Getting more diverse voices in the room is essential for the health of any creative industry. Providing access to and supporting students from underrepresented communities in the arts is also vital.
Students from underprivileged backgrounds are likelier to choose STEM concentrations and may feel that the arts and humanities are not viable career paths.
Actors of Color
The greatest actors can make their characters seem like real people, meaning they need a genuine connection to the person they portray. A deep understanding of their world and their place in it is also vital. This is why it is so essential that acting schools teach students to be aware of their place in the world.
As a student of color at a predominately white theatre arts school, I have often been uncomfortable in the classrooms and on stage. It is not uncommon for students to question their purpose in such a predominately white space, especially when they are performing to an overwhelmingly white audience.
While many arts organizations have recently jumped on the bandwagon of anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, this is typically only in theory. The lack of implementation harms these spaces’ students, educators, and audiences.
Educators must be prepared to talk about the importance of cultural sensitivity in their teaching and be willing to take corrective action when cultural insensitivity occurs swiftly. Schools must hire teaching artists of color and respect the vast experiences and perspectives they bring to their classrooms and students. This will ensure these individuals can thrive for all their students in these spaces.
Actors with Mental Health Issues
The arts have been shown to support social inclusion, skills development, and capacity-building in lower and higher-income countries (583). Using the performing arts to promote health may also be particularly effective in addressing inequalities that can shape health.
So, how much do acting schools cost, and how do they teach? Dedicated schools are designed exclusively to teach aspiring actors and provide the tools they need to succeed in casting calls. Students have the opportunity to work closely with seasoned actors, theater directors, and producers who can show them the ropes and help them stand out from other applicants.
A quality acting school is a privilege to graduate from and even more so to get into. But there are a few things to remember when selecting the right one.
It’s not uncommon for drama schools to be intimidating for new students, especially those not used to performing in front of an audience. But acting classes can be a safe place to practice public speaking and learn to relax, which will help performance. Over time, even the most anxious actor can overcome their nerves by practicing in front of a supportive group.
Nicknamed the Juilliard of the West, California Institute of the Arts is a renowned theatre school known for producing many successful alums, including Oscar winner Mahershala Ali and TV actor Peter Krause. But tuition is high ($61,622 a year), and grads may be saddled with hefty debt after graduation.
Actors with Disabilities
In a world that’s finally waking up to the need to include actors with disabilities in its cultural conversation (as it did for African-Americans in 1970s-era entertainment, gay people in the aughts, and Asian Americans in the last few years), some acting schools are already taking action.
Last year, for example, a young woman with cerebral palsy took the stage as Elphaba in Broadway’s Wicked, and to many disabled theater fans, her performance was a galvanizing moment. “We need to see disabled people portrayed with the same respect, depth, and richness that other groups have received,” says Leeds University professor Christopher Shinn.
For Shinn, who teaches the class Disability Artistry at the school, part of this transformation is teaching students to explore the “vibrant, transgressive potential” of disability culture in their work. He suggests they consider creating narrative self-portraits (Amburgy, Knight & Keifer-Boyd, 2000), situational representations of disabled individuals, stereotyped and anti-stereotypical portraits with text, or collaged images.
Another way that students can explore the intersectionality aspects of disability is through social justice projects, where they can use their skills as actors to address issues of oppression and marginalization. For example, they could write a play with an all-disabled cast and direct it simultaneously. Then, they can share the script with a theater company that serves people with disabilities and have them put it on stage.
Actors with Social Issues
In addition to honing performance skills, acting classes can help individuals overcome social obstacles. Stepping into characters’ shoes can teach students to appreciate different perspectives and points of view, translating to a more understanding and empathetic approach to the world around them. Acting also fosters creativity and allows people to express themselves in new and exciting ways that can benefit their mental health, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.
Many aspiring actors find it easier to make professional connections at acting schools, where they can work with seasoned actors, theater directors, and producers who can provide invaluable industry insight. This can be a great way to secure jobs in the entertainment field and gain valuable experience that will enhance their portfolios.
Several renowned acting schools offer multiple degree programs to suit various career paths, including the BFA above at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. This school’s diverse student population and expansive alumni network make it a leading choice for many aspiring actors.
Look no further than CalArts, the so-called Juilliard of the West, for an edgier option. The prestigious performing arts institution offers an interdisciplinary BFA in theatre that is ideal for students who want to explore the broad spectrum of film and TV acting opportunities. In addition to a rich curriculum, the program’s unique location in Hollywood ensures that students have access to an industry hub and a plethora of guest lecturers and visiting artists.
