everyone can think of more. What's needed to make a career as an actor is to be able to act well.

[chessimprov]

In western NY state, there was an organization that started up called Theatre Workshop.
It was geared towards children, but adults could sign up too.

This type of organization/school could cater more to your needs from working on basics or being casual to building your acting skills up and maybe even your actual connections.

[RMESMH]

Originally Posted by redguard57

Is there a "Harvard of the acting schools"?

Julliard? NYU Tisch School for the Arts?

I blog about movies and often write about the creator backgrounds. Many movie actors did get formal training. Some didn't. Some went to college. Some didn't.

Actors that get consistent work & make a lifetime career out of it, tend to have gotten formal training & got degrees in theater arts or drama. E.g. Gary Oldman, Jim Parsons (Sheldon from Big Bang Theory), Michael Rooker ("Merle" from Walking dead... lol he often gets redneck idiot roles but is quite intellectual in real life), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones). These people are often not stars, though. But they get consistent work, which in show business is success. Some went to college but studied something else & just got into acting through volunteering for plays. E.g.: Alan Alda. Some went to college and dropped out, e.g.: Anthony Rapp, Carrie Fisher.

For actors that become major movie & TV stars, there are more intangible factors involved than just technical skill that can be taught in college & by mentors. They often have that "something" that can't really be taught, and it's about 50/50 that they got formal training. Most of them got a lot of practice in local productions & got a lucky break either through a connection or being in the right place at right time. However, their status as stars is often dependent on the fashions of the time, their connections, etc... E.g.: Carrie Fisher was the daughter of a major movie star and music star, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Her connections helped. Also her particular style was perfectly suited for the late 70s, early 80s. Then she wasn't able to maintain it for a variety of reasons. It's very hard to be a star for a whole career.

Although the last 20 years or so of his (Robert's) career were mostly outside the U.S., it probably didn't hurt (although that can be a double-edged sword) that Alan's father Robert was a well known actor.