Start Acting

Acting is not one of those fields that require a degree. Your PhD in Acting (I know someone who has one) isn't going to make a stick of difference in a film/TV casting session EXCEPT for the level of confidence it can give you (more about that later). I know one or two very successful actors who've never taken an acting class in their lives. HOWEVER, this is rare and NOT recommended. In my opinion, finding a good coach and taking some part-time classes is essential; and a degree isn't necessary because you never graduate!

Think of it this way: professional athletes; do they graduate "athlete school" and then never practice again? No. That's because they need to keep their skills sharp and their body fit for every single game they play until they retire. Acting is surprisingly similar to professional sports, and an acting class is like practice or training.

How do you weed out the good classes from the scams?

I offer information on this topic because I feel acting classes are the "front lines" of actor support and development. It's also where actors get ripped off the most.

Every reputable class should let you audit (sit in the room and watch) for free or a nominal fee. Workshops, or "Weekend Intensives", are more expensive to audit, but my advice is to leave the workshops alone until you've taken regular classes for at least a year. A one-month class consisting of two classes a week (a standard, for whatever reason) should cost around $400/month. Workshops shouldn't be too much more, either. If a class costs a LOT more, ask them why - and it better be a good reason. If a class doesn't let you audit, WALK AWAY.

Experience is also very important, gaining some experience will help to shatter nerves later on in your career, and will also do a lot of good for your CV. Look for extras work to get used to life on set in films and on TV. This experience is invaluable in giving an insight into what being a real actor is like.

Doing this also gives good opportunities to meet more experienced actors and gain advice and contacts. Casting agencies are useful in gaining extra work and small acting roles. My personal favourite and one where I have gained acting and extra jobs before is at http://www.fame4anyone.com/. They have a good selection of jobs and little competition for them. They also promote you as an actor quite well I have found.