Considering a Future in Acting?

The program at ACIT is designed to prepare students who are serious about pursuing a career in acting, theater, television/film or related arts for post-secondary pursuits (College or Conservatory), or to directly enter the workforce in the arts.

Myth:

This Academy is easy compared to others.

Truth:

• Students in the Drama Academy have to not only juggle academic classwork, but time-consuming Academy assignments that include dedication outside of the classroom such as rehearsals and line memorization.

• Drama students need to be self-motivated.

Myth:

The classes are just improvisation theater games and scenes.

Truth:

• Students are expected to utilize higher level thinking while analyzing plays, characters, scenes, and monologues.

• Students will use philosophy and psychology to look into human nature and synthesize themes within theatrical works.

• Students are held to a high standard for responsibility and time management.

• Students will look at History and its relation to Theater History. They will look at current events of today and create opinions on the role of theater within our society.

• These are just a few of the demanding expectations in the curriculum and the standard of excellence expected by members of the Drama Academy.

Myth:

There is no future or money in theater.

Truth:

• You don't have to be an A-list star on the red carpet to be considered successful. Many working actors can support a family, hold a mortgage, and live a comfortable life.

• There are more opportunities in the arts than just acting. Many actors also find passions in working behind the scenes, behind the camera, in production, directing, teaching, and more. We discuss all the career opportunities.

• The skills you learn in a theater program can help you even if your career ambitions change. Theater students learn communication, confidence, time-management, reading skills, logical thinking, physical and mental health self-help, and so much more.

• I have had students who have gone on to work in theater, but also use their theater skills to become news anchors, film editors, directors, English teachers, social workers. I've known others to become film producers, entrepreneurs with theater companies that use Drama for helping troubled teens, and others who have used theater as therapy.

If you want to be an actor, ask yourself the following questions....

How serious are you?

• What areas are you willing to train in?

  • Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance, Singing, Film

• How far away are you willing to go?

  • New Jersey

  • Philadelphia

  • I want to live in Atlantic County when I grow up

  • New York

  • California

  • Europe

• What about a family? It is possible to have these and be an actor, but you must have a willing spouse. There is also the challenge of leaving your children with others if you are working or on tour. Many performers have families while working in the arts. It really depends on each individual and the life they envision.

• Is performing the ONLY career you envision for yourself? Or do you think you will be happy teaching, production, doing another profession/ major?

• If there is any doubt, it is okay to accept that you may continue with the arts as a hobby or pursue the art in another capacity.

Do you have the talent?

• The business is extremely competitive for even the most talented actors. Sometimes talent is even pushed aside for having the “it” factor, personality, or connections.

• In this field, not only do you need to have talent, but you must be willing to continually train to improve, you must have the DRIVE to succeed, good work ethic, and a friendly personality.

• Your success in this field is dependent on the commitment you are willing to take and some luck.