13 Best Online Acting Classes for Newbies | Learn Acting Online!
Taking an online acting class is a great option for aspiring actors looking to learn the ropes and improve their skills from anywhere in the world.
This article will discuss the benefits of online acting classes and look at the top online platforms that offer virtual coaching and instruction.
Combine this training with the physical tools of acting, and you’ll be ready to kick some keester in this industry!
What Should You Look For in an Online Acting Class?
High-quality online acting classes are taught under the supervision of instructors with extensive experience in the industry. Here are some things to consider when researching quality online acting classes.
Expert Instructors: Qualified professionals with significant acting and teaching experience. An experienced, well-studied instructor is key!
Interactive Learning: A live, engaging lesson plan with a mix of theory and practical exercises, including performance opportunities.
Personalized Feedback and Support: Individual attention, customized feedback, and support for technical and course-related queries.
Peer Interaction and Community: Opportunities for students to collaborate, practice, and network with each other.
Positive Reviews and Reputation: Strong reviews and testimonials from former students; recognition or accreditation in the acting community.
Look for Practical Tasks
Additionally, when seeking acting classes online, look for classes that provide practical tasks, including self-tape coaching, scene study, acting technique, or monologue performance.
13 Best Online Acting Classes
Below is a list of acting schools that are well-known and respected in the community. Some offer in-person in addition to online acting classes.
These classes include anything from learning Meisner techniques, scene work, script analysis, self-tape coaching, commercial auditions, the business of acting, and more!
In no particular order, here are 13 online acting schools that are top-notch with options for beginners and seasoned actors:
1. The Actors School
I’ve taken an in-person course from ‘The Actor’s School,’ but if you’re looking for an acting class online, they offer a good mix of improv, voice-over, and dialect training.
Online Classes Offered (Changes depending on Season):
- Introduction to Voiceover
- Accents for Film and Stage
- Intro to Improv
The Actors School
The Actors School is part of Austin Community College, and any public member can take their online and in-person acting classes.
2. Houde School of Acting
Houde School has a fantastic community around it. While its main office is based in Cleveland, it offers many online courses with a live instructor.
Online Classes Offered (Changes depending on Season):
- Meisner Technique Online
- Script Analysis Online
- The Business of Acting
- Improv For Actors
Houde School of Acting
Their faculty are experienced and knowledgeable in the industry. It’s definitely one of the top online acting schools out there!
3. Drama Inc.
Drama Inc. is one of the most well-known acting schools in Atlanta. While most of their classes are in-person, they offer various hybrid and virtual acting classes for those not in the ATL area.
Online Classes Offered (Changes depending on Season):
- Acting Fundamentals
- Emotional Access
- Uta Hagen Technique
Drama Inc.
“Drama Inc.’s principal goal is to provide a safe and supportive yet challenging space to guide actors of all levels while also providing practical, current “real world” info on navigating the business side of this ever-changing industry.”
4. T. Schreiber Studio
This is another studio I have worked with that has fantastic staff and faculty. Located in New York, the T. Schrieber Studio offers in-person classes for NYC-based actors but also has online classes that change each season. Check their website for the latest available online classes.
Online Classes Offered (Changes depending on Season):
- Commercial Acting
- Self-Taping
- Irish and British Dialect
T. Schreiber Studio
“T. Schreiber is a craft-focused studio that fosters actors at all stages of their development, supporting the development of new voices and new relationships.”
5. Keep It Real Acting Studios
All classes at Keep It Real Acting Studios are virtual! I love that this studio has a strong commercial acting class for actors who want to book more commercial roles.
Online Classes Offered:
- Booking the Theatrical Audition
- A-Z Commercial Technique
- Commercial Improv Class
Keep It Real Acting Studios
Judy Kain, the lead instructor here, has appeared in over 400 commercials and over 110 roles for film & television, so she’s definitely someone you’ll want to learn from!
6. Hey, I Saw Your Commercial
If you’re looking for an acting class online, that’s strictly geared towards booking more commercial work; this is a top class!
I’ve taken this class myself. It’s fun and engaging and helps prepare you for commercial auditions.
