Comments on: 7 Reasons Why Professional Acting Programs Are Simply Not Worth It http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/ The Acting Room is a place by actors for actors. Wed, 8 Sep 2010 01:41:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: J http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-314 J Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:25:47 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-314 HI Kristen, I was accepted to the MFA Actors Studio-Acting Program in New York (Pace University) (you also get to go in the Actors Studio and work with professional actors according the the curriculum but mostly is all stands of Playwrites, directors, and actors working together as a class) and although I got a bit of a scholarship the rest of it is so expensive. I have been crying about this as I know I can not afford it at all. Tuition is $34,000 a year for three years and it does not include living expenses. The scholarship only covers the living expense and the rest would be in loans. Of course there will be an interest of I think 6.8% on the graduate plus loans which would be out of the borrowed $20,000...This is so scary and don't know what to do. There are so many factors that are glorified form this program as its really good and has Inside the Actors Studio and you get to meet the famous actors that are interviewed on the show for an hour after it is aired. And not that I know of there do not do camera work but it has Alvin Ailey, Stanislavski and other great faculty.... I really want to go but if I do I don't think I will ever recover form the debt of this and my undergraduate debt and will be close to debt of about $250,000....any advice? HI Kristen,

I was accepted to the MFA Actors Studio-Acting Program in New York (Pace University) (you also get to go in the Actors Studio and work with professional actors according the the curriculum but mostly is all stands of Playwrites, directors, and actors working together as a class) and although I got a bit of a scholarship the rest of it is so expensive. I have been crying about this as I know I can not afford it at all. Tuition is $34,000 a year for three years and it does not include living expenses. The scholarship only covers the living expense and the rest would be in loans. Of course there will be an interest of I think 6.8% on the graduate plus loans which would be out of the borrowed $20,000…This is so scary and don’t know what to do. There are so many factors that are glorified form this program as its really good and has Inside the Actors Studio and you get to meet the famous actors that are interviewed on the show for an hour after it is aired. And not that I know of there do not do camera work but it has Alvin Ailey, Stanislavski and other great faculty….

I really want to go but if I do I don’t think I will ever recover form the debt of this and my undergraduate debt and will be close to debt of about $250,000….any advice?

]]> By: Kirsten Tretbar http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-298 Kirsten Tretbar Fri, 30 Apr 2010 04:02:24 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-298 Dear Lisa, Go for it! Yes, going to college takes your time, that was never why I don't recommend a four year acting program. I just think that you get better professional training outside of an organized university program, that's all. I still think everyone should go to university, but I recommend studying the humanities or things like Anthropology, Psychology, History, Sociology, etc... and studying acting and theater later. But that being said, I do not think that acting programs are bad for everyone. I am only telling people that if you take that same money and fund an indie film you can actually star in your own film and get your career started much more quickly. If you are in no rush about your acting career, then by all means, go out there and get a great education at a wonderful university, and go into acting after that. Hope this clears things up, and this whole blog is in now way trying to discourage people from either acting, or from moving to LA to try and "make it" -- or even from going to a great acting program. It's merely to tell the truth as I've seen it, from my own personal point of view, and it's mostly based for actors trying to come to LA to become actors in Film and TV. Good luck and I wish all of you the very best. I'll try and add some new posts. Thanks for all the love and God bless all of you precious talented amazing actors, writers, film folk, theater folk, and creative lovely wonderful people!!! Dear Lisa,
Go for it! Yes, going to college takes your time, that was never why I don’t recommend a four year acting program. I just think that you get better professional training outside of an organized university program, that’s all. I still think everyone should go to university, but I recommend studying the humanities or things like Anthropology, Psychology, History, Sociology, etc… and studying acting and theater later. But that being said, I do not think that acting programs are bad for everyone. I am only telling people that if you take that same money and fund an indie film you can actually star in your own film and get your career started much more quickly. If you are in no rush about your acting career, then by all means, go out there and get a great education at a wonderful university, and go into acting after that. Hope this clears things up, and this whole blog is in now way trying to discourage people from either acting, or from moving to LA to try and “make it” — or even from going to a great acting program. It’s merely to tell the truth as I’ve seen it, from my own personal point of view, and it’s mostly based for actors trying to come to LA to become actors in Film and TV. Good luck and I wish all of you the very best. I’ll try and add some new posts. Thanks for all the love and God bless all of you precious talented amazing actors, writers, film folk, theater folk, and creative lovely wonderful people!!!

