When trying to break into Hollywood, the budding actor is faced with the reality there will be thousands of others who share their passion for the craft and are willing to work hard to get into the business. This can create anxiety over the decisions that need to be made in order to be competitive in this industry. One of the biggest decisions is about where to get the necessary training to attain a level of proficiency that will provide the opportunities to actually audition and book work. Although it can seem daunting, in the beginning it can be useful to break down the decision making process to a relatively simple checklist of questions– the Four S’s.

The Four S’s checklist of questions consists of four fundamental criteria each actor should consider when choosing an acting teacher, class, course, program, school, studio, system, etc.

System

Is there a system in place that is replicable, consistent, and provides for limitless growth potential? When constructing a new building the most important step in the construction process is building a solid foundation which can withstand and support the weight of the structure. This foundation will be the base upon which the entire superstructure is built and it must be built to last. This is the perfect metaphor for the actor. The foundational base, the system and/or method the actor decides to build his craft upon must provide the means to support the lofty goals and ambitions which inevitably stoke the fires of Hollywood dreams. To this end, the acting system must provide the actor a way to create a solid foundational technique, while allowing him to build as high as he chooses to go.

Specific

Is the method of practice and preparation clear, straightforward, and easy to understand? This is not to suggest the actual ‘doing’ part will be easy and necessarily on a straight trajectory, but it is understood exactly what the student should be doing in his homework. In most cases, the intellectual understanding of what is required to prepare and practice is the easy part. It is generally speaking the more abstract parts of the art that are a bit more challenging to ascertain, especially in the beginning. Those components require discipline, tenacity, motivation, and a high degree of patience in order to begin to come to a fuller understanding of what good acting is, both in theory and practice. It is normal, even typical for a newer actor to say things like “I understand what I’m supposed to do but I don’t understand why I can’t do it!” This is not so much an indication of a method that is not working for an actor as it is a milestone on the path to successful growth in the work.

Success

Are there other students in the class who have been practicing in the specific system for awhile who are getting results? Obviously, the term ‘results’ is broad and can be defined in many ways. It is not necessary to measure success by how many actors are working in film and television (or equity theater), although this certainly is one good indicator. Great acting classes and acting schools will generally have a mix of students of varying abilities and skill sets. If there are working actors who have been trained in the specific acting method, it is a good sign that it works. However, it is no less reasonable to say that if there are very few working actors in the school but the level of acting is of a high caliber, then that can also be deemed a positive result. Bottom line, if there are good actors in the class or school, it is another good data point and positive indicator for the school when considering where to study.

Safe

Is it a safe place to fail? Acting is challenging, with many ups and downs during the learning process. The point is for the actor to continue to grow through risk taking and pushing through barriers which prevent further development in the craft. The class environment most conducive to this process is one whereby a mutually beneficial relationship exists between the students, and also between the students and the instructor. That is not to say everybody will get along swimmingly at all times, there are always interpersonal relationship issues in any social environment. The point is that in general terms, it should be okay for the actor to fall flat on his face and not suffer the shame of embarrassment and ridicule. Rather the environment should support and encourage risk taking, pushing existing boundaries, and exploring all aspects of himself and the work in the practice, preparation, performance, and post-evaluative process. Otherwise growth is stunted by self consciousness and debilitating insecurities which are invariably the affliction of many actors.

Let’s face it; actors don’t pick to be actors because it’s an easy path. The reality is there are no guarantees in any professional field that is desirable and potentially lucrative. Becoming an actor is a journey with many ups and downs, twists and turns, highs and lows, and this can create a great sense of insecurity and stress. At least initially, the goals should relate primarily to advancing the skills in the craft over all else, and this involves full engagement in an acting class or school. Towards this end, the utilization of the Four S’s can bring a sense of relief and control by getting the actor started building a solid foundation for a career that is limited only by his own desire, will, and aspirations!

Remember…you are enough!