If you’re asking yourself, “Should I study acting or film?” you’re not alone. This choice comes with many questions and uncertainties. 

Do you want to be a first rate, well trained actor who has the craft to sustain a decades long career, or do you prefer the creative process behind the scenes? Understanding the pros and cons of each option is crucial, especially when considering factors like classes, acting in NYC, and long-term career goals.

For those drawn to the vibrant theater scene in New York City, top-tier acting classes and the bustling arts community can be incredibly appealing. 

Conversely, there are film making classes that offer a comprehensive curriculum covering everything from screenwriting to film production, making it ideal for future filmmakers. 

Both paths offer the possibility for an inspiring and fulfilling creative life. By exploring the differences between acting and film studies, we aim to provide you with the insights needed to make an informed decision and set you on the path to a successful career in the entertainment industry.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing between acting and film studies depends on your interests and career goals.
• Acting programs focus on performance skills, while film studies emphasize technical and creative production.
• The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides comprehensive acting training to help you succeed in the performing arts.

Why Study Acting?

If you are interested in a serious acting career, then you need to learn how to do it. Studying acting provides a wealth of benefits that go beyond the stage—from developing technical skills to building industry connections and personal growth. A professional acting program equips you with the tools needed to pursue a successful and fulfilling career in the performing arts.

Develop essential techniques. There are various acting techniques, but very few have been proven to be capable of producing consistent, vivid actors.

At the Maggie Flanigan Studio, the focus is on the Meisner Technique, created by Sandy Meisner in the 1930’s, and is considered one of the best ways to train an actor. This work, which takes two years to teach, emphasizes emotional truth and authenticity in performances. This foundation is crucial for stage acting and film acting. 

Mastering these skills is essential for sustaining a successful acting career, enabling you to consistently create organic, vivid, fully realized human behavior.

The value of acting classes. Professional acting classes should provide a solid craft, and process, a way of working that will support you for the rest of your career. A professional acting studio should offer a structured environment to practice and refine your skills. They should provide a safe yet challenging space to experiment, receive feedback, and improve. 

At prestigious institutions like the Maggie Flanigan Studio, classes cover fundamental aspects such as acting, movement, voice, theater history, film history, script analysis, classical text, dialects and breathwork, which provide a solid foundation of technique. 

These classes help you develop a consistent process, building confidence, and preparing students for the demands of a professional career. The best teachers create an environment where you can grow as an actor and learn the meaning of work-ethic, self-discipline, accountability, and artistry.

Build industry connections. Attending an acting school helps you build valuable connections within the industry. 

Many programs offer showcases, but the Maggie Flanigan Studio is unique. We offer an optional third year, our Professional Actor Business Program

This program provides students with headshots, demo reel, professional website, audition and self-tape classes, branding and social media consultants, leading up to a month of auditions with the biggest casting directors, agents and managers in the industry.  

Our studio looks beyond just the art of acting, preparing our students to also be able to run their business with confidence and professional standards.

Why Study Film?

Studying film offers a wide range of benefits that can significantly impact your career in the entertainment industry. If you are interested in directing, screenwriting, or production, a film degree can provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field.

Understand production. A film degree offers a comprehensive understanding of the entire production process. From screenwriting and directing to editing and post-production, film programs cover all aspects of creating a film. 

This knowledge is invaluable for aspiring filmmakers or those seeking to work in film production. Understanding the intricacies of film production enables you to effectively manage projects and collaborate with other professionals in the industry.

Gain technical skills. Film degrees include hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and software. 

Learning the technical skills needed for camera operation, lighting, sound design, and editing prepares you for various roles in the film industry. These skills are essential for creating high-quality productions. 

Explore creative opportunities. Studying film allows you to explore your creativity and bring your vision to life. Interested in directing, screenwriting, or producing? Film programs provide the tools and knowledge to tell compelling stories. Having the ability to create your own work will add greater possibilities for a successful artistic career.

Many programs encourage students to work on projects. This ensures you have a portfolio of work by the time you graduate. Gaining hands-on experience is invaluable. It will help you develop a unique voice and style that sets you apart in the competitive world of film. 

Acting vs. Film Studies: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between an acting degree and a film degree can significantly shape your career path in the entertainment business. 

Both fields offer unique opportunities and challenges, and understanding these differences can help you decide which path aligns best with your goals and interests. It’s important to check in with yourself, and really contemplate the kind of artistic life you wish to have. 

Many actors have prolific careers in front and behind the camera. Creating this kind of professional life will require a tremendous amount of passion, obsession, and hard work.

Career Paths

Both acting and film studies offer distinct career opportunities. 

An acting degree, or the completion of a two-year conservatory program like the Maggie Flanigan Studio will prepare you for roles on stage and screen and enables you to become an actor in theater productions, television shows, or films. 

If you decide to train in the Meisner Technique, then you will have the ability to act in any medium. Whether it’s legit or musical theater, film or television, a Meisner trained actor has the ability to illuminate the human condition.

A film degree opens doors to behind-the-scenes positions in film and television production. Roles in directing, cinematography, producing, editing, screenwriting, set and costume design are a few examples. 

Skill Development

Acting programs focus on developing craft and technique, emotional range, and physical dimension. These programs emphasize the importance of voice, movement, and a vivid imagination. Students learn to act with authenticity and connect deeply with every character they take on. 

