How to Start Acting with No Experience: An Honest Beginner's Guide

Everyone who has ever acted started with no experience.

That seems obvious. But I mention it because one of the most common things I hear from people considering acting classes, adults and teenagers alike, is some version of: 'I'd probably be terrible. Everyone else there will know what they're doing.'

Here's the truth: most of the people in that room will be just as new as you. And the ones with experience were beginners once too, feeling exactly what you're feeling now. Nobody is judging you as harshly as you're judging yourself.

What beginners actually need

When someone walks into an acting class for the first time, the single most important thing they need is to feel safe enough to try something.

They need a room where it is genuinely okay to be new, to be uncertain, to try something and have it not quite work, and to try again.

That matters far more than technical instruction, a rigid curriculum, or being told the 'right' way to do things on day one.

That is what good acting teaching creates. If you walk into a class and that is not what you feel, find a different class.

What to expect in your first classes

Good introductory acting classes will involve a lot of games, and the games are doing serious work. They are how actors learn to be present, to respond truthfully, to take risks without thinking too hard about taking risks.

You'll probably do some improvisation, because it is the fastest way to get out of your head and into authentic response.

You will be asked to do things that feel a bit uncomfortable. That is the whole point. The discomfort is a sign that something is happening.

How to choose the right class

Look for a teacher or school whose philosophy matches what you're looking for.

If you want to perform in theatre, look for classes that include performance work. If you want to build confidence or communication skills, look for classes that explicitly name those as outcomes.

Ask what the class culture is like. A good school should be able to articulate how they create a safe and supportive environment. If they can't explain it, they probably haven't thought about it.

Ask if you can do a trial class, even if it is a paid one. Any good school will give you a way to try before you commit.

Ready when you are

At the Australian Acting Academy, we offer trial classes for new students of all ages and all levels of experience. Trials are free for kids and teens, and paid trials are available for adults.

You do not need to prepare anything or have any prior experience.

You just need to show up.

Visit actingacademy.com.au or call (07) 3171 7822 to book your first class.

About the Author

Brendan Glanville is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Australian Acting Academy. For over 30 years he has helped more than 100,000 young people build confidence, courage and authentic connection through acting and storytelling. Learn more at actingacademy.com.au.