Acting classes in London: things to know before you go

Looking for advice on where to start your acting career? Here we answer some of the most-asked questions about the acting scene.

What's the best age to start acting?

For those bitten by the acting bug from an early age, the sooner in life the better! If your child expresses an interest in treading the boards, the best way for them to get started is the school play - where they can develop their confidence and passion for the stage in a familiar environment. Whether you're looking for acting classes for children or acting classes for adults, a quick online search can get you started.

How do I start my career as an actor?

There's no sure-fire route to stage or screen success, but there are plenty of things that you can do to give your acting career a head start.

• Join your local amateur dramatics group. Attending regular meetups and productions with a bunch of like-minded lovers of the stage is the perfect way to practice your craft, improve your confidence, and have a lot of fun along the way.
• Do your homework. If you're set on breaking into this industry, then you need to know your way around. Resources such as The Actor's Centre and The Actor's Guild of Great Britain can be a huge help as you get to grips with your new career move.
• Sign up for every audition you can. from leading roles to stand-ins. When you’re done with your audition, ask for feedback where possible, so you can learn something from every experience - even if it doesn't go your way.

What are the best ways to improve my acting skills?

Practice, practice, practice! Attend as many workshops, acting classes and seminars as you can. When it comes to preparing for a performance or raising your audition game, some of the following might come in useful.

1. Work on your voice. Your voice is your instrument, so work with it. Regular warm-ups will improve your range and expression, and you'll soon notice a difference.
2. Improve your movement. Take time each day to exercise your body. Being comfortable in your own skin will help you to relax and become a more expressive performer.
3. Read out loud. Train your voice and your brain with a variety of different readings from different genres and eras. The last thing you want to do is stumble at an audition, so stretch yourself and read widely. Out loud.
4. Learn from others. Catch up with the latest films, TV and theatre, and you'll soon see what works best for you (and what doesn't) when it comes to acting.
5. Take a class. Working alongside a professional will help you to develop your skills and learn some new ones.

Can I use my acting skills in everyday life?

The broad range of techniques taught at acting classes will equip you with performance skills that can easily be translated to everyday life. There's no time to be a shrinking violet as the support and guidance offered by professional course tutors will quickly bring you out of your shell. With classes in improvisation, interpretation and improvisation, many people use acting classes to boost their confidence. Armed with the confidence to express yourself clearly, you'll feel ready to take the stage for an audition – or a corporate presentation.