Film programs emphasize technical proficiency, creative direction, and storytelling. From mastering camera operation and editing to understanding the nuances of creative direction, film studies equip you with the skills needed to bring stories to life on screen. 

Learning Environment

The structure and environment of acting and film programs can differ significantly. 

Acting schools are a dime a dozen, and many are filled with bad teachers and inadequate training. Many NYC acting studios for example are more like factories, enrolling hundreds of students, who are little more than a number and a dollar sign. They employ dozens of teachers who have no business training actors. 

When considering where to study, environment and community are incredibly important factors. At the Maggie Flanigan Studio, we are committed to small class sizes. Our studio has been furnished with a tremendous collection of inspiring art, along with a beautiful student lounge, and large studio classrooms. 

Wherever you decide to study, make sure that the application and interview process leaves you excited and inspired. This will be your artistic home for a few years, and you will spend thousands of dollars in the process. Make sure the environment and the teaching faculty are well curated. 

Film schools may offer a more diverse curriculum for behind the camera artists that can include both theoretical and practical components. Courses in film history, business, and technical training can ensure a well-rounded education. 

Additional Tips to Help You Choose

Choosing between studying acting or film is a crucial decision that can shape your future. Here are three additional tips to help guide your decision-making process.

Evaluate Your Interests

Think about what aspect of the business excites you the most. What is your passion? Do you love performing and connecting with an audience, or are you more interested in the creative process of making films? 

Your passion should guide your decision. If you dream of becoming an actor and love the idea of stage acting or performing in musical theater, then professional acting training in NYC might be the best path for you. 

If you are fascinated by the behind-the-scenes work of directing, screenwriting, or costume design, pursuing a film or screenwriting degree could be more fulfilling. 

Research Programs

It’s really important to do your due diligence. I interviewed so many actors who wasted thousands of dollars and ended up with a bad experience in various acting classes in NYC. 

Visit every studio that interests you, and make sure that you are interviewing with the Artistic Director or Master Teacher, not an office assistant. You should be able to speak with whoever is teaching you. 

Also consider the space and the aesthetic. Do you want to spend time there? Does it feel inspiring? Talk to other students to get their insights as well. 

For instance, the Maggie Flanigan Studio is purposefully intimate, with small class sizes. Maggie believed in creating a safe and nurturing space, with the highest of artistic standards.  

Every student who comes to MFS is going to be trained by Artistic Director & Master Teacher Charlie Sandlan. You are guaranteed to receive your Meisner training from one of the best acting teachers in the United States. 

Our program options make it possible for you to work and live in NYC, while also committing fully to your art. The community at the Maggie Flanigan Studio is exceptional, because we actually care about who we accept. Our studio is filled with passionate, hard working, and determined students who have the kind of infectious and supportive energy that makes our space so special.

Film schools offer diverse programs in film production, screenwriting, and other technical aspects of filmmaking. 

Researching these programs will help you understand what each school offers and how it aligns with your career aspirations. Consider looking at drama degree programs or  other related fields that might offer a broader educational experience.

Consider Long-Term Goals

Think about your long-term career goals. It’s important to form a vision of the kind of artist you want to be. What is your voice? What is your contribution going to be?

An acting training might lead to a life on stage or screen, allowing you to become an actor in theater productions, television shows, or films. It also opens doors to jobs in stage management and other performing arts roles. 

A film degree could see you behind the camera directing or producing, with potential careers in film and television production. 

Both paths offer exciting opportunities but cater to different aspects of the industry. Reflecting on where you see yourself in the long run can help you choose a path that aligns with your aspirations and provides a clear direction for your career.

Launch Your Acting Career with Maggie Flanigan Studio

Deciding between studying acting or film is a crucial decision that can shape your future. For those leaning towards becoming an actor, the Maggie Flanigan Studio offers a comprehensive conservatory program to help you achieve your dreams. 

Many actors face uncertainty about which acting program to choose, how to prepare for auditions, and where to find the best training. Our studio addresses these with a curriculum designed to build confidence and talent.

Our acting programs and acting classes are led by the best teachers in the industry. Our practical training approach ensures that you enter the professional world with confidence. If you commit to yourself and your art, bust your ass, and play full out with yourself, at MFS, you can turn yourself into a first-rate actor.

Ready to take the first step towards a successful acting career? Enroll at Maggie Flanigan Studio. Call us today to learn more about our programs and start your journey in the performing arts.

Summary

Deciding to study acting or film is a personal choice that depends on your interests, skills, and career aspirations. Both paths offer unique opportunities and challenges. By understanding the differences and considering your goals, you can make an informed decision that sets you on the path to a successful career. 

For those looking to become an actor, the Maggie Flanigan Studio offers comprehensive training, ensuring you are well-prepared to start auditioning and secure roles. With guidance from the best teachers and practical advice tailored to your needs, you can confidently pursue your passion for theater or film. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I go to film school if I want to be an actor?

If you want to be an actor, it’s more beneficial to enroll in an acting school or get a drama degree. 

NYC acting schools focus on developing performance skills, emotional range, and physicality, which are crucial for acting. Film school primarily prepares students for behind-the-scenes roles such as directing, screenwriting, and production.

Do film studies help with acting?

Film studies can provide useful insights into the acting process, especially in understanding the director’s perspective and the overall production environment. However, most actors benefit more from specialized acting classes and programs that focus directly on performance techniques, voice, movement, and audition skills. 

For comprehensive acting training, an acting school is typically the better choice.