The Ultimate Guide to Teen Acting Courses – Screenwise Tips

Learn what to expect and what matters most in finding the right course

When reviewing different teen acting courses, there are specific things you should expect and consider when determining the right course for you. Beyond cost and proximity, there are many other factors that influence the quality of classes. In this post, we’ve put together an ultimate guide to teen acting classes so you can make the decision that’s best for you.

Choose classes just for teenagers. This may seem like a given, but many acting classes don’t segment by age. Find a class that is specifically created for teens and approaches acting from the perspective of young adults. For a true teen acting course, the best segmentation is ages 12 to 16. Anyone under 12 is still really a child; and beyond 16 most would be considered an adult. However, this doesn’t mean that the class shouldn’t be challenging and help teens grow more mature.
Ensure the techniques of acting are part of the curriculum.
In any basic teen acting class, you want to learn the technical aspects, including:

• Breaking down a scene
• Interpreting dialogue
• Learning to take direction
• Understanding character motivation
• Mastering continuity on camera
• Finding the truth in performance
• Building characters
• Working with props
• Perfecting audition methods
• Reading scripts
• Becoming comfortable with improvisation

Select a course that has specialised tutors. The best classes for teens are ones that have tutors and mentors that have experience, either as teen actors themselves or have worked with teens. There are specific nuances to teaching teen actors, so you deserve to work with those who can provide the best insights and direction.

Find classes that fit your schedule. Teens, of course, have commitments to schooling and other extracurricular activities. You don’t want to feel overburdened by too many things on your calendar, so look for classes that are flexible and take into account the school terms and holidays. When you find a class that fits your lifestyle, you’ll have more time to focus on your goals.

Read reviews and do your homework. Make sure the organisation is reputable and has favourable reviews from past students. Unfortunately, some classes offered may not be respectable; worse yet, some could be a scam. So, be sure to investigate. It’s also great to see if young actors currently working in film and TV are past students of a school. This is often the best indicator of a successful program.

Join a class that isn’t exclusive to experienced actors. It’s a good idea to consider a class that has different levels of experience. These types of classes typically don’t require an audition. If you’re a beginner, it’s less intimidating. If you do have some experience, you’ll just be able to build on that and interact with many different students.

Determine future opportunities. While you’re a student, what kind of opportunities will you have? Will the program you attend submit you to casting consultants for auditions? Will you receive referrals to top agencies? These are questions worth asking. The best teen acting class providers will be able to help you get connected for future opportunities.

There is much to ponder when choosing the right teen acting course. Ultimately, it’s about feeling comfortable and knowing you’ll be surrounded by professionals that can help you become the actor you want to be. Check out the Screenwise Screenteens classes to learn more.