The goals of an acting coach or acting teacher are the same, help actors gain a deeper understanding of the craft and strive for excellence. How they go about achieving this differs, however. teachers work with multiple students in a classroom setting. Coaches tend to work with one actor in a specific area of expertise.

Acting Coach and Teacher New York NY – Charlie Sandlan – (917) 794-3878

Acting teachers run acting lessons with anywhere from 6 to 60 aspiring actors, sometimes more. In conservatories, the goal is to keep class sizes small so students can practice exercises with involvement from the instructor. More prominent programs, like college drama departments, for example, may have lecture hall classes with hundreds of students. Teachers there lecture on the history of the theater or give an overview of acting techniques. In contrast, a private acting coach works one-on-one. They have expertise in developing a specific skill or how to prepare for a role. One example might be an actor who hires a coach to create a challenging character. A coach who has expertise in movement can help an actor create humorous physical expressions for a comedic role. It is also common to hire a dialect coach to help actors develop foreign accents. Coaches who specialize in TV and film might prepare an actor to shift their approach from theater to on-camera work. Actors also seek guidance from acting coaches in audition techniques if they find they are not getting hired.

Different types of acting coaches in New York

An acting coach’s primary function is to serve as an honest, constructive critic and instruct the actor on how to improve. First, a coach determines what the goal of the sessions will be based on their assessment of your work. Next, they will recommend exercises or “homework,” the actor can do to improve. Coaches can also help set a work schedule, establish goals, and hold the student accountable for doing the work. Coaching can involve basics, but usually, fundamental skills are learned from acting teachers in a classroom setting. The reason for this is that early skills are best learned with other actors working in pairs or groups. Coaches are trained to work with individual actors guiding them as they sharpen a specific, hard to master aspect of acting, such as voice. Or, they might help an actor determine character traits that will make a role more interesting. If a performance is falling flat, a coach can work with the actor to add more emotional complexity. Coaches are experienced at breaking down scripts. They might specialize in comedy or classical theater, like Shakespeare. Some coaches are experts in movement and can help an actor who is struggling to express a character’s emotions physically. There are even coaches who specialize in on-camera work and auditioning. Coaches can also serve as a connection to getting work since directors and producers often seek recommendations from teachers they trust. In any case, coaches identify what’s not working and will have the tools needed to course correct.

The Best Acting Coach in New York, NY

Acting Coach New York, NY

Learn more about the acting coaches, acting classes and acting programs at Maggie Flanigan Studio by visiting the studio website: https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/new-york-ny. Students interested in applying for admission, who have questions, should call the studio directly at (917) 794-3878.