BackA class size should be no larger than 12. 8 to 10 is ideal.
How much time do you get up in front of the class to work on your material or have
analyzed during playback. Anything less than 20 minutes is suspect. Ask yourself
was the time you spent up there valuable.
Are you more confident or assured than you were before you went up? Do you feel
more confident about how to do the work without your teacher's guidance than before?
The acting teacher should always challenge you. However, they should never speak
harshly to you or abuse you. You are paying him/her for a service.
What they teach must meet the criteria of common sense and conform to the laws of
physics. (It must be doable). A metaphor should be used to inspire or clarify.
You can't apply or do a metaphor.
When you get a note from the teacher can it be applied to the task at hand? You
should not feel rushed. Remember it is your time. You must not feel afraid to ask
questions, even if they challenge the wisdom of the teacher. You are entitled. You
are not wasting their time. You paid for it! It is your time.
Is your teacher available before or after class to discuss questions you don't feel
comfortable asking in front of the class. If not, will they arrange an alternate
time during the week.
Does the teacher play favorites? Does your gut instinct tell you his/her judgment
is getting confused with their libido?
Make sure they are spending more time on you and your development rather than talking
about themselves.
Do they have a passion for their work? Do they seem to care or are they teaching
by rote.
Above all listen to your heart and heed common sense. Distinguish between being
challenged and abused.
Think of your Acting Coach/Teacher like you would any other service provider not
like a guru! Expect value for your hard earned money.
An acting coach or teacher is the only service provider I know, who, when they fail
to help you become a better actor they can turn around and tell you that you aren't
talented or that you don't understand. Anywhere else in your life you would ask for
your money back.