Many actors and actresses begin their training in high school and even earlier. Acting is a skill that improves the longer you practice, so starting as young as possible will benefit you. Many high schools offer theater classes, high school productions, drama clubs, singing lessons, instrument lessons and dance lessons. Taking any of these lessons or joining in any of these extracurricular activities can help you improve your skills. The more experience you have on your acting resume, the better your chances at getting cast in a show.
Volunteer auditioning at community theaters will give you more experience. Acting is similar to sports; the more you practice, the better. Plus a blank resume will not look good in the professional theater world. You will need to list your accomplishments and roles that you have played. You can also enroll in acting, dance or singing classes for a fee at local community theaters.
Another option for training is to sign up for formal lessons given by professionals that do not give out certification or diplomas. Many cities have dance schools, acting schools or Parks and Recreational Centers that offer formal training. Any of the following formal lessons will benefit your chances of getting into shows: acting, voice, speech, mime, various forms of dance, movement, improvisation, costuming, makeup, fencing, martial arts, puppetry and juggling.
Careers or even hobbies in acting will also require lots of solo practicing and self-training. Reading and viewing plays, TV scripts and broadcast scripts along with researching theater history will benefit you in the long run so that you can already be familiar with a show when you audition. Learning a foreign language on your own or with others will widen your opportunities since you could be qualified for foreign plays.
Physical training is also necessary. Whether or not a production is a musical, acting often requires a certain amount of physical activity during the show. If you do not have the stamina, you can become worn out quickly. Unfortunately, the world of theater can also be very shallow and picky with appearances. The roles of leading ladies and men will most likely be given to thin and attractive actors and actresses. Becoming physically fit can also widen your opportunities for being cast in a variety of roles.
A Bachelor of Science or Arts degree is not required for acting careers but will definitely make you more employable, since you will have undergone intense training and completed a four-year degree. You can receive a degree in theater or a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting at most undergraduate colleges and universities. There are also colleges and universities specifically for theater degrees. Some actors and actresses go on to complete a master's or doctoral degree in theater.