Is Going to Acting Classes Where Everyone Works on the Same Scene a Good Idea?
Short answer: NO.
But let me explain why, and then you can come to your own conclusions.
I’ve been told by many actors who attend the Screen Acting GYM weekly classes that a lot of acting studios give the exact same scene to every actor in the class.
Personally, for me, that’s a huge red flag.
It often shows pure laziness from whoever is running the class. They get to cash in with the least amount of work.
Casting Is Everything
Casting matters. A lot.
You cannot expect a 20-year-old actor to truthfully play a 45-year-old character with two kids who’s going through a divorce. Yes, acting is pretending, but there are emotional, psychological, and life-experience layers that simply cannot be faked on a deeper level.
Some things you only understand because you’ve lived life.
So when every actor in the room is given the same character, regardless of age, type, energy, or life experience, it’s not setting the actor up to succeed.
One Scene Does NOT Fit All
Giving every actor in the same class the same part is simply not going to work.
Sure, there can be some value in watching another actor’s interpretation of the same text. It can be interesting. Educational, even as a one-time off.
But the damage often outweighs the benefit.
Individuality Is Everything in This Industry
I truly believe the most important thing in acting (and in this industry) is your individuality.
And you must protect it fiercely.
Like your life depends on it.
Because it does.
Many actors are not naturally confident people. When you’re the fifth person in the queue performing the same scene, it becomes incredibly difficult to stay connected to your original interpretation.
The more you watch others perform it:
The more you unconsciously start to copy
The more you adjust based on what gets positive feedback
The more your instincts get diluted
Especially if you see someone praised for a specific choice, suddenly it becomes much harder to stick to your guns and do it your way.
Ego: The Uncomfortable Truth Actors Don’t Talk About
Here’s something I don’t hear talked about enough.
I personally don’t bother myself with other actors.
In life, I try to keep my ego in check — but in acting, I need it.
I need to believe that I am as good as Meryl Streep. Or better!
I need that delusion.
Because without it, I wouldn’t have the bravery to do scenes MY way.
And my way is the only thing that will ever make me stand out and get me the job.
Even if my interpretation isn’t “right.”
That’s okay.
That role wasn’t mine — others will come.
And here’s the honest truth:
Ever since I adopted this mindset, I’ve been booking more.
The Reality of the Industry (And Self-Tapes)
Another important fact:
In the real world, we do not get to watch other actors’ interpretations of the same text.
You walk into the room — or hit record on a self-tape — and it’s just you.
Especially in this new era of self-taping, actors must:
Interpret the material themselves
Direct themselves
Trust their instincts
Commit fully without comparison
That skill does not get developed by watching five other versions of the same scene before it’s your turn.
It gets developed by learning how to interpret material independently, boldly, and with confidence.
Final Thought
Acting classes should build artists, not clones.
They should be thoughtfully cast, actor-specific, and designed to help you strengthen your instincts, not second-guess them.
Your job as an actor is not to be “right.”
Your job is to be YOU.
And no one else can do that better than you.
See you at the Screen Acting GYM,
Natalia
Owning It Acting Studio
If you enjoyed my blog and it resonated with you, I’d be truly grateful if you shared it on your social media so it might support other actors as well. My goal is to create a safe, encouraging space where actors can feel seen and supported.
