How long do you have to take acting classes to become a professional actor? Every aspiring actor wants to know, but the answer isn’t simple. 

The time it takes depends on your goals, dedication, and the type of training you pursue, from intensive NYC acting courses to ongoing workshops. Some actors find success in a few months, while others spend years perfecting their craft. It’s important however to have a vision of the type of actor you want to be, and do everything you can to reach that vision.

The key isn’t just in the duration but in how well you develop your skills and develop a solid craft and technique that can support you for the rest of your professional life. Keep reading to learn what it takes to make the most of your training and build a successful acting career.

Key Takeaways

• The time you spend in acting classes depends on your dedication, however, focused, consistent training is your path to success.
• Finding the right acting school and program is essential to match your goals and make your mark in theater or film.
• Serious acting training, ongoing practice, and an appetite for the creative struggle are the keys to building a thriving acting career.

Understanding the Path to Becoming a Professional Actor

Starting an acting career needs to begin with the important understanding that acting is an art form, no different from dance, music, design, or even athletics. Most actors don’t train. They are caught up in the pop culture superficiality of fame and money. 

But art is about illuminating the human condition. If you are serious, the journey needs to begin with professional acting classes that focus on instilling in you the fundamentals needed to consistently create vivid human behavior. This includes working on developing your instrument with classes like  movement, voice, theater history, cold reading, and script analysis. 

These foundational elements are taught at acting schools and by acting teachers who help you prepare for auditions, develop memorable characters, and perform confidently in different scenes. Working with an acting coach or taking specialized courses can make a significant difference in your growth as an actor.

Actors have different approaches to training. Some commit to formal training at acting schools, while others try and put together a hodge-podge of various classes, and start auditioning right away. 

I do not believe that it is possible to develop into a first-rate actor by cobbling together a bunch of random classes. The majority of students who come to my studio have spent years doing this, only to discover that they still don’t know how to act.

No matter the route, continuous acting training is the most important thing. It’s about refining your craft and staying prepared for every casting call and performance opportunity that comes your way. 

You only get one chance to make first impressions, and you want to make sure that every time you act, that your work is clear, vivid, interesting, and consistently good. Otherwise you will not be able to sustain a serious professional acting career.

How Long Does Formal Acting Training Take?

When it comes to formal training, the duration varies depending on the program and your goals as an actor. 

For those aiming to become professional actors, investing in structured training is often the best way to build a strong foundation in the craft. I believe it takes a minimum of two years to train, but three years is ideal.

Conservatory programs

Conservatory programs are the best place to get professionally trained. This is an intensive option for those serious about their acting career.

For example, at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, the Two-Year Professional Actor Training Program (PATP) is designed to transform students into working actors by focusing on everything from character development to scene work. 

These programs require significant time commitment and provide comprehensive training that equips actors with the skills they need to succeed in the industry. The goal is to give you the tools you need to compete at the highest levels. 

You will be going up against actors who are coming out of the top MFA programs and NYC acting studios, and you want to make sure that you can compete.

Degrees and certifications

If you’re looking at a longer-term commitment, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts (BFA) is another route. However, I don’t recommend it. I believe a BA in Theater is worthless, and will cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If you desire a college theater experience, I would look at the very best  BFA programs. 

If you are a college graduate and are interested in getting your MFA, graduate level training is a solid option, however it’s very difficult to get into the top schools. This is a three year commitment, and depending on the school, it can set you up with a solid technique.

Short-term workshops

For actors who need to hone specific skills or want to fit training into a busy life, short-term workshops are an option. These can range from weekend intensives to a few months of part-time classes, focusing on areas like auditioning, improv, or camera work. 

While they’re shorter in duration, these workshops can be helpful. They offer targeted training that can help you improve, but will most likely not provide the solid foundation you will need to work at the highest levels of the industry. 

What Influences the Duration of Your Acting Training?

The length of time you spend taking classes and honing your acting skills varies greatly depending on several key factors. Understanding these elements can help you tailor your training to fit your unique career aspirations and personal strengths.

Personal goals

If you aim to succeed as a professional actor, you’ll want to dedicate yourself to learning how to work in every acting medium with a consistent, fool-proof technique.  

The actors I respect want to do everything. Acting is acting, whether that’s in film, television or stage. Once you have this under your belt, it’s much easier to adjust for any medium. This just requires a technical understanding of how to adjust. 

I believe the goal of any serious actor should be to make a living with their art, without the need for a survival job or side hustles. If you can make enough to trigger your SAG/AFTRA insurance, you are among the 12% of all actors that can achieve this. And it’s not a lot. The yearly amount is under $27,000, so it’s achievable. 

Natural talent vs. trained skill

Natural talent doesn’t add up to much if you don’t have a way of working. 

What separates the successful from the unsuccessful is hard work. If you learn how to do something well, and then you combine that with talent and hard work, you can achieve success. 

