There are as many different ways to act as there are actors and actresses out there. Everybody has their own style, their own way of getting into a character and their unique mix of established techniques and improving skills. Finding what works for you, both inside your head and for your interaction with an audience, can help you build up your confidence and create your own personal style. There are numerous places you can find acting advice and tips, both online and off.
Online Advice
Everyone has an opinion, and advice is hardly ever hard to come by. Acting is no exception. There are numerous places online to find advice for all aspects of acting, from advice from on act in comedy, to advice on deliver a monologue or handle auditions. Look for websites dedicated to acting, such as the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and other such schools and organizations.
Classes and Workshops
Classes and workshops are a good way to learn and get feedback from peers and teachers. Through discussion they allow you to get a more in-depth look at characters and how they work within a scene and they give you the benefit of a professional eye to review your skills. Not only can classes help you learn your craft, and get feedback but at the same time they allow you to network and build a supportive group of peers.
Coaching
While some people prefer the group learning and peer interaction available in a classroom setting, others prefer a smaller setting which makes them feel less self-conscious. An acting coach can provide just that setting. Coaching gives you acting tips and advice in a one-on-one environment. An acting coach can help you define your strengths, work on your weaknesses and build up your confidence. Look for a coach with experience in both acting and teaching.
Practice
Remember that you're trying to communicate to an audience, which isn't just made up of other actors. You can learn all the techniques in the world but knowing them in your head is different from knowing them in your body. Knowing your character would give a winsome smile at a particular point does not mean your smile looks at all winsome.
Practice is the key to bring a character or role to life, so get a few support friends together and ask them what they think of your mini-performance. Try to choose people who are good at constructive criticism, people who don't just say what you want to hear but people who don't criticize without adding anything you can use. Criticism can be hard to take but would you rather hear it from your friends or from a director?
