I keep having all sorts of people writing me privately, after reading my post about, “The Seven Reasons Why Professional Programs Simply Aren’t Worth It” — asking me, “Kirsten, if you had it to do over again, what would you do now?” Many of these actors tell me they’re already enrolled in expensive programs, and are now thinking, after reading this post, that they won’t go. They’re left feeling lost and confused. My advice to all of you is this. Get into a good Method Acting Class, based on Lee Strasberg, and learn to act in realistic ways, that will translate the best for Film and Television.

We’ve all heard about famous Method actors, like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Marlon Brando, but why did they all have so much success? Because Lee Strasberg was their teacher! …

LA is one of the busiest most overpopulated cities in the world. As such, it’s really hard when you first move there — especially if you don’t know anyone. The first week you arrive in the city, one of the best things you can do for yourself, is to find some groups to join, and create a new family.

Joining an acting, improv, or cold reading class, will immediately help you learn the ins and outs of the LA professional acting scene. In these classes, you will meet folks who’ve lived in LA all their lives as well as actors of all ages and ethnicities, who’ve recently arrived, just like you! Joining an acting class, and maybe auditioning for a local LA theater production, are some of the quickest ways to make new acting friends.

Political Action groups, or …

1.They waste your time.
2.They waste your money.
3.A formal degree means nothing in the film/tv acting world.
4.They train you for stage, not film.
5.Many teachers haven’t worked professionally for years.
6.Many teachers and drama directors belittle their students.
7.They seldom help you get auditions or agents.

But first a little background…

So what do we mean by “Professional Acting Program”? Well, it’s any program that’s exclusive, and takes your money to teach you how to act. They can be a short as a few weeks, or as long as several years. They can be accredited, which means, they will give you a professional college degree such as a BA, a BFA, an MA, or MFA. Or they can be unaccredited, which means, they might give you a certificate at the end of your time there, saying, Suzie Smith attended the Joe Bascona Acting School 6 Week Method Course! Other …

My experiences both as an Actress, and as a Film Producer, have taught me that Directors don’t direct Actors.

Mind you, I am talking here about Film and TV Directors, specifically. Theatrical directors are usually very involved in directing actors, but even so, many directors, whether theatrical or film/tv, are just too busy getting everything else done on the set, that they don’t have enough time to help you, the actor, develop your character. Not only do they not have time to help you develop your character, they also have hardly any time to direct you once the camera is rolling. This means that you have to know exactly what you’re doing, even if it means hiring a professional acting coach to work with you every day so that you come to the set ready for “ACTION!”.

I have produced many independent films, and in every single case, …