Most aspiring actors are too lazy to train, and don’t take themselves seriously. They’re doing something else in five years. Talent may open a few doors, but if you don’t know what to do when you walk into the room, you’ll be immediately exposed as an amateur and a hack.

Dedicated training is key to turning yourself into a polished actor. Many successful actors credit their achievements to an obsessive commitment to craft and artistry.

Hi level, structured acting classes help refine your craft, improve the quality of your work, and enhance your ability to be consistent. Balancing natural talent with continuous learning and feedback can accelerate your readiness for the demands of the professional world.

Industry demands

The acting industry is fiercely competitive, with casting directors always on the lookout for actors who can tackle diverse roles and deliver authentic, truthful, and vivid performances. You need to understand how to conduct yourself in an audition, a rehearsal, in performance, and on a set. 

There are professional expectations, and you don’t want to find yourself exposed as an amateur, or fired for being late or not knowing your lines. Learning about the business side of acting, and the requirements that come with a professional job are crucial.

Engaging with other actors, performing in theater productions, and consistently seeking professional work strengthen your adaptability and resilience. Committing to ongoing training and staying active in the acting community improves your chances of landing roles and building a successful career.

Planning Your Acting Career: Tips for Aspiring Actors

If you’re serious about becoming an actor, it’s time to start thinking about your career path. To get where you want to go, it’s important to figure out your goals and choose the right training.

Picture your future

Imagine the kind of actor you want to be. Are you drawn to the energy of the stage, or do you see yourself on the big screen, or hopefully both? Knowing what excites you will help you pick the acting classes and programs that fit your goals. 

Some schools offer a range of classes, like voice and movement, which can be a great match if you’re interested in being a vivid actor. 

Get experience early

Jump into opportunities as soon as you can. Whether it’s acting in community theater, student films, or taking improv classes, getting experience early is key. It gives you a chance to put your training into practice and build confidence. 

The more comfortable you are on stage or on set, the better you’ll do when it comes time for auditions and meeting casting directors.

Find the right training program

Look for a school or acting teacher that has a solid reputation and make sure the program covers the skills you need, like script analysis, voice work, and movement training. 

For instance, at the Maggie Flanigan Studio, our students can enroll in the Two-Year Professional Actor Training Program, which offers a deep dive into everything from scene study to classical text​​. It mirrors the standards and expectations of the top MFA programs in the United States.

No matter what kind of acting you’re interested in, make sure your training sets you up for success.

Why Choose Maggie Flanigan Studio for Your Acting Training?

Many actors struggle with knowing how long they should commit to acting classes to truly see results. If you’re tired of bouncing from one class to another with mediocre teachers, and without a clear sense of progress, the Maggie Flanigan Studio offers a solution. 

Our structured programs, like the Two-Year Professional Actor Training Program, the Core Program, and the Bare Essentials, are designed to transform you into a successful actor. 

Our studio offers comprehensive, focused training in everything from the Meisner Technique to classes in voice, movement, breathwork, Chekhov, theater history, script analysis, cold reading, mask & character, clown, classical text, and Shakespeare.

We understand that every actor’s journey is different, which is why we tailor our approach to help you reach your specific goals, whether you’re preparing for theater, film, or both.

Don’t waste time in classes that don’t move you forward. At the Maggie Flanigan Studio, we focus on conservatory training that builds the skills you need to excel in your acting career. Call today to find out how we can help you become the professional actor you’ve always wanted to be.

Summary

There’s no single answer to how long you should take acting classes—it varies from actor to actor. Some people develop their skills quickly, while others take more time to perfect their craft. 

What’s important is finding an acting school that aligns with your goals and provides the right training to help you succeed. That said, to competently train as a professional actor will take two to three years of committed studio work.

Take the first step toward becoming the actor you’ve always wanted to be by enrolling in a class at the Maggie Flanigan Studio. Our programs are tailored to fit your needs and schedule and offer the focused training necessary to build a successful acting career. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to study to be an actor?

The time you need to study to become an actor varies depending on your goals. If you are serious about pursuing a professional career, you will need to train for two to three years.

The key is continuous practice, connecting with other actors, and staying committed to improving your performance.

How long is the acting course?

Acting courses can range from a few weeks to several years. 

For example, intensive programs like the Two-Year Professional Actor Training Program at Maggie Flanigan Studio offer in-depth training in key areas like scene study, voice, and movement. 

We teach the full progression of the Meisner Technique, and it is the heart of our NYC acting studio. Meisner’s training takes two years to teach. This is supplemented with a full array of essential conservatory classes. 

How much time does it take to learn acting?

Learning to act is an ongoing process that never really ends. Training is just the beginning. You will spend your entire artistic life working on yourself, your craft, striving for simplicity, ease, and clarity. This is what an artist strives for, and it takes many years. 

The time it takes depends on your dedication, the quality of your training, and your ability to connect with your craft and the theater or film industry.