]]> By: Lisa http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-297 Lisa Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:39:13 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-297 my email adress is lisa.spex@gmail.com my email adress is lisa.spex@gmail.com

]]> By: Lisa http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-296 Lisa Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:37:55 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-296 Dear Kisten I do know breaking into to acting industry is not an easy thing but I am going to go for it. I'm in Africa doing the 11th grade but as soon as I'm done I want to work on my acting in L.a because it is my passion. Kisten thank you very much for all the info. But I will start with going to college first to do art like you said and then take private classes. 1 thing I don't get is that you said the USC takes up alot of people's time and my question is wouldn't college do the same thing? And is it realy true agents don't care much about the film school degree? please anyone willing to get me out of the dark email me if you have time :( ps; thanx everyone for your posts, U've been a very good help. Dear Kisten

I do know breaking into to acting industry is not an easy thing but I am going to go for it. I’m in Africa doing the 11th grade but as soon as I’m done I want to work on my acting in L.a because it is my passion. Kisten thank you very much for all the info. But I will start with going to college first to do art like you said and then take private classes. 1 thing I don’t get is that you said the USC takes up alot of people’s time and my question is wouldn’t college do the same thing?
And is it realy true agents don’t care much about the film school degree?

please anyone willing to get me out of the dark email me if you have time :(

ps; thanx everyone for your posts, U’ve been a very good help.

]]> By: Morgan http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-295 Morgan Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:16:05 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-295 I do not think that this article is entirely accurate. It seems like you had a rather unpleasant experience with your program, but not every program will give you a "time wasting" experience. I think the big lesson is, if you want to act in film and television, take a class on how to act in film and television! Just because a professional training program didn't have a camera class in their curriculum, it doesn't make that program awful. While I do agree that most programs are incredibly expensive, I think the full time training is an irreplaceable experience, and has the potential to turn an untrained actor into a professional. It's all about what you put into it. As far as the belittling teachers go, yes they exist, but if you don't like them, you are the one paying the tuition dollars and therefore have a voice. I have encountered harsh teachers at the conservatory I attend, but no one has ever belittled me, and I am afraid that you are getting the two confused. I appreciate a teacher who won't sugar coat anything, who is actually interested in my progress as an actor, not just about telling me how good I am. If I were that good, I wouldn't have wanted to train at a b.f.a. program in the first place. I do not think that this article is entirely accurate. It seems like you had a rather unpleasant experience with your program, but not every program will give you a “time wasting” experience. I think the big lesson is, if you want to act in film and television, take a class on how to act in film and television! Just because a professional training program didn’t have a camera class in their curriculum, it doesn’t make that program awful.
While I do agree that most programs are incredibly expensive, I think the full time training is an irreplaceable experience, and has the potential to turn an untrained actor into a professional. It’s all about what you put into it. As far as the belittling teachers go, yes they exist, but if you don’t like them, you are the one paying the tuition dollars and therefore have a voice. I have encountered harsh teachers at the conservatory I attend, but no one has ever belittled me, and I am afraid that you are getting the two confused. I appreciate a teacher who won’t sugar coat anything, who is actually interested in my progress as an actor, not just about telling me how good I am. If I were that good, I wouldn’t have wanted to train at a b.f.a. program in the first place.

