Acting Schools in Georgia
When it comes to acting, Georgia is, perhaps, most well-known for actors Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh in their performances as Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara, the fictional characters in the award-winning film :Gone with the Wind." What is less known is that today, Georgia has a substantial production base in film and television, and many actors can hone their skills at acting schools in the Peach State.
The Facts
Georgia features several acting schools designed to prepare children, teens and adults for careers in acting. The schools vary and prepare students for careers in stage acting, film acting and commercial acting.
Features
At one Atlanta school, the Company Acting Studio, classes focus on acting and auditioning for film, TV, commercials and stage performance. Among the areas of education are scene study, improvisation, cold-reading skills, monologues, commercials, on-camera skills, body and voice technique and lessons about the industry. Pro Actors Studio, also in Atlanta, offers courses for actors of varying levels. In addition to beginning acting courses, the school offers intermediate training in scene study and cold reading for experienced actors. Pro Actors Studio also offers courses designed specifically for teen students. These classes combine improvisational exercises with a focus on cold readings and scene study.
Types
Acting schools in Georgia fall into three main categories: professional acting schools, local theater educational programs and university-based bachelor's degree programs. Professional acting schools are designed solely to train actors for careers in the field. Local theater classes, meanwhile, are more geared toward those who intend to act but are less likely to pursue the field as a career. University programs are designed to train actors while also providing them a range of general knowledge. University programs also provide training only to eligible students. Therefore, children are not able to enroll and students must have completed their high school degree or an equivalent GED program.
Geography
Atlanta is a focus point for Georgia acting schools. Also, Georgia is a popular setting for producing films because the state offers some of the best tax incentives, according to the Company Acting Studio.
Cost
Georgia's acting schools differ in terms of what students are charged. Some schools charge less and encourage long-term education that continues even after actors begin to establish themselves in their field. University programs charge the same tuition that other degree-seeking students pay. Pro Actors Studio in Atlanta charged $99 per month for weekly three-hour classes for beginning actors in 2009.
Function
Acting schools in Georgia are designed with many purposes. Some train actors for professional careers. Others focus on educating youth and enriching their experiences through the positive influence of the arts. Acting classes for teens often provide general acting lessons and expose hopeful actors to the essential components of the business. Teens learn about the business side of the industry via education on head shots, resumes, agents and casting directors.
