One of the biggest assumptions made about an acting career is that it has to begin in Drama School, but how true is this out there in the world of auditions and casting? Georgie and Pierce are here to reveal how advantageous an acting school background actually is and how you can break into the acting world even if you are changing career lanes, starting late, part-time acting or have never had any formal training.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• You may experience some pushback from those who have been to drama school, but it is still perfectly possible to work the same jobs as ex-drama school students do.
• Having your own process of acting and your own way of gaining work is perfectly viable as an alternative to acting school. Despite there being more actors than ever before, there are also far more opportunities too. 
• In the theatre, there are a few casting directors that will only see classically trained actors from certain schools, but it is a very small number and in other genres, it is far more important for them to be reassured that you can do the job.
• The pros of attending Drama School are understanding certain techniques, a few casting directors look favourably on training and building a good community and network.  
• The cons of attending Drama School are many prevent you from working outside of the school during your attendance, cost, possible toxic environments, elitism, lack of training in self-promotion and marketing, and loss of individualism.
• Building your mindset, working on your technique, creating a comprehensive showreel and presenting yourself effectively with headshots and through social media can all supersede Drama School training in importance.  

BEST MOMENTS

‘The scariest thing is the judgement from people that you haven’t actually been. Now, personally, being brutally honest, I have experienced this. I have been on set with people who have been to drama school and they’ve been; ’well actually you don’t know enough about the industry.’’ – Georgie  

‘At the end of the day talent speaks far, far louder than just training alone.’ – Pierce 

‘“Where did you train?” The only tip I can give you for answering this question if you didn’t train is don’t be ashamed of not training.’ – Georgie 

‘Gone are the days where you go through that traditional route of Drama school for three years,  do a showcase, sign with an agent and then you’re landing lead roles in Eastenders.’ – Pierce

‘You can develop entire backstories, entire new worlds for a character by developing it. The audience will never see it but it shows through in your performance. Immersing yourself in a character is the most incredible feeling, and I promise you, you’ll go ‘oh my god, this is why I’m an actor.’ – Georgie 

‘If I had to go and do a couple more years around the sun again I wouldn’t change a thing, I really wouldn’t. I’ve enjoyed every single part of the journey so far and for me, personally, it’s been the best route.’ – Georgie 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://chat.whatsapp.com/LUWz5ZlIg0sH0F27Zs7Cnq

https://www.actorswarehouse.co.uk/

https://Www.instagram.com/Actorswarehouse/

https://Twitter.com/Weareacting/ 

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Georgie King and Pierce Connelly are a couple and business partners with experience in TV, film and theatre. Co-founders of The Acting Warehouse, an organisation dedicated to helping you achieve turning your passion for acting into a full-time career, they are here to guide you to get out there, find opportunities and land roles. 

CONTACT METHOD

Email: [email protected]

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