Ok. I'm not sure if this is the right place to put this discussion. If not, please forgive me.

I am a foreign actor. I have studied in a school in my Country and had other classes with some renowned professionals, but I still feel very newbie. The thing is, I always wanted to be an actor not because of the money or the glamour (of course these things might be good and have many advantages, but they come too with some bad things and disadvantages; it isn't just my main objectives, though), but because it is the only job that I believe could be funny! The only job where I can "be" someone completely different from myself. The only job where I can jump skyscrapers, fight monsters in a pirate ship, fly on a dragon's back, breath underwater while having a chat with Poseidon - you got the idea - and not getting killed or locked up in a asylum. In my Country, unfortunatelly, the industry (should say the economy and the politicians) do not allow productions this fantastic.

That said, you got the picture of what kind of actor I am:

- an actor who would gladly stay 10 hours in makeup to become, say, Jabba the Hut;
- an actor who do not have the slightest interest in performing at broadway musicals;
- an actor who do not have the slightest interest in making a career at the Theatre, because it doesn't have the structure to bring to life the fantastic world that I love (i am not talking about imagination here);
- an actor who would love to get a supporting role that would allow me to fight (yes, choreographly) alongside the hero, or against him as a villain (like, say, Star Wars fight sequences);
- an actor who would love to play a detective and run by the streets after the bad guys, like Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis do in their movies;
- an actor who just need the money to pay his bills and keep playing (after all, acting is to play, isn't it?);
- an actor who do not want to be just an extra in the movies, but who also do not want to be a worldly-famous star;

So... after thinking a lot about what I want as an actor, I discovered there is no need for me to stay in my Country, and I decided to go to yours
I plan to move to New York City next year, so I would like your advice on how should I start my acting career, considering all the above listed.

Since my resume here in Brazil probably would mean nothing in the US, I think I should attend some classes there to build it up. I do not have the money to go to a university or 2 or more years conservatory, so I came up with a list of schools/studios to get the techniques and knowledges I believe would make me a better actor (that's the reason I put the topic in this thread).

This techniques/knowledges are:

- Accent Reduction;
- Script Analysis/Scene Study
- Audition Technique;
- Cold Reading;
- Stage Combat (actually, I am more interested in film combat);
- Acting Technique for Film and TV;
- Alexander Technique;
- The Business of Acting;

And the schools/studios I came up with are:

- Stella Adler Studio Evening Program or their workshops;
- Lee Strasberg Film Institute 12-week program;
- William Esper Studio
- Michael Howard Studios
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA);
- New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts (NYCDA);
- Jason Bennett Actor's Workshop

Only then, after acquiring some knowledge of the business and sharpening my techniques I would move to LA and do classes at, say, Ivana Chubbuck Studio, Tony Barr's Film Actor Workshop, Baron-Brown Studio, Clay Banks Film Acting Studio, and Lorrie Hull. While in NYC, though, I do plan to take some headshots and find an agent, but only after acquiring some experience in off-broadway plays and student movies.

Now the questions:

1- What do you think about the techniques/knowledges listed above? Would you add anything else?
2- Do you think I can acquire these techniques/knowledges in the listed schools/studios? Would you recommend any other?
3- Should I take separated classes/workshops or an evening program?
4- Does this sound like a smart plan? Or should I just move to NYC, skip the classes, and try to break through by myself going straight to the auditions?
5- Do you think I should go straight to LA, since what I really want is to act in movies?
6- Do you know anything about Tony Barr's Film Actor Workshop, Baron-Brown Studio, Clay Banks Film Acting Studio, and Lorrie Hull? Are they really good?

Thank you very, very much for any advice you can give me.

Well...that's quite a personal breakdown.

I'd say you know what you want, and you have a pretty good idea what you can offer (or think you can offer).

I'll say this: stay away from the union for now. Work on your skills and resume in the indie scene...build your chops, your resume and your connections. Figure out what you really are capable of doing, and what you do well.

And the truth is, just because you know what you want...doesn't mean that's all you'll get, or all you'll end up doing. Sometimes we have to accept jobs we don't really want, but may advance our career, our skill, or our network.

