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Sean Penn
Posted
I just recently talked to an actor I really appreciated for his skills, and was surprised he didn't go to an acting class.

He actually hadn't been in one for months.

Sure, he was good, but isn't an acting class a good environment to keep fresh in your craft?

What's your take on that?

You never stop learning, but do you need an acting class for that?

PS: For me, and acting class is a bit like acting family. It's a creative home.
 
Posts: 103 | Location: Studio City | Registered: April 20, 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Denzel Washington
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I would like to always be in a class, even if it'd once per week, unless I am working on a project (because that is the best training of all). I stopped going to class last year when I was literally always working on a project (20 projects last year). Though I am not as busy this year, I have not gone back.

I am currently taking a break for financial reasons (thanks President Bush).
 
Posts: 280 | Location: Hollywood, CA | Registered: August 10, 2005Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Nicholas Cage
Picture of avidactor
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In my opinion, the best class is the world around you. But it doesn't hurt to keep sharp in a "class". I don't think its something that has to be done every waking hour of your life, but classes a few times a month keeps you sharp.
 
Posts: 433 | Location: Homesick | Registered: October 18, 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Johnny Depp
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I think that classes keep you sharp and can continue to challenge you (if you have the right coach), but occassional breaks are good and fine. Investing in your career is usually a wise choice. Of course, in this economy, we may not all be able to take classes as frequently as we like.

If you cannot commit to weekly classes, why not try taking a session (for example, on Improv or another "specific") for a month or two?

Also studying other things - be it martial arts, fencing, rollerblading - these things can be helpful in particular roles as well. I think the point is to keep honing skills and enhancing your experience.
 
Posts: 64 | Location: New England | Registered: March 22, 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Sean Penn
Posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by Iceman:
I would like to always be in a class, even if it'd once per week, unless I am working on a project (because that is the best training of all). I stopped going to class last year when I was literally always working on a project (20 projects last year). Though I am not as busy this year, I have not gone back.

I am currently taking a break for financial reasons (thanks President Bush).


Yes, working on a project is the best!

Many actors have to take a break from class for financial reasons. To work more at a dayjob, for example...

Well, this summer seems to be shot down already. But I have high hopes for autumn.
 
Posts: 103 | Location: Studio City | Registered: April 20, 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Sean Penn
Posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by glamourpuss:
I think that classes keep you sharp and can continue to challenge you (if you have the right coach), but occassional breaks are good and fine. Investing in your career is usually a wise choice. Of course, in this economy, we may not all be able to take classes as frequently as we like.

If you cannot commit to weekly classes, why not try taking a session (for example, on Improv or another "specific") for a month or two?

Also studying other things - be it martial arts, fencing, rollerblading - these things can be helpful in particular roles as well. I think the point is to keep honing skills and enhancing your experience.


Sometimes it's good to take a step back, and come back, and get a fresh look again. But if you step back too far, there might be an abyss behind you.
 
Posts: 103 | Location: Studio City | Registered: April 20, 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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