How Do I Choose the Best Online Acting Classes?

When you want to select the best online acting classes, many of the factors you consider will be the same as for any school, including accreditation and costs. With acting classes, however, you might also compare those that meet in real-time against those that allow you to set your own schedule. Those that meet in real-time may get closer to the hands-on instruction most people expect of an acting class, but courses that allow you to learn at your convenience may prove helpful if you are very busy. If you do choose a class that features a good deal of recorded lessons, you could consider participating in a local theater or acting group to get in-person feedback and hands-on experience. Additionally, you might prefer a class that offers you the opportunity to interact and network through message boards and Internet conferencing.

One of the best tips for choosing online acting classes is to research the reputation of the school you are considering. A professional-looking website and an interesting class description won't necessarily translate into a good acting school. Instead, you may do well to look for reviews of the school and classes online, such as those written by individuals who have taken the classes in the past or are currently enrolled. If you can find articles about successful actors who have graduated from the school, this may also help you make a good choice.

You can also compare acting classes based on when and how you will have to participate in each class. Some schools have recorded lessons and written materials that make up the bulk of the instruction, and in such a case, you may have the option of logging in whenever you see fit. Others might be conducted in real-time and require you to log in and participate based on a specific schedule. This type of class may require you to perform monologues in real-time, using video and Internet technology. Others, however, may allow you tape your acting presentations and submit them to an instructor for review.

While setting your own learning schedule proves convenient if you have numerous responsibilities, many experts assert that hands-on acting instruction is a more beneficial option. As such, real-time acting classes ultimately may be a better choice. If convenience must take priority, however, you could select classes that allow you to learn on your own schedule and then enroll in an acting group to get hands-on acting practice. Alternatively, you can consider online acting classes that give you credit for acting in local theater productions.

The opportunity to interact with other students and acting instructors can prove important when you want to choose the best online acting classes. Options that include weekly message board or web conferencing discussions allow you to network with other students. Such technology may also make it easier to ask questions of your instructors and get timely feedback.