Why Acting Training Is Necessary
For A Successful Acting Career

Acting Training: Interview with Acting Teacher Wendy Ward - Part 3

In part 2 of this exclusive interview , Wendy talks about what it takes to become a student at her acting studio.

Tony: You know what this website is all about Wendy. It’s about helping new and aspiring actors realize that they will have a better chance of being successful and of having the kind of acting career they desire if they build their careers from the ground up instead of thinking that it’s just going to come easy. I have talked to or heard from a lot of aspiring actors who say things like: “I want to become an actor.” And then the next thing they often say is: “So how can I get an agent?” or “Where can I find auditions?” When I hear that, I will often ask them if they have any acting training, taken any acting classes or have any kind of experience to make them think that they will just be able to walk on a movie set for example and deliver the goods without it. The answers I receive in return then are often something like: “A lot of people tell me I’m pretty and that I have what it takes to be an actress.” Or something like: “People tell me all the time that I should go into acting, because I have a good look or because I make people laugh.” Or maybe: “When I see those actors on television, I just know I could do that too! I really want this more than anything. If you just give me a chance I will show you that I can do it!”

Now, you are an acting teacher who makes her living from people coming to study with you. But you have also been in the business yourself for many years, have gone through acting school yourself and have been an actress, plus I know you and that you will be objective when you answer this question. What would you say to a person like the one I just described? Why can’t someone just play off their looks or their true desire to become an actor and break into the acting business cold and with no or little training? Why is acting training so important?

Wendy:   I’ll answer this question in different ways if you want. First, go check out casting director Jeffrey Mitchell. A very talented, 52 year old student of mine, who got into acting late, just went to a seminar with him. There were about 30 people there. Now keep in mind that this guy is a casting director and if you don’t know this about them, many are quick to tell actors to just get out there and audition. You wouldn’t expect him to say that acting training is what you need to do. He asked the question: “How many of you in the audience think that you are good-looking enough, you have a good resume, you have a headshot and that you should just be hitting the market and not worrying about going to take acting classes?” My student told me that about eight hands went up. Mr. Mitchel’s response was: “You couldn’t be more wrong. When you come into an audition with me, I want you to know something. I will be able to tell very quickly whether or not you have had any training or not, because if you have your audition will be so much better.” He then went on to tell those eight people that they might be good looking and he admitted that we are in an industry in which youth and good looks are important, but that the competition is so great that someone else will steal the role from you, because they are better trained. He finished off by encouraging them to get themselves into acting classes.

So I tell you that story, because I think it is more important that you hear this from a casting director than from me, a teacher who makes her living teaching acting classes and through acting training.

I would encourage people to go check him out and to talk to other industry professionals and successful, working actors and see what they say. Don’t take my word for it that training is important. But do know the stats.  Thousands of actors competing for the same role.  All of them good looking.  The thing that HAS to differentiate them is how good they are.  Raw talent – great!  But has it been turned into skill?

End of part 3. In part 4 of this exclusive interview with Ward Acting Studio founder Wendy Ward, we continue the discussion about the importance of acting training, especially at the younger stages of an acting career.

Visit the official website of the Ward Studio.

Here are some other related pages you might find helpful:

Read here about my personal experience at the Ward Studio

Everything you need to know about acting classes.

ActingCareerStartUp.com Acting School Directory

23 Benefits Of Acting Training

How To Choose The Right Acting School

8-Step Guide To Preparing Your Trip To New York To Study Acting

A Guide To Starting A Successful Acting Career

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What you’re doing is great Anthony. Whenever I read the things on your site, the interviews and even your book, I feel like if only everybody got to read this before they got started, they would be so much better off and everybody else (casting directors, agents, directors, etc.) would be so much better off too.
Personal Manager, Ingrid French

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Tony,
I want to say you changed my life. I want to be an actress so bad, but i began losing motivation when I couldn't figure out what to do. And then I found you! Thanks to you, I'm taking my first acting classes next month! Yippee!
Sara, Pasadena, CA

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Hi Tony
I would like to thank you for helping me with the monologue question I asked you. I went to the auditions for a Drama course and I am happy to say that I have been accepted as a first-year student at the Tshwane University of Technology. Please keep on sending me those newsletters and let me know where I can find books that will help me in my acting career. Thank you once more. Have a blessed day.
Sincerely
Edward Thaba -South Africa

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Dear Anthony,
Just wanted to thank you for bringing me in to [audition for the video], meet you and chat this Saturday. I was really excited to hear about your working on actingcareerstartup.com and even took a look at it today - it's awesome! You are very well-spoken, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and it shows through the work that you do! I hope our paths in the industry will cross again and really enjoyed meeting you. Thanks, again and best wishes with your very important work!
Warmly,
Gretchen, NY, NY

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Hey Tony, thanks for the info, yours by far is the most useful, I am 30 years old, and I myself always (secretly) wanted to be an actress, but I never knew where to begin, so thank you. You have given me hope!
Ana C., Tampa, FL