College Courses for Aspiring Actors: What do I take?

Today we are going to explore various College courses for aspiring actors which will help you to decide in which area you feel more inclined and want to make your career.

Let’s take a quick look.

Actor!

It’s the dream of many young people. The Hollywood spotlight, the red carpet, movie premieres, and star-studded parties are something that young adults dream about their entire lives. And while it is true that not everyone can be a celebrity – thousands upon thousands try every year to make it there – there are other options. And, thankfully, there are other options for those who are not 21 or older.

So many courses and degrees exist to help you get into acting that making a decision can be hard because it seems like all roads lead to Hollywood. The reality is that an actor’s job is far more diverse than most people realize. An actor may be on stage, on-screen, in front of a camera, or behind one. And the combinations are endless.

If you are itching to get into acting but you feel like there isn’t an option for your age group, don’t worry: There absolutely is! College courses and degree paths exist for people of all ages: Young and old alike can make their dreams come true.

What can you take?

There are plenty of college courses to take to become an actor, including all the following: Acting, stagecraft, theater studies, and Shakespeare. But for those who want to try something a little different but still in the acting field, there is also film production or even something as simple yet profound as drama, if that’s what you’re into.

1. Dramatic Arts

If you feel that acting is more about the internal aspect of things, then a drama arts degree may be right for you. Many universities offer their own specific courses to flesh out your drama education. You can even go online thanks to many universities offering Bachelor’s degrees completely online.

College Courses For Aspiring Actors

Dramatic Arts

This is an eclectic approach to acting where you can learn about the other aspects of the production. This is an academic study of theater through the ages.  You learn about the style,  the social impact, and the evolution of theatrical productions. There are even degrees that focus specifically on Shakespeare’s plays and acting styles!

2. Film Production

For those who like to use different mediums to express themselves, consider film production. Under this umbrella you can take courses in writing, directing, and editing, among others.

Courses For Aspiring Actors

For those who like to use different mediums to express themselves, consider film production.

One big difference between this and theater is the use of technology to produce. This allows for much more advanced production techniques, including special effects and 3D renderings.

3. Acting

Simply put, an acting degree is just that: An education in how to act. The courses vary depending on which college you choose but you learn the basics of performance and proper execution. This is done through many trial-and-error methods.

College Courses For Actors

Simply put, an acting degree is just that: An education in how to act.

Don’t forget to do your research. Check with each university individually to see what types of courses they offer. If you find one that interests you, check it out! You’ll never know where it will take you or what opportunities exist if you don’t get started at all.

4. Shakespeare

For those who want to get down and dirty with the origins of theater, a degree in Shakespeare will provide you with all the history and information you could ever want about the man himself as well as his body of work.

This masterful writing and the very tools that many actors still work with today are found in these great works by Shakespeare. Many theaters around the world produce Shakespeare year-round.

5. Stagecraft

For those who want to be involved in the nitty-gritty of putting on a production, there is stagecraft.

Stagecraft

For those who want to be involved in the nitty-gritty of putting on a production, there is stagecraft.

This degree can help you learn how to build sets and design light and sound effects as well as other skills needed behind the scenes for a successful play or show.

6. Musical Theatre

Need I say more, learn how to become a triple threat. For those who are big fans of musical theater or would like to be, there is a degree for you.

Musical Theatre

For those who are big fans of musical theater or would like to be, there is a degree for you.

7. Acting & Directing

These types of degrees merge both the arts together to make you the master behind the camera as well as in front of it. A dual degree, if you will. You can also pick between acting and directing if they interest you equally or more than one like acting and film production.

8. Performance Studies

For more focused studies of performance, there are performance studies, which can help you get more involved in the aspects of putting on a play that only actors would think of, like your motivation, which could be earned online.

Performance Studies

For more focused studies of performance, there are performance studies

Check with the university you are interested in for online degrees. There are many available to fit your schedule and needs. You can even search for Bachelor’s degrees completely online! This allows actors to continue their passion while meeting family commitments or work obligations without having to give up on what they love.

8. Physical Theatre

Those who want to work with their body in a more physical way may want a degree in physical theatre, which can help you develop the skills needed for stage combat, clown, and even mime.

9. Digital Media

For those who like to be cutting-edge and work with new technology, check out the digital media degree which can help you learn how to make movies using different types of software as well as provide you with all the basics for editing photos and videos. ​​

Since this type of technology is always changing there are courses that update you on the latest advancements.

10. Writing

This type of degree takes all the power away from directors, producers, and writers who control what you see on screen or on stage. Here you learn how to create your own work. This can be done through various genres, including television scripts, web series, novels, playwriting, and more!

Writing

This type of degree takes all the power away from directors, producers, and writers who control what you see on screen or on stage

Whether you’re looking for an undergraduate degree in drama studies at your local college with courses like Acting Stagecrafts Shakespeare; pursuing film production as a career path or even studying communications – which may help actors find work behind the scenes -, there is something for everyone.

The world of acting is a vast one that goes beyond just studying theater or film. There are many different courses and degrees that can help you study acting so you don’t have to go it alone from the beginning.

Take your first steps now with some online courses towards your dreams!

We hope this article would have helped you in understanding about “College Courses For Aspiring Actors”, for any suggestions and feedback, you can drop your comments.

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About Author

emergeblog
Jeremiah O`Brian
Master Teacher  | USC School of Dramatic Arts

Jeremiah O’Brian is a faculty member at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. His exceptionally diverse background – from gritty nuts-and-bolts firefighting to film and theatre credits and accolades – is bolstered by his several graduate degrees.

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