Enrollment to Superstardom: America’s Top Acting Schools

Although I am an alumnus of Boston University School of Theatre (and proud of it!), I cannot deny the fact that there are also other equally excellent schools for aspiring actors. First-rate programs and brilliant mentors set these institutions apart. In addition, they have produced some of the most acclaimed actors in history (I hope to join the brood, someday).

 Image source: bu.edu

Boston University School of Theatre

Of course, I’m bias. But seriously, Boston University School of Theatre is an incredibly magnificent training ground for future acting geniuses. I am not claiming that I am already one, but I certainly learned a lot from my alma mater. It is a conservatory with a laid back yet passionate approach to the craft. You are given a broad range of acting techniques (called the “toolbox approach”) to master and apply whatever you have learned in a creative and fun environment.

State University of New York (SUNY) Purchase College

The U.S. News & World Report has listed SUNY Purchase among the best public schools in 2011. Its Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in acting program is top-notch, offering instruction in movement, speech and voice, dramatic literature, and theater history. It designs busy schedules to keep students active with classes and rehearsals from dawn to dusk (or even later).

Image source: hollywoodreporter.com

American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco, California)

Although it is essentially an actual theater, Tony Award-winning American Conservatory Theater has served as an important academic and artistic venue for actors for more than half a century. The conservatory offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program to a limited number of students who pass its stringent admission process each year.

As a stage actor, I feel honored to be educated in one of the country’s top acting schools. My education has been a crucial part of my career and probably one of the main reasons I can now read 'Louis P. Habash' in the posters of major stage productions. Connect with me on LinkedIn for more of my credentials.

Sound Check: How Actors Can Take Care of Their Throat and Voice

Impressive acting is not just about clear-cut body movements but is also about noteworthy vocal interpretations of lines. Powerfully uniting both is the factor that would engage the audience. The voice being one of the bases of an actor’s success is the primary reason care must be provided to avoid damaging it.

Actors are like singers, in a way, because their voice is one of their most prized possessions. One of the common problems faced by both artists is the abnormal straining of their voice due to its overuse. This may lead to acquiring nodule or small bumps on the throat.

 Image source: Autismafter16.com

Livescience.com notes that millions of Americans suffer from some type of voice disorder. To keep the voice in A-okay, experts suggest the following tips:

1) Rest. As with all things, too much of something is bad. Yelling, screaming, or frequent use of voice may lead to the throat’s dryness and exhaustion. Actors must take a cue from what they feel in their throat as to when to take a break. Usually, hoarseness of the voice occurs when people give their throat a rough time.

2) Hydrate. Water keeps the vocal chords lubricated, thus, drinking water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine help in keeping the voice in shape.

3) Exercise. The vocal chords, much like the rest of the body, needs proper training. Backstage.com shared 10 vocal exercises to maintain a healthy throat, such as creaky doors, wherein the person imitates the sound of a creaky door or a rusty gate opening, and doing so with very little air. Another exercise is the “Ngs,” where the person would produce sound with just the letters ng, which is a good exercise for backpressure.

 Image source: Livestrong.com

4) Avoid smoking. Smoke, even secondhand, may irritate the vocal chords.

5) Relax. Actors must be wary of how they use their voice. Speaking or singing in a less strenuous manner, despite the required pitch, is highly recommended.

Louis P. Habash gives budding stage actors tips on how to make it in the industry. If you want to read more of his tips, follow him on Facebook.