4 answers
Hugo
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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What education and skills does it take to become an actor/ voice actor?
When I was younger, I use to laugh at the characters that I see on tv like Jim Carrey. So when I grow up I want to make other people laugh, smile, and make their day.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1849
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hugo !
This is a good question while you are thinking about becoming an actor in the future. You mention one of the greats that has influenced you and I can easily understand why.
The education to train as an actor can either be done through community acting lessons or college and even specialized schools of acting. So you have a choice of three different education and training paths. The one I recommend is to go through the college or university path. Some of the reasons that I suggest this route is because you will learn everything about being an actor and discover yourself, it will be an everyday experience in which you meet other performers and directors as well as hear about opportunities to act, it will sharpen your literary, presentational, communication and analytical skills and in the end, you can receive a Bachelors Degree that will carry you throughout your life. When you start out, all training should be done on site in person as acting involves people and you will need to be able to know how to be onstage or screen, have the movements and interaction with the other actors.
The skills it takes to be an actor are many, yet quite unique to each individual person. It starts out with that passion or mission - one such as you've mentioned that you already have. The basics for acting as superficial as it may seem, are how you look and how you sound. From day one in acting class, you will be seen and how you look and sound will be a huge determining factor. If that is the case, you will want to sharpen your vocal skills such as voice, diction, singing. The physical skills fall in line with movement, dance and grooming. As for grooming, you'd want to strive to look like an actor that could be considered for a variety of roles. Regardless of your look, in college you will do scene work of all various character types (another reason I suggest going to college for this), not what someone decides your type is.
Once you begin a disciplined and advanced actor training, you will understand what skills are needed. It takes a very astute awareness of human behavior and life experience so that you can give authentic portrayals of any character.
While you are in school now, you can venture into the Drama Club and get to know student actors. If there is a video club, try to join that, too. Do as much acting as you can before you graduate high school and then consider enrolling in college as a Theatre or Film student. You will get a lot of acting classes if you enroll as a Theatre Major. In the meantime, go to the Library or buy acting books and read up about Acting. I have left links below for you of some books and a website that you can read now and use for your school productions. Your first step to becoming an actor is to do it - interact, join and audition for shows.
I hope that this is helpful and do return if you have any other questions ! Best wishes in all you do !
SEVEN AWESOME BOOKS ON ACTING https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/books-every-actor-shelf-10187/
ACTING 101 [BOOK] https://www.amazon.com/Acting-101-How-beginning-Actors/dp/1456597795
ACTING IS BELIEVING [BOOK] https://www.amazon.com/s?k=acting+is+believing&crid=HSIC4CJYFAJY&sprefix=Acting+is+Believing%2Caps%2C86&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_19_ts-doa-p
MORE ACTING BOOKS https://www.dontwasteyourmoney.com/best-acting-book/
WIKIHOW'S HOW TO ACT https://www.wikihow.com/Act
This is a good question while you are thinking about becoming an actor in the future. You mention one of the greats that has influenced you and I can easily understand why.
The education to train as an actor can either be done through community acting lessons or college and even specialized schools of acting. So you have a choice of three different education and training paths. The one I recommend is to go through the college or university path. Some of the reasons that I suggest this route is because you will learn everything about being an actor and discover yourself, it will be an everyday experience in which you meet other performers and directors as well as hear about opportunities to act, it will sharpen your literary, presentational, communication and analytical skills and in the end, you can receive a Bachelors Degree that will carry you throughout your life. When you start out, all training should be done on site in person as acting involves people and you will need to be able to know how to be onstage or screen, have the movements and interaction with the other actors.
The skills it takes to be an actor are many, yet quite unique to each individual person. It starts out with that passion or mission - one such as you've mentioned that you already have. The basics for acting as superficial as it may seem, are how you look and how you sound. From day one in acting class, you will be seen and how you look and sound will be a huge determining factor. If that is the case, you will want to sharpen your vocal skills such as voice, diction, singing. The physical skills fall in line with movement, dance and grooming. As for grooming, you'd want to strive to look like an actor that could be considered for a variety of roles. Regardless of your look, in college you will do scene work of all various character types (another reason I suggest going to college for this), not what someone decides your type is.
