Comments on: Why Everyone Should Take An Acting Class - Part 2

By: Kirsten Tretbar

Kirsten Tretbar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:18:07 +0000

Adam,
I think any online university would be fine, as far as your acting career goes. I don’t know much about them, all I know is that I almost taught for one online program, and they paid absolutely nothing - it ended up being only about $10 an hour when it was said and done. That being said, if you do not have time for a formal college education, then on-line is the next best thing. And casting directors and agents don’t really care if you have a college degree or not. All they care about is how you look and act right in front of them during your audition, and that you may have a bit of training on your resume. The fact you were in the military for so long will be much more interesting to them than if you did or did not go to college! It should be VERY interesting to them, I should think! My best advice is to not worry about taking college courses on line, other than the basic ones that wouldn’t really matter if you were in a class or not — such as Math classes, or maybe some other basic classes like History or intro classes. Those types of classes could be done just as easily on line as in a class. The kinds of classes that really get boring on line are things like Literature classes, Psychology, Sociology, English — classes where the teacher inspires you more. So if I were you, I’d enroll for a few simple starting college courses now, and then get into a good local college in LA when you return, or, become a civilian. I hope this helps, and thanks for all your kind words! Kirsten

One last thought - I am NOT discouraging your going to college. In fact, I think you should not rush into acting, but instead, go back to school (isn’t there a new GI bill?) first, a REAL college or university, and THEN, move to LA to act. Life is a long journey, and we’re always in such a rush to live it. Don’t be in a rush. You’ve made it this far, and are probably much wiser for it, with all your experience, so keep up your positive attitude, and you’ll succeed I’m sure!

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:11:12 +0000

Hello Kirsten! Thank you for all of the wonderful articles; it’s frustrating sometimes to know exactly what you’re looking for and not be able to find it. Your blog has exactly the kind of realistic, objective advice and information I’ve been looking for, so again, thank you.

I’m 30, in the military and have just a few college classes under my belt. My service obligation ends in 2011 at which time I plan to head to Hollywood to finally pursue my lifelong dream of acting, even though I’ve zero practical experience thus far.

I’m deployed until the end of 2009 but have daily access to the internet and will re-deploy back to North Carolina upon tour completion. I have two pretty specific questions that I would love to get your advice on…

In pursuing a BA in Liberal Arts, are there any respectable and accredited programs that can be taken online that you would suggest?

I hear from a lot of civilians that the majority of colleges that military personnel have ready access to are not very respected by ‘real’ schools and are considered to be degree mills. Examples include University of Maryland, Central Texas College and Phoenix University. My obvious fears are of not getting a quality education and earning a degree that is not valued by the acting industry.

I sincerely appreciate anything you may have to offer as well as the advice you’ve already given in your blogs!

All my best, Adam

By: Ashlley Elias

Ashlley Elias — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:31:39 +0000

I met Orange County, California’s first black police officer in an acting class, it made me appreciate the facility I have in acting. He was TERRIFIED to go on-stage but could handle bigoted remarks and racist attitudes at his police station when he first started out.

Scary to one person isn’t scary to another, I guess.