How to find the right acting training outside London

Most of the conversation about acting training outside London assumes you are willing to move there. If you don't and you can't the options can feel limited. But the good news is they are not any more! But you do need to know what you are looking for...

Start with the journey

A school should be able to tell you clearly where you start, where you go next, and what the full journey looks like. Part-time training works best when it builds on itself term by term. If the course structure is vague or everything is described as suitable for all levels, ask more questions before you commit.

Find out who actually teaches

Ask directly. Some schools are built around strong founders who then bring in freelancers to deliver the classes. That is not always a problem but it does mean you need to ask about consistency. Who will be in the room with you every week? How long have they been teaching? What is their background?

Understand the school's approach to acting

Finding an acting technique that works for you is so important. Meisner, Stanislavski, Method...? It's not a one size fits all scenario! A school should be able to tell you what underpins their approach and then it's up to you to research to see if you feel it would be a good fit or interests you. Most schools will use an audition or a beginners programme to make sure their approach works for you before either of you goes further.

Also be cautious of anyone who tells you their method is the ONLY valid one. Every actor is different and a good school understands that.

Understand what Spotlight recognition actually means

This comes up a lot and there is a lot of confusion around it. Repeat after me: Spotlight does not certify courses.

There is no such thing as a Spotlight-certified school. What Spotlight does is recognise or approve certain training programmes. If a school describes itself as Spotlight certified, or implies the recognition means more than it does, they are not being honest!

For part-time courses, Spotlight recognition requires the programme to run for a minimum of two years, and hit other criteria such as an audition process and showcase.

Be sceptical of guaranteed outcomes

No school can promise you work, an agent, or a career. Anyone who does is not being truthful. Actor training can prepare you for the industry and give you the tools to pursue work yourself, but it's competitive and outcomes depend on many things outside a school's control.

Look for industry knowledge alongside the craft

Acting is a profession as well as an art form. Understanding how casting works, how to approach agents, how to market yourself, and how to self-tape are all part of building a career. All round training should prepare you for the reality of working in the industry.

Think about growth and consistency

A lot of new schools have appeared in recent years. Expansion is not a bad thing in itself, but it is worth asking how a school maintains consistency as it grows. Who teaches across different locations or classes? How is quality controlled? A school that has been running for several years with a stable team is usually a safer bet than one that is scaling quickly.

Do your research

Check Google and social media reviews and have a look at what students go on to do after they finish training.

Finding the right school in or outside of London takes a bit of research but it's worth getting it right. It's a big investment of time and money! The training you choose will shape the actor you become.