Criteria for film and TV acting school include one's budget; willingness to relocate; personality match between the rigorous public scrutiny, and often, the rejection film and TV actors receive; and the goal to become a trained actor--either as a career choice or as training ground for ease with the media--for public relations and public speaking, for instance. Deciding each criterion above will help narrow the school choice that is most suitable.
Reputable film and TV acting schools teach the craft of acting; the skills and techniques needed to be successful in front of the camera. Admission can be a challenge. Actors seeking a career in film and TV relocate to Hollywood to find a plethora of like-minded people contributing to the highly competitive nature of enrollment in well-regarded schools.
Start with putting together an acting portfolio of roles cast in which plays. Strengthen the beneficial personal characteristic of being able to let go of one's ego for the art. Carefully choose what to do for the audition that may be required as part of the application process.
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) graduates include notiable actors: Alfred Molina and Jack Black. Prospective acting students are asked to interview and audition.
UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
102 East Melnitz Hall
Los Angeles, CA, 90095
310-206-4418
The performing arts department at Tisch Art College requires an "artistic review"--an interview and either a review of the acting portfolio or an audition. Notable graduates include Debra Messing and Rainn Wilson.
New York University (NYU)
Tisch Art College
721 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
212-998-1850
The University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts looks at the many aspects of film-making. Will Ferrell and Forest Whitaker are notable actor graduates.
USC School of Cinematic Arts
University Park, SCA 465
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211
213-740-2804
Juilliard's performing arts are drama, dance and music. Val Kilmer and Kevin Kline are among the notable actor graduates. An audition is required for enrollment.
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
212-799-5000