When you want to become an actor, sometimes going to drama school can feel like the be all and end all. While it can give you a really good basis in training to give you the skills you need to have a fruitful acting career, it certainly isn’t everything. There are many graduates coming out of drama school every year who struggle to find work. Likewise, there are many successful actors who never went to drama school at all. There are so many other routes you can take in order to pursue acting and some brilliant alternatives to drama school. I’m here to help you discover a few of them.
University
Another option to getting your acting degree at a drama school is getting it at a university. There are certainly some differences between studying acting at drama school and at university. It’s a good idea to research these first. However, at a university you will still be able to spend years learning your craft. Universities have the benefit of being in a wider learning environment. So, you will get to have a more traditional student experience. They also often have more of a focus on devising and creating your own work. So, this may be something to keep in mind if you do have an interest in that. Universities also mean you will still get your student fees funded through the student loan system. This makes them more accessible for those with low income.
Private Coaching
Another one of the alternatives to drama school is to look into private coaching. There are many private coaches across the UK, as well as online. The great thing about a private coach is that you work with them 1-on-1. This means that they can focus on your specific needs. It this can allow you to improve your work at a much higher rate. They can also help work on your audition pieces with you. This means you can be making progress specifically towards your next application attempt if you choose to try again. While this can be a pricier option, it is a great one for those who are serious about working intensively on their craft.
Short Courses And Workshops
Another one of the great alternatives to drama school is attending short courses and workshops. There are loads of great companies that deliver these at an affordable price. It is a way to access high-value training without breaking the bank. It also means you are able to focus on a specific aspect of acting . So, you can customize your training to what you want it to be. Some subjects you might take workshops in include; Acting for Film and TV, Audition Technique, Meisner Technique, Acting For Comedy or Improvisation. You can even take workshops with casting directors in order to understand what a professional audition might look like.
Here are some of the best places for acting workshops in the UK:
National Youth Theatre
The National Youth Theatre intentionally provides a drama school alternative for aspiring actors. It focuses on accessibility, meaning it can be a great option for those who feel unsupported elsewhere. The NYT provides young people aged 14 to 25 with opportunities to develop their acting and theater skills. They do this through workshops, training programs, and performances. It is known for its commitment to nurturing young talent. It provides a platform for aspiring actors to gain valuable experience in the world of theater and performance. They have a summer intake course, and then the option to audition for their year-long theatre training program called NYT Rep. This is attended by agents and casting directors. Many successful actors have been NYT members, including Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Rosamund Pike, Idris Elba, Colin Firth, Catherine Tate and Matt Smith.
Check out the National Youth Theatre website for more information.
Online Drama School
Thanks to modern technology, there are now drama schools that are entirely online! These often focus on flexibility and affordability. This makes it one of the best alternatives to drama school for those who have to work full time, don’t want to move, have accessibility needs, and even more benefits. Whilst it’s not quite the same as being in the room with other actors, this is a great tool to acquire some great acting knowledge and work with teachers so that you can apply it to your in-person acting too. There are many online drama schools available, often with links to high-profile successful actors and many famous guest tutors. They cover many bases of acting and are a great starting point for any aspiring actor.
Here are some of the best:
iampro
I Am Pro is one of the absolute best drama school alternatives out there at the moment. It is run by actor’s working currently in the industry, with a number of on-demand and live classes and workshops running almost daily. Not only this, but it also offers:
- 1-to-1 mentoring
- Private acting coaching
- LAMDA coaching
- On-demand courses
- Live workshops
- Monologue challenges and screenings
- In-person showcases in front of agents, directors and casting directors
- Acting job opportunities
- Networking Opportunities
- An online community
As you can see, I Am Pro has so much to offer. This is really the ideal option for anyone who wants to make a career out of acting. Luckily, there are no auditions, and anyone who wants to learn acting can sign up.
Best news of all? I’m here to offer you 10% off your membership fees if you sign up via my link! I’ve been a member for 2 years and I can say that it’s more than worth it.
Actor’s Gym
The Actor’s Gym is another online drama school with a focus on staying in regular practice. With various professional actors holding classes and workshops on the platform, this is a real opportunity to learn from the pros. The Actor’s Gym has various perks such as
- Fortnightly self-tape challenges
- Personal feedback
- Acting classes
- Scene study classes
- Interviews with professional actors
This is a great option if you want to get in the habit of regular acting practice.
Stage Milk Drama School
Stage Milk Drama School is a great option for those wanting to focus on scene study. With monthly scene study submissions and personal feedback provided, this is a great way to really make progress in your practical work. Alongside this, Stage Milk provides:
- Acting classes with industry professionals
- Access to play scripts and drama books
- Personal feedback on scene studies
- Acting courses on-demand
- Industry interviews
Fringe Theatre
Getting involved in fringe theatre is another great option for those who want to get some practical acting experience and need alternatives to drama school. While getting involved in amateur dramatics is also a great option, getting into fringe theatre is a step into working in professional theatre. You will meet many trained actors in fringe theatre, and it’s a great opportunity to learn from them.
This is also a fantastic option for anyone who may be thinking of writing their own show. It can be easier to get it shown at a fringe theatre venue rather than picked up by a producer. Keep an eye on casting websites and local online groups for actors, as you never know when a fringe theatre casting may pop up. It may also be worth going into any fringe theatre venues that are local to you and asking them how you can get involved.
Student Films
If you want to work in film and TV specifically, then getting involved in student films is a another one of the alternatives to drama school. Students always need actors for their projects, and it’s a way to get acting experience where you don’t have to pay to be involved. It gives you experience on set, and it can also help you build up footage for your showreel – one of the most important things an actor can have to promote themself. From short films to feature films, there is plenty for you to get involved with. Keep an eye on local actors groups as well as casting websites in order to see what student films you can apply to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become an actor without going to drama school?
Yes, absolutely! There are plenty of successful actors who didn’t go to drama school, and drama school is not a guarantee of success either. It just means you will have to be proactive and take charge of your own career!
What can I do instead of acting?
If you still want to be involved in theatre and film you could look into writing, directing and producing, as well as technical roles such as lighting technician, gaffer, and stage manager. You could also become a drama teacher yourself or get into presenting, casting, or working as an agent.
What British actors didn’t go to drama school?
British actors who didn’t go to drama school include Judi Dench, Matt Smith, Ian McKellen, Idris Elba, Helen Mirren, and James Corden.
Is it worth it to go to drama school?
It depends on what you want. Drama school will give you the opportunity to learn a lot of skills and make industry connections. However, if you don’t want the enormous commitment it takes, or you want to avoid the potentially toxic environments reported at some schools then another route may be better for you.
There is a world outside of drama school…
As you can see, there are so many options when it comes to learning how to act and pursuing your dream career. It’s important as an actor to learn your craft and improve as an artist, but there is no one way to do this. The most important thing, no matter what route you take, is that you take control of your career and keep taking steps toward the work you really want to do.
If you’re thinking of reapplying, it might be worth checking out my guide on How To Work On A Monologue For Actors. It might give you some food for thought for your next round of auditions.
Thank you for reading and, no matter what you do, I’m wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