Once you begin a disciplined and advanced actor training, you will understand what skills are needed. It takes a very astute awareness of human behavior and life experience so that you can give authentic portrayals of any character.
While you are in school now, you can venture into the Drama Club and get to know student actors. If there is a video club, try to join that, too. Do as much acting as you can before you graduate high school and then consider enrolling in college as a Theatre or Film student. You will get a lot of acting classes if you enroll as a Theatre Major. In the meantime, go to the Library or buy acting books and read up about Acting. I have left links below for you of some books and a website that you can read now and use for your school productions. Your first step to becoming an actor is to do it - interact, join and audition for shows.
I hope that this is helpful and do return if you have any other questions ! Best wishes in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Jim Richardson
Background acting
5
Answers
Lake Forest, California
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Watch a lot of YouTube videos of some comedians. Go to comedy clubs. It's not just voice it is mannerisms and attitude. But go to YouTube, enter Jim Carrey in the search engine and watch videos.
Jennifer Jackson
Film producer/screenwriter
3
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Hugo,
Education and skills required to become an actor/voice actor include:
1. Training: Many actors and voice actors start by taking acting classes or attending a drama school to learn the fundamentals of acting, voice modulation, and character development.
2. Acting skills: Strong acting skills are essential for both actors and voice actors. This includes the ability to convey emotions convincingly, understand and interpret scripts, and bring characters to life.
3. Vocal training: Voice actors in particular need to have a good control over their voice, as they will be required to perform a variety of characters and accents. Voice training can help develop vocal range and clarity.
4. Improvisation skills: Actors often need to think on their feet and improvise in certain situations, so having a strong improvisation skill is beneficial.
5. Physicality: Actors need to be able to convey emotions and actions physically, so physical training such as dance or movement classes can be helpful.
6. Communication skills: Both actors and voice actors need to have good communication skills in order to work effectively with directors, fellow actors, and other members of the production team.
7. Persistence and determination: The acting industry can be competitive and challenging, so having a strong work ethic, persistence, and determination is important for success.
8. Networking: Building relationships and networking within the industry can help actors and voice actors to find opportunities, audition for roles, and build their careers.
Overall, a combination of education, training, skills, and a passion for the craft of acting is essential for becoming a successful actor or voice actor.
Best of luck,
Jennifer
Education and skills required to become an actor/voice actor include:
1. Training: Many actors and voice actors start by taking acting classes or attending a drama school to learn the fundamentals of acting, voice modulation, and character development.
2. Acting skills: Strong acting skills are essential for both actors and voice actors. This includes the ability to convey emotions convincingly, understand and interpret scripts, and bring characters to life.
3. Vocal training: Voice actors in particular need to have a good control over their voice, as they will be required to perform a variety of characters and accents. Voice training can help develop vocal range and clarity.
4. Improvisation skills: Actors often need to think on their feet and improvise in certain situations, so having a strong improvisation skill is beneficial.
5. Physicality: Actors need to be able to convey emotions and actions physically, so physical training such as dance or movement classes can be helpful.
6. Communication skills: Both actors and voice actors need to have good communication skills in order to work effectively with directors, fellow actors, and other members of the production team.
7. Persistence and determination: The acting industry can be competitive and challenging, so having a strong work ethic, persistence, and determination is important for success.
8. Networking: Building relationships and networking within the industry can help actors and voice actors to find opportunities, audition for roles, and build their careers.
Overall, a combination of education, training, skills, and a passion for the craft of acting is essential for becoming a successful actor or voice actor.
Best of luck,
Jennifer
Michael Crowley
1
Answer
Updated
Michael’s Answer
It takes willingness, most of all. Start by jumping in the deep end.
Shed your face for another.
Step into another time.
Education is great.
Experience counts too.
Close your eyes,
And go for it.
There will be fear.
Well worth the leap.
Don't forget to open your eyes....
Shed your face for another.
Step into another time.
Education is great.
Experience counts too.
Close your eyes,
And go for it.
There will be fear.
Well worth the leap.
Don't forget to open your eyes....