Feel free to be picky all your career...but chances are already slim at making it...why make that even worse? I'm not saying you should take crappy jobs in student films (not that ALL student films are bad), you can absolutely be picky...just don't be afraid to move out of your comfort zone (an actor should learn to strive in uncomfortable situations). Also, not to be totally contradictory, but you should learn to strike a balance between accepting jobs that are a challenge, and jobs that put you in a bad light because you're not ready for them...know what I mean?

Good luck.

Hey M1chae1, thanks for replying.

I know what you mean and totally agree with it. That's exactly the reason why I think I should go to school in NYC before anything else; to work on my skills, on my resume, and to make connections. And I'm not saying I won't accept jobs that aren't related to what I really want to do; I just need some orientation on the best schools/studios where I can acquire the techniques I need to do what I really want to do..

So, any comments on the schools/studios? What about the techniques? Any other suggestions?

Anybody else?

Thank you,

Hello Maurice,

quote:

-an actor who do not have the slightest interest in performing at broadway musicals;
- an actor who do not have the slightest interest in making a career at the Theatre, because it doesn't have the structure to bring to life the fantastic world that I love (i am not talking about imagination here)

If your goal (and dream) is to be a Film/TV actor, then I would suggest you head straight to LA. Even though I personally think New York offers solid training (I'm based in NY, so I'm I'm biaist. muahaha.) - But you should be learning the technique and the business of Acting, while getting yourself exposed in the TV/Film world.

quote:

I plan to move to New York City next year, so I would like your advice on how should I start my acting career, considering all the above listed.

If you have already decided to move to New York, well, the big apple welcomes you.
There are Film/TV jobs and training around, just not as much compares to Hollywood.

quote:

This techniques/knowledges are:
- Accent Reduction;
- Script Analysis/Scene Study
- Audition Technique;
- Cold Reading;
- Stage Combat (actually, I am more interested in film combat);
- Acting Technique for Film and TV;
- Alexander Technique;
- The Business of Acting;

I would place the Business of Acting along-side of Accent Reduction. These should be on top of your list. (Personally opinion. It's very important to learn the business. And as a Non-native English speaker, the accent thing always nailed me at auditions... way before I have the chance to 'act')

For Business of acting, you can actually learn that from reading some really good books... I recommend the following (reading one of them should be enough):

New York:

"Acting - Make It Your Business" by Paul Russell
"Acting as a Business" by Brian O'Neil

Los Angeles:

"Self-Management for Actors" by Bonnie Gillespie
"Acting is Everything" by Judy Kerr

and

"How to Sell Yourself as an Actor: from New York to Los Angeles (and everywhere in between!)" by K. Callan

quote:

And the schools/studios I came up with are:

- Stella Adler Studio Evening Program or their workshops;
- Lee Strasberg Film Institute 12-week program;
- William Esper Studio
- Michael Howard Studios
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA);
- New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts (NYCDA);
- Jason Bennett Actor's Workshop

These schools are all good - Make sure you visited their website and feel comfortable with their teaching philosophy, curriculum, and rates (I know. it's a business after all). You can always call and see if you can audit a class before you fully committed to the program.
There are many different techniques to acting, you just have to find one that works for you.

(Ahem, I personally recommend Esper Studio)

quote:

Only then, after acquiring some knowledge of the business and sharpening my techniques I would move to LA and do classes at, say, Ivana Chubbuck Studio, Tony Barr's Film Actor Workshop, Baron-Brown Studio, Clay Banks Film Acting Studio, and Lorrie Hull. While in NYC, though, I do plan to take some headshots and find an agent, but only after acquiring some experience in off-broadway plays and student movies.

I have heard great things about Ivana Chubbuck and Baron-Brown Studio. But I think after you completed your training in New York, don't jump into another 'technique' class when you move to Los Angeles. You should take at least a Commercial class there, so you get a scene of LA's audition style, what they expects from Actors, and expectation from Actor Headshots. (Yes.... LA headshot is different than NY headshot...) In the class, you will also get to network with other actors.

Now the questions:

quote:

What do you think about the techniques/knowledges listed above? Would you add anything else?

