Backdoor Playhouse

Why take an acting class?

If you are going to be a teacher, a marketing expert, anyone in sales ever, if you are ever going to speak to another person in your life, you will benefit from taking an acting class.

Here's Why:

First let’s talk about other industry professionals who would benefit from taking acting classes. This means directors, producers, writers...even agents and managers! Just as certain actors will get day jobs working in casting offices to help round out their understanding of the industry and gain experience, the behind-the-scenes folks could also grow from getting the opportunity to step into an actor’s shoes.

These classes offer a more in-depth respect for the craft and allows for empathizing with the plight of an artist. For writers and directors, classes let you understand what you expect someone to do you for, and that can make your work better overall. You’ll understand emotions, the bravery and the work that goes into acting as well as the fear and dry mouth an actor experiences standing in front of a CD (Casting Director).

Once you’ve experienced it yourself, you’ll know what kind of help you’d like in various acting situations. How would you want to be directed? Would you prefer “try it a different way,” or by being given specific direction? If you’re a writer, do the lines you read in class sound natural, or are they clunky and easily choked on? All of this experience can be illuminating and make you a better, more understanding professional.

And it’s not just the behind-the-scenes industry professionals that should be taking acting classes.

Do you know how many people with stunning voices have sung for me, but performed like it was a lullaby instead of a powerhouse anthem? Singers and dancers can use an acting class to learn how to bring more passion, confidence, and presence to their craft.

Just as it’s important for an actor to take music and movement classes to better understand rhythm, timing, and cadence, singers and dancers can benefit from the introspection, emotional focus, and understanding of motivation that an acting class can provide.

BUT...

Learning vocal skills help everyone get their message across, learning about body language help everyone communicate better...  

It has been suggested that body language may account for between 60 to 65% of all communication. 

Learning acting skills is crucial for communication. Find out what theater classes are being offered now or next semester 

For further information about why everyone should take acting classes, please contact faculty advisor Mark Creter at mcreter@tntech.edu.