If you’re an underemployed actor, you’re probably wondering about the most important things you need in your actor arsenal. In my professional opinion, you should hire a GREAT acting coach. Not all acting coaches are alike so PLEASE do your due diligence and research the acting coach you are considering hiring (notice I said HIRING, not working with). Once you hire an acting coach, they become your business partner. They will walk with, invest in, and support you in your acting journey. It’s extremely important that you take your time and consider the pros and cons of hiring a coach, and the financial implications you will need to consider. Some acting coaches charge per month and some (i.e. ME!) charge per session. I also recommend that you keep yourself open to hiring a coach that is local to your area. I have personal experience with hiring a coach who was located in a different state and I will talk about my experience in a later blog entry. Let’s get into the top three reasons why hiring an acting coach is a great idea:
- Personalized guidance: This one is HUGE! An acting coach can provide individualized guidance and feedback tailored to your specific needs and goals as an actor (READ: A professional who gives you individualized feedback based on what YOU do as an actor). They can help you identify and work on areas where you need improvement, while also providing encouragement and support to help you grow as a performer. Please read the reviews on the acting coach you are considering. Research their website. If they don’t have reviews yet, that’s OK! Look at their social media profiles to get a sense of their personality and how they do business. You can tell A LOT from people’s social media personas. TRUST YOUR GUT. If it doesn’t feel good, don’t hire that coach.
- Improved technique: *In my DJ Khalid voice* Another HUGE one! Acting is a skill that can be learned and refined through practice, and an experienced coach can help you develop a strong foundation in acting techniques. A strong foundation is critical to your success in the acting world. A great coach can teach you everything from how to properly use your body and voice to how to analyze and interpret a script. There are also some coaches who offer virtual reader and audition prep services as well (i.e. ME!). Ask them about what they can help you with.
- Increased confidence: Acting can be a challenging and vulnerable profession, and it’s common for actors to struggle with self-doubt and insecurity. DISCLAIMER: Always take care of yourself first. No gig or booking is worth sacrificing your mental health and well being. Please listen to your body, take breaks, eat, drink water,and rest. The world needs you and your talent! ALWAYS prioritize your health. A great acting coach can help you build confidence by providing constructive feedback, helping you set achievable goals (i.e. SMART goals), and encouraging you to take risks and explore new approaches to your craft.
Hiring an acting coach is not a requirement but it can certainly help you grow as a professional and as a person (READ: You come first). Make the investment into yourself and your career! *If you’re interested in my coaching services, go to my “Actor Coaching” page on this site or leave a comment and I’ll follow up with you.
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