Learn Acting your way with a TakeLessons expert

Has it always been a dream of yours to earn a living by using your voice? With so many tools at your fingertips, it's never been easier to learn how to become a voice-over artist. But it's not simply a fantastic voice that makes great talent; it requires a person with unlimited drive, refined talent, and good business acumen. If you've always wanted to try your hand at voice acting, you're not alone. This career is one of the most exciting and fulfilling job options out there, especially w

When it comes to the performing arts, voice acting attracts some of the most fiercely dedicated enthusiasts, despite the relative anonymity compared to acting on stage or on screen. In the old days, radio dramas were the most common inspiration for aspiring voice actors. Today, it’s animation. The key component of voice acting, even more than secrecy and seclusion, is versatility. An in-demand voice actor may be called upon to provide the pipes for a cartoon rabbit in a kid's show on Friday,

In the world of entertainment there are two ways actors get jobs. They either know someone or attend an audition. Each of these avenues are highly sought after. The reality is that acting jobs are hard to find. I have always been told that is hyperbolically, there is one job per 500 actors. When you find that job, it can be very hard to get it because there is so much competition. All is not lost. There are ways to be a working actor that does not require winning an audition. It would be nice to

Wondering how to get into acting, or what exactly it takes? Here are three tips to keep in mind, from Tampa, FL teacher Matthew B...   You can be successful in the entertainment business if you are prepared and willing to work hard to achieve your goals. I have provided three simple strategies in this blog post to help you succeed in the business. Each strategy has a personal story from my own career that highlights how it has worked for me. 1. Be willing to try a job in your arts care

So, you want to be an actor. Perhaps you’ve taken the plunge and moved to a new city with a bustling acting industry. Maybe you just graduated school, where you majored in the performing arts. You might even have attended your first open call audition. If any of these are true, you will realize very quickly that you will need a talent agent. For the actor, one of the most important relationships you will cultivate is with your talent agent. This is why it is vital that you find an agent that y

Working toward a career in the arts? You're likely taking private classes or refining your skills in school - and with that comes tuition bills and loans, on top of cost of living. How can you survive and still get the training you need? Read on to learn 11 ways to earn extra money with these ideas from New York City teacher Jasmine B...   Recently, I found a definition of a "survival job" as a low-wage, low-skill job that does not utilize one’s professional skills, but is necessary

We’ve all seen that classic TV trope of the actor who goes ‘Method’. They are usually clad from head to toe in black silk, their ensemble finished off with a French beret, choosing to live and breathe their craft. This, of course, is a stereotype. Actors prepare in many different ways, but this trope makes fun of the Method actors in the industry. Marlon Brando, Robert Di Niro, and Dustin Hoffman are three of the most well known Method actors. Still, what does it truly mean to be a Method

Dreaming of making it big on screen or on stage, but worried you don't have the right amount of experience? Read on as teacher Matthew H. shares his advice...    While becoming an actor may seem extremely difficult in and of itself, without any experience it may even feel nearly impossible. However, what we often fail to realize is that the process alone of becoming an actor is filled with lessons that add to our overall experience and skill set. In fact, there's actually no such t

If you have an aspiring young actor at home, sometimes it’s not easy knowing where to find the best theater games to play, acting lines to practice, and resources for them! Sure, there appear to be a large number of websites and drama books, but how do you know what is really going to work? It seems that you’ve waded through so many, and the material is either too advanced for them, or not fun enough...what to do?  As a drama teacher for close to twenty years, I know you have to consider

Are you wondering how to remember lines for a play? Wondering what the best techniques are make sure you're off book when the time comes? Memorization can be tricky business.  When it comes to acting, memorizing lines is a necessary evil. Having your lines down quickly and early on in the rehearsal process is helpful not only for you, but also for everyone around you. The sooner your lines are memorized, the sooner the real work can take place.  In order to really connect with the