Future Actor Training

There is an economic revolution happening across the globe that changes how we think as individuals, how we perceive ourselves, how we work, where we work and how we relate to those we are working with. In my experience, start-up theater and film companies will need to be small and agile, ready to change quickly to adapt to this changing market. The future acting student will be entering a work environment characterized by greater volatility and more intense competition. Successful actors will have to constantly adapt:  to new technologies, to new forms of story telling and to changing expectations in the work place. As a result, BFA and MFA acting programs will need to provide students with the professional training and skill sets necessary to survive and thrive. Creativity is key.  The good news, of course, is that actors already have this corner covered. They think creatively by definition.  In addition, they are usually driven by a calling and genuinely offer their best selves even when underpaid and overworked. As artists, actors often feel that creating art is its own reward and so are prepared to take on the hard graft of the changing world in spite of the many challenges.

Future acting programs will need to provide a training that teaches the student to work independently as well as within an ensemble, to think outside of the box, and to nurture a curious, adventurous spirit. They will need to encourage clear, original story telling and to adapt to the needs of any creative project in any form.  The student will need to embrace a disciplined, professional work ethic so that they are well prepared to promote, network and market themselves on the world stage. They will need to advocate for themselves, to share ideas and thoughts articulately and respectfully. Finally future actors will need to continue to connect deeply with themselves, as well as with members of the ensemble and the global community at large.