]]> By: Julia http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-290 Julia Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:01:19 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-290 I went to USC for my BFA in acting on the early 90's. I had an amazing time and got a lot out of the program. I was directed in musicals from two Broadway actors/directors and during one of these musicals, was scouted my a New York agent who brought me straight to NYC. I have since done numerous Broadway shows.The agent was friends of the director and came to see the show. While at SC, I was supported by the faculty as I worked in TV and Film. I had an agent in LA. The marriage of both acting professionally and training at USC was the perfect opportunity for me. I loved USC and think that the program is even better today. And now, with my BFA, I am able to apply for a Masters in Educational Theatre. There is nothing comparable to a college education and just experiencing college life in general. Without a degree to fall back on when you may not want to 'act" anymore, you could be waiting tables at 40. Go to college. I went to USC for my BFA in acting on the early 90’s. I had an amazing time and got a lot out of the program. I was directed in musicals from two Broadway actors/directors and during one of these musicals, was scouted my a New York agent who brought me straight to NYC. I have since done numerous Broadway shows.The agent was friends of the director and came to see the show. While at SC, I was supported by the faculty as I worked in TV and Film. I had an agent in LA. The marriage of both acting professionally and training at USC was the perfect opportunity for me.
I loved USC and think that the program is even better today. And now, with my BFA, I am able to apply for a Masters in Educational Theatre. There is nothing comparable to a college education and just experiencing college life in general. Without a degree to fall back on when you may not want to ‘act” anymore, you could be waiting tables at 40.
Go to college.

]]> By: Jeffrey Sanchez http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-289 Jeffrey Sanchez Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:41:13 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-289 I would like to disagree with you fully and respectfully. First of all, here on the east coast, the acting industry would rather spend their audition time with actors who are SERIOUS about their careers. In other words, agents/casting directors/managers prefer actors who have trained at the best schools (such as Mason Gross School of the Arts, Carnegie Mellon, Julliard, Boston Conservatory, etc.) and have an education on their craft. Second of all, raw talent alone wont break you into the business at all. Sure, without training, it is very possible to have a debut in a movie and have a supporting role, but usually that's your 15 minutes of fame. Those who are the best and that have trained will have a career that will last a lifetime. and another comment the best BFA programs WILL prepare you for theartre, film, and commercial such as the ones stated before. I would like to disagree with you fully and respectfully.
First of all, here on the east coast, the acting industry would rather spend their audition time with actors who are SERIOUS about their careers. In other words, agents/casting directors/managers prefer actors who have trained at the best schools (such as Mason Gross School of the Arts, Carnegie Mellon, Julliard, Boston Conservatory, etc.) and have an education on their craft. Second of all, raw talent alone wont break you into the business at all. Sure, without training, it is very possible to have a debut in a movie and have a supporting role, but usually that’s your 15 minutes of fame. Those who are the best and that have trained will have a career that will last a lifetime.

and another comment
the best BFA programs WILL prepare you for theartre, film, and commercial such as the ones stated before.

]]> By: gati http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-287 gati Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:19:53 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-287 I agree wwith you 100 percent. I'm so glad you had de guts to post this because its like taboo amongst actors to say unaccredited schools are a waste od money. I don't get how its common knowledge that any other unaccredited institution is a huge scam but yet no one seems to question why these people try to make money off of hopeful actors. I also have had the same experience with acting teachers. They're bitter because they didn't make it and teach because they don't want to be broke so they take it out on us. If we pay for service at a restaurant we expect good treatment as customers and yet we are paying these people's salaries and are willing to take poor treatment from them? It makes no sense. Thanks for helping me see I'm not de only one who feels this way and I'm not crazy. I agree wwith you 100 percent. I’m so glad you had de guts to post this because its like taboo amongst actors to say unaccredited schools are a waste od money. I don’t get how its common knowledge that any other unaccredited institution is a huge scam but yet no one seems to question why these people try to make money off of hopeful actors. I also have had the same experience with acting teachers. They’re bitter because they didn’t make it and teach because they don’t want to be broke so they take it out on us. If we pay for service at a restaurant we expect good treatment as customers and yet we are paying these people’s salaries and are willing to take poor treatment from them? It makes no sense. Thanks for helping me see I’m not de only one who feels this way and I’m not crazy.

