Okay. I decided I would start taking commercial classes and Meisner Technique classes here which started in the summer of 2014. I will start with the commercial class. I will not mention the teachers ... Read More
Okay. I decided I would start taking commercial classes and Meisner Technique classes here which started in the summer of 2014. I will start with the commercial class. I will not mention the teachers name who is also a casting director,but I thought he was often crass,and offensive with his "jokes" in class. He made a comment about my teeth,(I have a dyastema) which I thought was inappropriate on the first day of class. And toward the end of these classes,there was a whole discussion about my HAIR and how no one is wearing afros. Our headshots were held up in front of the class for everyone to judge.Ummm...excuse me? As one of the ONLY two black students in the class with my hair in its natural state,you have the audacity to criticize it? That last time I checked and watched commercials I see people of all colors and walks of life and hair textures in commercials. My entire time in the class,I had ZERO confidence,focus,or self esteem. It was difficult for me to confidently read sides,or do anything there.I was extremely HURT because NO TEACHER should ever down your appearance or make you feel uncomfortable in such a way. I went on to take a Meisner level one class with a coach who teaches there when he can. I enjoyed his class,but by that time,I had already felt broken and beat down to the point where there was nothing left in me,and I hated taking class at actors connection.The meisner class was fine,but it sucks to be in class with people who aren't serious,and who don't even show up to class. I was left sort of feeling like AC is a cattle call,and NOT a place for serious actors. They will take your money though,and feed the dream of the struggling actor....BUT...I felt like it wasn't the place for me......AT ALL.I'm grateful for the sub par experience simply because it helped me build a stronger backbone,it helped me accept my appearance,it helped me LOVE myself more,it helped me realize that NOT EVERYONE SHOULD TEACH AND IS A GOOD TEACHER EVEN IF YOU ARE A CASTING DIRECTOR. And most of all,this place helped me realize my actual passion for acting,AND the urgency to find a school where I felt SAFE and where the training was quality from complete professionals.Since leaving AC,I divinely found my way to an acting conservatory that doesn't judge me,the teachers are professional,and I am growing as an artist in the best possible way. I will be graduating in JUNE. With that said, I recommend going to a school where you feel safe. I understand other people had a great experience at AC,but I seriously doubt I will ever return. Teachers should teach and not ruin their students. PERIOD. Read Less