Online Classes Offered
- Level 1: Cold Reading, Audition Skills, Improv & Business Mastery System
- Level 2: Commercial Improv Mastery Course
Hey, I Saw Your Commercial
Mike Pointer is one of the best online acting coaches for mastering commercial auditions. He even offers a free Zoom audit class to see if you want to sign up!
7. Terry Berland Workshops
Terry Berland is another well-respected casting director and acting coach. The focus of her online workshops is voice-over and commercial auditions. Check her website to see the latest offerings!
Online Classes Offered
- On-Camera Commercial Acting
- Voice-Over
Terry Berland Workshops
“Terry Berland is a Casting Director and acting teacher committed to providing talent with the knowledge and tools it takes to succeed in the business and art of acting in on-camera commercials, improv, and voice-over, from beginner to advanced.”
8. Michelle Danner Acting Studio
Michelle Danner has coached numerous celebrity actors. Based in Los Angeles, Michelle Danner Acting Studio offers a good mix of in-person and online acting classes for students worldwide.
Online Classes Offered
- Audition for Film & TV
- Scene Study
- Improvisation
- Film Script Analysis
Michelle Danner Acting Studio
Online class schedules vary. Contact the studio to get more information on the latest online offerings.
9. Howard Fine Acting Studio
Howard Fine is one of the most sought-after acting coaches in Hollywood. If you’re looking for an online platform with some of the best coaches in the industry, Howard Fine is only a few clicks away.
Online Courses offered:
- Script Analysis
- Acting for the Camera
- Cold Reading
- Alexander Technique
Howard Fine Acting Studio
Howard Fine has coached dozens of celebrities, including Oscar-winning actors Jared Leto, Jennifer Connely, and numerous other Oscar-nominated actors.
As you might expect, many of his classes are sold out, so check in often for schedules and availability.
10. The Barrow Group
The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center is a non-profit performing arts group in NYC that offers online acting, directing, and writing classes.
Online Courses Offered
- Beginner Acting
- Professional Film/TV Acting
- On-Camera Audition Technique
The Barrow Group
In addition to adult classes, they also offer youth and teen acting classes online.
11. Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Founded in 1949, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting has nurtured the talents of thousands of actors, a significant number of whom have achieved notable success in theater and film.
Stella Adler Studio of Acting
They offer several online workshops for actors wanting to take an acting class online. Classes range from audition techniques to script analysis and scene study. Check their latest offerings here.
12. Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute
The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute calls itself “the home for all actors seeking to delve into Method Acting.” The online courses offered here are all geared towards method acting.
Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute
While they do offer a degree campus program, the stand-alone online courses are available for anyone to take.
13. The Young Actors Studio
As the name suggests, this acting studio is for teens and youth. If you have a young actor in your household who wants to get their feet wet in the acting world, The Young Actors Studio could be a great option.
The Young Actors Studio
“For three decades, The Young Actors Studio has developed amazing young artists who’ve made enormous contributions in film, theater, television, and so many other walks of life.”
Acting Classes Online Vs In-Person: Which is Better?
In-person is always better, in my opinion, but accessibility is a big factor as well. If you don’t have access to in-person, an online acting class is a fantastic alternative, but you’ll definitely want to plan on getting your hands dirty in an in-person class eventually.
How Do Online Acting Classes Work?
In live online acting classes, you join video lessons in real time, interacting with the teacher and other students remotely.
This provides flexibility to take classes from anywhere, while still receiving individualized feedback on your acting skills.
How Do In-Person Acting Classes Work?
In-person lessons allow for hands-on instruction and exercises with your classmates in the same physical studio space.
This creates a more engaging, collaborative environment during the lecture and practical components.
Online vs. In-Person Training
While live online classes offer accessibility, in-person lessons facilitate more active participation and instant feedback.
So, if you can only train online and connect to acting material remotely, then that’s a perfectly acceptable way to practice and learn new skills as you explore your strengths and weaknesses.
The Benefits of Online Acting Classes
If you want high-quality instruction tailored to your needs, virtual acting classes significantly benefit actors of all ages and stages.
Taking acting classes online offers many advantages, making virtual learning an appealing option for students with limited access to in-person courses.
What are the Specific Benefits of an Online Acting Class?