]]> By: Ebony http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-280 Ebony Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:57:43 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-280 Hello Kristen, I also want to thank you for this blog. I am 25 years old and I have dip and played around in the acting field for a while, and love it. But for some odd reason I went to college majored in criminal justice, got a degree, and don't want to go nowhere near criminal justice, anymore. I have decided to pursue my passion in acting, and sometimes I fill like its too late, like I've wasted too much time, and I no for sure going to school for 3 0r 4 more years is out of the question. So I was researching a bit about this issue, and I found this blog, and it helped my insite tremendously, I'm currently taking workshop classes in my area (Detroit), but I want to move to LA and I researched that too, and discovered that its SO Expensive, and then that begins to be discouraging me as well. So any advice to how I can make this happen as a 25 year old single parent of one daughter who is only 5, that makes it seem all the more impossible. So I want to ask you as a professional what type of advice to do you have for me? Love you, keep trusting God and I know all is well with you, P.S Some people took this Blog very negative and personal, for whatever reason, but I commend you for taking your time out to inform people reaching out into this industry, because people like me are looking for the "do's and the don'ts", Thanks A Million! Hello Kristen,

I also want to thank you for this blog. I am 25 years old and I have dip and played around in the acting field for a while, and love it. But for some odd reason I went to college majored in criminal justice, got a degree, and don’t want to go nowhere near criminal justice, anymore. I have decided to pursue my passion in acting, and sometimes I fill like its too late, like I’ve wasted too much time, and I no for sure going to school for 3 0r 4 more years is out of the question. So I was researching a bit about this issue, and I found this blog, and it helped my insite tremendously, I’m currently taking workshop classes in my area (Detroit), but I want to move to LA and I researched that too, and discovered that its SO Expensive, and then that begins to be discouraging me as well. So any advice to how I can make this happen as a 25 year old single parent of one daughter who is only 5, that makes it seem all the more impossible. So I want to ask you as a professional what type of advice to do you have for me?
Love you, keep trusting God and I know all is well with you,
P.S Some people took this Blog very negative and personal, for whatever reason, but I commend you for taking your time out to inform people reaching out into this industry, because people like me are looking for the “do’s and the don’ts”, Thanks A Million!

]]> By: Kirsten Tretbar http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-277 Kirsten Tretbar Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:07:20 +0000 http://theactingroom.com/2008/01/16/7-reasons-why-professional-acting-programs-are-simply-not-worth-it/#comment-277 Connor, I'm in the middle of a move to Chicago, so can't write a long reply today. Since you're a junior you have time to explore lots. In the mean time, please read all my posts on this blog and you will begin to see what I recommend, and I'll write a more specific post or reply to you in the next couple of weeks. My main advice is: go to a good college (like USC, or Grinnell, or Carlton College) and get a Liberal Arts degree first and foremost. And if you simply MUST ACT NOW, and you have a "look" and can easily play your age or much younger, then go to LA now (with your parents or an aunt or a legal guardian) and immediate take lots of private lessons and get an agent right away. But do it correctly, and safely. Too many pretty young women and good looking young men go there with no clue, at age 18, and get hurt, lost, etc... Please read all my other posts for now! That should keep you busy for a few days -- ha ha! Glad you liked my article. BTW - you can still go to USC and major in Theater, just do it as a BA, and not a BFA. You'll have a broader degree and you will still do lots of theater and acting! Connor,
I’m in the middle of a move to Chicago, so can’t write a long reply today. Since you’re a junior you have time to explore lots. In the mean time, please read all my posts on this blog and you will begin to see what I recommend, and I’ll write a more specific post or reply to you in the next couple of weeks. My main advice is: go to a good college (like USC, or Grinnell, or Carlton College) and get a Liberal Arts degree first and foremost. And if you simply MUST ACT NOW, and you have a “look” and can easily play your age or much younger, then go to LA now (with your parents or an aunt or a legal guardian) and immediate take lots of private lessons and get an agent right away. But do it correctly, and safely. Too many pretty young women and good looking young men go there with no clue, at age 18, and get hurt, lost, etc… Please read all my other posts for now! That should keep you busy for a few days — ha ha! Glad you liked my article. BTW - you can still go to USC and major in Theater, just do it as a BA, and not a BFA. You’ll have a broader degree and you will still do lots of theater and acting!

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