Here are just other options for your reference:

New York

T. Schreiber Studio
Larry Singer Studio
The Neighborhood Playhouse
Robert X. Modica Acting Studio
Anthony Abeson Workshop
Joanna Beckson Studios
Anania Studio
Sande Shurin Studio
Penny Templeton Studio
Turturro Acting Studio
MTB Studio
Bova Actor's Workshop

Los Angeles

Larry Moss Studio
Margie Haber Workshops (Cold Reading Class)
Amy Lyndon Workshops (Cold Reading Class)
Brian Reise Acting Studios
Scott Sedita Acting Studio (Comedy Class)
Anthony Meindl Actor's Workshop (A bit of New Age...)
The Groundlings Theatre (Improv)

quote:

Should I take separated classes/workshops or an evening program??

If a school offers 1-2 years program (same with the 12 weeks, evening program) then you should stick to the program first. Since you will also be working (survival job) - so that will affect on the schedule of classes you can take.

quote:

Does this sound like a smart plan? Or should I just move to NYC, skip the classes, and try to break through by myself going straight to the auditions

I'm not familiar with the trainings in Brazil, or your background. So, to train or not to train - It's really up to you.

But I personally think you can start auditioning whenever you feel confident and comfortable. Through auditions, you will learn more about youself, your skills, and what you need to improve.

Going to auditions is also a learning experience.

quote:

Do you think I should go straight to LA, since what I really want is to act in movies?

Totally. Why spend time in Theatre Land when your goal is to live in Movie Land?

quote:

Do you know anything about Tony Barr's Film Actor Workshop, Baron-Brown Studio, Clay Banks Film Acting Studio, and Lorrie Hull? Are they really good?

Tony Barr's class focuses On-Camera only. He has a book... You should read it and see how you feel about his teaching.

Good Luck!!

NO to Larry Moss Studio and the Strasberg Institute!

Larry Moss wrote a REALLY good book and is an amazing acting coach, but he HARDLY teaches at Larry Moss Studios. It's a bait and switch that banks on the teacher's name. There have been more complaints than positive things about Michelle Danner who teaches there. She's probably a good coach, but not a good group teacher.

The Strasberg Institute also banks on a famous teacher's name. The school died when Lee Strasberg died. Now it's a Green Card factory for immigrants.

Top Schools in LA:
If you're in LA and want to be serious, here are some of the best schools:

Cold Reading/Auditioning (Ranked from Top to Bottom)
-Margie Haber
-Brian Reise
-Amy Lyndon

Commercials
-Hey, I Saw Your Commercial!
-Chris Game
-Stuart K. Robinson
-Stuart Stone
-Killian McHugh
-Francine Selkirk-Akerman
-Carolyne Barry

Improv (All four are great)
-Groundlings
-Second City
-Upright Citizens Brigade
-Improv Olympic

Scene Study/Acting (It varies. Some schools are not for everyone. Chubbuck, Eric Morris, and Howard Fine are not for people who aren't fans of Strasberg or Uta Hagen (ie. affective memory and substitution.) Playhouse West, Joanne Baron/DW Brown, and Acting Corps are more Meisner oriented. Try to audit these places and make sure if they're for you or not.

-Doug Warhit
-Kimberly Jentzen
-Beverly Hills Playhouse
-Howard Fine
-Stella Adler
-Ivanna Chubbuck
-Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown
-Tom Todoroff
-Playhouse West
-Aaron Speiser
-Acting Corps
-Eric Morris

Comedy:
-Scott Sedita
-Lesly Kahn

For the record: I would totally read Tony Barr's Acting for the Camera book. It's a fabulous, down-to-earth break down of practical information. It stay away from confusing and conflicting 'techniques' and does a great job of breaking things down for the film actor.

I've read it three times.

Yeah, i have Tony's book sitting on my shelf along with my other books. I go back and review the content on regular basis.
hrm, there's a new edition out there...

Hey guys, thanks for replying.

wonderfulcow, I agree with you about learning while working, but I am afraid I wouldn't find any jobs before I can speak my lines in English properly; even though my pronunciation is not bad, I still have an accent. Some native ladies would say it is a very sexy accent, though.. lol (I've lived in the US for 5 months in 2006).

