Thread by @RobynHoldaway

A few further thoughts on drama training. 🧵
Acting is a skill that improves with practise. Practice in as many different forums as you can, this could be in your bedroom, on stage at a local theatre, in short films etc. Train it like a muscle.

https://twitter.com/RobynHoldaway/status/1502659257203834892

Try everything you can, every technique you can find, you never know what will work for you. Don't be afraid of failure - it's vital in finding out what doesn't work for you.
Don't limit yourself to playing people who are like you; try different ages, genders etc.

Play with others. Acting is reacting, and some of your best work is when you're not speaking.
Observe others, watch humans being humans. How do they move, speak, feel?
Read books, watch TV, see art - all of this opens your mind to new ideas and grows your empathy.

There are rules which need to be learned before you can break them. While acting is subjective, there are skills to be learned. Things like working with verse/ classical text, vocal technique, accents, healthy movement. Take classes in these, work with tutors you trust.

Being an actor is a career, and there is a whole world you need to learn about. Spotlight, agents, self tapes etc. Again, take classes, read books, educate yourself on the professional side of acting as well as the skill.

Meet people. Acting is a people profession, and it is still a case of who you know. You don't need to go to drama school for this. See theatre, ideally press nights (take advantage of lotteries/ ticket schemes). Link up with other actors, support your friends.

Know how to work with people. You remember group projects? Yeah, acting is a group endeavour. You won't like everyone, you won't always agree - learn how to navigate this.

Secure yourself. Acting is a painful profession, full of rejection and it will mess with your mental health. Make sure you have a solid idea of who you are, and a strong support system around you. Part of actor training is learning to handle rejection.

Make as much work as you can. Doesn't have to be top tier! Make things you can share, make things you can show to casting directors/agents etc. Organise a showcase if you are able to. People can't cast you, if they don't know you exist.

Finally: never stop learning. I learn something from every project, every tape I do. I repeat voices I hear on the radio to get accents, I read books aloud to myself and my wife. Keep pushing to get better, not just for your career, but because acting is fun. Don't lose the joy!