Here we can all share tips on schools that are often overlooked.

A graduate acting program is one way to further your skills, build connections and contacts, and come into the industry hot out of the gates, ready to begin your career as an actor. I've put together a list of necessary things to do in order to help you gain acceptance into one of these programs.

Monologues

When the acting bug strikes, there is one question on the mind of the one dreaming of an acting career. That question is, “Is acting school necessary?” This is a good question since there are a lot of actors and actresses in Hollywood doing well for themselves without ever stepping foot in an acting school, let alone an acting class. It is like they are born with it and naturally fell into this constant role.

There are so many acting schools out there that it can make your head spin. You hear great things about so many of them, but you also hear bad things. This can definitely make for some difficult decision making. However, there is one thing you really have to take into consideration when selecting an acting school and that is choosing an acting school that is your style.

"Hi. I'm a 16 year old living in Victoria, B.C. My goal in life is to become an actress. The only problem is...I don't exactly know how to get started. Should I leave school soon and go to an acting school instead? Or should i wait to graduate school and then go to an acting college? -Kathy"

Kathy: Congratulations, you've been bitten by the acting bug. Now, that can be a wonderful thing, but be careful, as with any bite, there can be a bit of a sting.

"Hi! I am currently a junior in high school. I've been acting in high school and community theatre for the last two years. I would love to pursue a career in acting, but I have just one issue. Should I attend an acting college or a university with a theatre program, or should I zoom off searching for opportunity right after high school? Is school really worth the time and money, or am I better off getting my name circulated as soon as possible? Thanks for your time! -Nick"

Hi, Nick!

"Chad, I really love your newsletter - it's been great to be getting solid advice delivered right to my inbox.

Is Acting School the Right Place for You?
By Julian Kelly

Is Acting School the Right Place for you? Maybe.

If you want to be famous, you don't need to be an actor in order to do this. Find a reality show, be as outrageous as possible, bring up television ratings, and you can probably be very successful.

You don't need to go to school in order to learn how to drawn attention to yourself.

"Chad: I was attending an MFA program but wasn't invited back to continue studying. What should I do? - Wendy Callipers"

Harvey Fierstein tells the story of an audition where the casting director told him to get out of the business because he lacked the talent. A year later that same casting director was the understudy for Fierstein.

THREE MORE GREAT ACTING SCHOOLS

1. University of Washington

Hey Chad, I read your list of undergraduate drama schools and was surprised to not see the University of Washington listed. the UW School of Drama was ranked forth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.