By the way, I will read the books about the business of acting as soon as I get in the US, thanks for the suggestions.

About the schools, I do plan to audit all of them before commiting to any program. I'll stay a couple months in NYC before starting to study, so that I get a feeling of the theatre/film scene in the city.

Did you go to Esper Studio? Could you tell me anything about the acting classes and the teachers?

About LA, yeah, I know what you mean..

Here in Brazil, even though teachers always talk about Stanislavski's system, I don't feel we really have a good understanding of how it works. It seems brazilian actors learn what not to do on stage (like stay off of the light, turn their backs to the audience, etc) and complementing skills (like voice and speech, movement), but when it comes to acting, they simply rely on their instincts. I can almost assure you that actors here in Brazil do not ever apply Meisner's approach to acting, and even Adler's or Strasberg's seem a little obscure. They are more like 'Theatre history', if you know what I mean. And as I understand, that's not the case in the US; so that's why I believe I should get really good training before moving to LA. And even though what I really want to do is work on film, I have a desire to be really good at my art, so that if I ever come back to Brazil I would be able to teach others here. And NYC has a better transportation system, which helps on my choice (don't want to spend money buying a car) to go there first.

----------

TRUTHTELLER59, I've read almost all your posts about Lee Strasberg Film Institute here in BackStage forum and even in Yahoo Answers. I understand what you mean and have already decided not to study at the Film Institute in LA. But I'm not sure the NYC branch shares the same reputation. Besides, some other guy already explained here in this forum that the Film Institute is not a factory of greencards to immigrants. There is no such thing. I am familiar with your Country's immigration system and believe me, no school whatsoever is allowed to give greencards.

Thanks on the schools list anyway.

----------

M1chae1 and wonderfulcow, yeah, I'll read Tony Barr's book; I have already 'wish listed' it on Amazon.

----------

So, after reading your suggestios and doing some research on the Internet and on the schools websites, I came up with this new list of techniques, this time in order, and the places in NYC where I can learn them. I plan to study 2 years in the city; and yes, I'll look for work as an actor while studying. Let's see if you agree with me:

FIRST YEAR:

- Accent Reduction: Sylvia Rosen at T. Schreiber Studio;
- The Business of Acting: one or more of the books wonderfulcow listed above;
- Acting Technique I: William Esper Part-time Program;
- Alexander Technique: Daniel Singer at Michael Howard Studios;

SUMMER VACATIONS: Physical Theatre Intensive at Stella Adler Studio;

SECOND YEAR:

- Acting Technique II: William Esper Part-time Program;
- Shakespeare: Patsy Rodenburg at Michael Howard Studios;

OTHER CLASSES I PLAN TO ATTEND SOME TIME:

- Voice and Speech with Andrea Haring at Linklater Center or Vocal Production with Page Clements at T. Schreiber Studio;
- Neutral American Speech with Rebecca DuMaine Miller at Linklater Center;
- Scene Study: Terry Schreiber or Michael Howard;
- Advanced Shakespeare: Kristin Linklater;
- Dialects: Page Clements at the T. Schreiber Studio;

THIRD YEAR, in LA:

- Commercials;
- Cold Reading;
- Audition Technique;
- Improv;

------------

One last question: where can I find a good script analysis class?

Thank you all again

Your plan is backwards. You want to start with Improv and Commercials first. The first agent that you will get is a commercial agency. A lot of commercial auditions demand improv. Commercials are also the money jobs.

NO to accent reduction! Your accent is going to help you for ethnic roles. You want to learn AMERICAN STANDARD ENGLISH and integrate it with your Brazilian accent.

And my mistake. Strasberg Institute is a factory for immigrants to get their Visas.

ALso, have you ever thought of JUST going to LA? Both are VERY expensive places to live so why not save money by staying in one city?

The training in LA is just as good if not better than NY. And it's obvious that you're more into film/tv so you should definitely go to LA, for that is the film/tv capital. NY is more for theatre and musicals with some film/tv opoortunities. A lot of the major film/tv studios migrated to LA a long time ago.