Flexibility to join virtual classrooms from anywhere
A variety of online acting class schedules, from one week long to a couple of months
Access to top instructors and coaches not available locally
A wider pool of teachers to find an expert tailored to your acting interests
Ability to replay recorded lessons to review techniques at your own pace
Convenience and expanded learning opportunities help focus on honing your skills
How Much Do Online Acting Classes Cost?
Expect to pay between $200 to $400 for stand-alone acting classes. These classes are typically 4-8 weeks long, but you may pay more for extended courses.
Check each acting studio’s website for the latest course offerings, schedules, and pricing.
Pre-Recorded Online Acting Courses
Pre-recorded courses allow you to consume content at your own pace rather than following a class schedule. The best online acting course depends on what you’re looking for.
Acting lessons in some of these pre-recorded courses are geared towards more general concepts and contain more of a lecture component rather than hands-on learning.
1. Hollywood Winners Circle
This is more than a course. It’s also a community of actors, agents, casting directors, talent managers, and more! In addition to recordings, they do live workshops with industry professionals, and you can get one-on-one coaching.
2. BBC Maestro
In this online course, you can take a 5-hour lesson from the well-known and respected actor Brian Cox.
With 25 lessons and 23 exercises, this self-paced course gives you everything you need to understand what it takes to become a successful actor.
3. MasterClass
Watch pre-recorded acting courses from acclaimed actors like Samuel L. Jackson, Helen Mirren, and Natalie Portman.
4. Drama Inc. Online Course
Drama Inc. offers an online acting course with over 40 videos accompanied by quizzes and other supplemental material taught by the faculty of Drama Inc.
5. The Approach – Bootcamp 2.0
This virtual, self-guided course has almost five hours of instruction, nearly 30 videos, and 20 real script examples to improve your script analysis and audition technique. Taught by working actor and coach Alex Collins.
Online Acting Communities
Actor communities can be a fantastic resource for actors needing to be around those with similar interests and goals.
These communities offer a place for professional and green actors to learn from each other, network, and get feedback as they grow in their careers. Here are a few online communities for actors to consider joining.
1. Actors Growth Lab
This is one of my favorite acting communities, and I’ve been a part of it for over a year and a half now! You get weekly Zoom calls with industry professionals and a community of actors from all career stages.
Whenever I have a burning question about acting, I can ask in the community, or I can bring it up in the weekly office hours Zoom call. Everyone in this community is so supportive and friendly.
2. The Approach
Alex Collins, a coach and actor advocate, runs this Facebook group. The group only admits actors and is a space for actors to communicate, ask questions, and discuss various topics.
3. Talent Managers for Actors
This is also a Facebook group with over 144k members. Only approved industry professionals are permitted to answer questions in this group, allowing only accurate info to be communicated about the acting business.
Best Online Acting Coaches to Follow
Industry professionals are usually busy and don’t always have time to teach the average performing artist the juicy nuggets of acting. However, a few out there post regularly on their social media.
I definitely encourage you to do so. It’s free, and you’ll get so much value! There are so many out there to follow, and below are all the accounts that I follow myself (In no particular order):
1. Erica Bream
Erica Bream is a casting director, audition coach, and career consultant for actors. She posts pretty regularly on her Instagram account.
I’ve been following her for almost a year, and I love the stories and tips she shares about the casting process.
2. Wendy Alane Wright
Wendy Alane Write is a talent manager based in Los Angeles, and she has been posting helpful advice for actors on her YouTube Channel for years. Definitely go over and subscribe!
3. Kurt Yue
Kurt has been a professional actor for over a decade and a half! In addition to founding the online acting community Actors Growth Lab, he has one of the biggest acting channels on YouTube. Go Subscribe!
4. Get Taped
Get Taped is one of the first self-tape services in Atlanta. Acting couple Brooke Jaye Taylor and Matthew Cornwell run the business.
They post regular videos on their YouTube channel with helpful info on self-taping, being on set, and the business side of acting.
5. One Broke Actress
‘One Broke Actress’ is a podcast hosted by LA-based actress Sam Valentine. You can listen to or watch her podcast on her YouTube channel.
In addition to sharing tips and insights from her own journey, she interviews various industry professionals, from headshot photographers to intimacy coordinators.
