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When the Greek performer Thespis first took the stage in 534 BC and became the first recorded actor in history acting was a far less popular career choice. Now, as we all know, acting is one our nation’s most popular and competitive fields. Many hopeful actors find the best way to move forward in acting is to attend an acting school. 

Acting school, or drama school, prepares students to deliver performances that are poignant and authentic. Traditional drama schools like the Julliard School’s Drama Division focus on theatre acting and generally offer four year programs that result in a Bachelor of Fine Arts. These schools are very competitive. The Julliard School’s Drama Division audition 1, candidates for the 18 open spots in every freshman class. 

Acting schools focused on film can be just as competitive but give students practical film experiences. On camera experience, live film shoots, exposure to real scripts, and experience working with directors are all offered by schools like the New York Film Academy. These schools provide not only technical experience, acting methods and techniques, but also professional film shoots that can be used for an actor’s reel, which is used by actors auditioning for acting parts.

There are other acting schools that promise to “quickly and expertly” teach students the art of acting. However, the schools must be evaluated based on the experience of their instructors and the success of former pupils. If an acting school, “camp”, or “corp” is not producing working actors, it is likely a waste of time and money. If such a school is really connected to producers and talent agencies it will show in the success of its students.

Popular acting and drama schools include the Yale School of Drama, Tisch School of Art at New York University, the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers, and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Some acting schools now offer online classes and various degree programs involving acting. Many of these online classes promise intensive training and experienced instructors.