Do you have to go to acting school to become an actor?

Question

My favorite actor is Will Smith and he has been a huge inspiration to me. I'm looking to become an actor and I know that Will never had to go to any school at all (as far as I know.) Is there really any way to become an actor without going to a special school, sort of like Will did?

Answer 1

My opinion is you do not have to go to school to act....its a good idea to if you have the time, but not necessary....

I got started just by being in plays and musicals, and reading a Acting book...yes it can be that easy :D

An Agent is a good thing too, they can get you noticed and help you get casting calls...

Also its always good to have really nice headshots, so when your agent sends your resume` to agencies, then they will see what you look like and se if you fit the part....

Hope this helps, and good luck...

Kind Regards,

Emi  :D

Answer 2

If you don't want to go to school than be a rapper like Will Smith. It was rapping that got Will Smith into Acting. There have been many rappers that have gone on to become actors.

Answer 3

A person either has talent or they do not. If you believe it is your passion to act, then you should move to Chicago and start auditioning. It never hurts to take a class though. Chicago is a good place to start so that you can build a resume. I do not believe you can teach a non talented person to be talented. However, I do believe you can take a good looking person and make them a 'star' with the right media attention. But that is different than talent. Best of luck,

Answer 4

No, I don't think so! What you can do is do plays in school/collage/communities and work your way up! Hope this gives you a bit of back round information!

Answer 5

It depends on a lot of things: what kind of  work you want to do, how persistent and determined you are, how much native ability you have, etc.  However, sooner or later, if you get far enough, you are going to encounter directors or casting folks who are uncomfortable with an actor who lacks training.  

A great acting school in Los Angeles and San Framcisco is Andrew Utter's Mother of Invention Acting School.  Andrew has an MFA in directing from the Yale School of Drama, and he is a dedicated and passionate instructor. And the classes are reasonably priced, and set up on a pay-as-you-go basis,  Have a look!

Answer 6

You do not, however, just like with any school, acting school can help you learn and develop. Without decent training, you stand little chance of becoming a professional, or even reasonably good, actor.

Training augments talent, it does not substitute for it. Ya gotta have the chops, first.

Answer 7

God I hope not!

Answer 8

Yeah.  Just get involved in as many local things as you can and market yourself to agents.  If they believe they can get you work, they will take you on.  They don't get paid if you don't get paid, so if they don't think you can be marketed, you won't get much work.