6. Belgica Paola Rodriguez
If you’re looking for an actress who vlogs about her acting journey, Belgica Poala Rodgriguez is a great option.
She is an LA-based actress who vlogs weekly about her auditions, workshops, and other experiences she has while pursuing acting.
7. Studio 24
Studio 24 is a TV/Film acting studio based in LA. They post various videos on their YouTube channel with acting tips and advice.
8. Amy Jo Berman
Amy Jo Berman is an audition & career coach for actors. As a former casting director, she shares tips on acting and auditioning. Subscribe to her on YouTube!
9. Dan Warner
Dan Warner has been a working actor in film and television for 20+ years with 80+ IMDb credits and 100+ national commercials. He shares his vast wealth of experience on his YouTube channel and offers coaching.
Are Online Acting Classes Worth It?
In my opinion, yes, they are!
The answer is not always black and white, as the value depends on your needs and goals. For many, the benefits make online classes a worthwhile option.
What Makes an Online Acting Class Worth It?
Flexibility
The flexibility to learn from anywhere allows busy schedules to accommodate classes more easily. Top teachers who may not be accessible locally provide quality instruction.
Accountability
Built-in accountability through live video and assignments keeps you focused. Learning technical skills or exploring different acting techniques can be done conveniently at your own pace.
Value
I’ve received much value from the online acting classes I’ve taken. You get access to people you never would have had access to otherwise, and their coaching is top-notch!
Can You Put Online Acting Classes on Your Acting Resume?
I’ve asked this question to several acting coaches and other actors in the industry, and what I’m typically told is any time you receive feedback from the coach on your acting work, you can add that to your resume.
In instructor-led online classes, you typically participate in activities and get critiqued by your coach, so you can definitely put this type of training on your resume.
Final Thoughts on Online Acting Classes
No matter where you are in the world, you can definitely train and work on your craft. I’m grateful for online courses because they allow me the convenience and flexibility I sometimes need to keep my skills sharp and create meaningful material to be an in-demand actor.
Where Should You Start?
If you’re unsure where to start, that’s okay. There’s no set path in this career. We create our own paths, but we need to start somewhere. So take that first class online, connect with fellow actors, and see where it takes you.
If you want to watch a free online acting course on YouTube, go for it! If you find an acting workshop or on-demand in-person learning opportunities near you, take them!
You’re not stuck in one avenue of learning. Your actor education is never-ending! Plan ahead, budget well, and you’ll be one step closer to your goals.
Stay scripted, stay savvy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Acting Be Taught Online?
Yes, acting can be taught online, though the experience differs from traditional, in-person training. Online acting classes offer flexibility and access to various instructors and methods that might not be available locally. These classes typically include video lessons, live virtual workshops, and interactive assignments. However, they may lack immediate physical interaction and real-time feedback in a physical classroom setting.
Can I Study Acting Online?
Absolutely. You can study acting online through various platforms offering courses ranging from basic acting techniques to advanced specialized training. These courses often cover script analysis, character development, voice and speech, movement, and on-camera skills. They cater to different skill levels and can be a good starting point or a way to continue honing your skills.
How Much Do Online Acting Classes Cost?
The cost of online acting classes varies widely depending on the provider, course length, and level of instruction, but you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for most stand-alone online courses. Researching and comparing different options is advisable to find a class that fits your budget and educational needs.
Are Online Acting Classes Worth it?
Online acting classes can be worth it, especially for beginners or those with limited access to in-person classes. They offer convenience and the opportunity to learn from diverse instructors. The value also depends on the student’s learning style, the course quality, and commitment level. Online classes can be a valuable resource for disciplined and proactive people.
Is Acting A Realistic Career?
Acting can be a realistic career, but having realistic expectations about the industry is important. It’s a highly competitive field with no guaranteed path to success. Success in acting often requires a combination of talent, training, hard work, persistence, and luck. Many actors also pursue related work like teaching, writing, or directing to supplement their income.
Do most actors take acting classes?
Most actors do take acting classes at some point in their careers. Continuous learning and skill refinement are important in the acting profession. Even experienced actors often seek training to enhance their skills, adapt to new acting methods, or prepare for specific roles. Acting classes offer valuable opportunities for practice, feedback, and networking within the industry.
