Do I Need To Go To Drama School To Be A Successful Actor?

Many actors or actresses will have undergone training at a drama school to attain the necessary skills required to succeed. Without doubt this training will be truly beneficial and will almost certainly give any budding actor an edge when trying to learn their craft.
Drama School training would usually consist of a course lasting for about 3 years and during this time the budding actor would learn a variety of skills including movement, stage fighting, mime, musical theatre, production techniques, working to camera and much much more. The idea of undertaking such a course is to prepare the actor so that he is able to undertake a variety of roles and fully understand his craft.
Actors may want to follow one particular area of their craft, for example many will want to work in TV, and will love nothing more than to star in a soap opera 3 times a week with a regular wage. Then again some may prefer to stay with live performances in the theatre and some may want to make movies. The fact remains though, that as an actor if you are going to stay in work then you will have to be able to diversify and take on a number of different roles.
I Never Went To Drama School! Does This Mean I'll Never Make It?
Easy answer; Going to drama school does not mean you will make it as a successful actor.. Fact! It may give you and edge but there is no guarantee that you will be a great success. The important thing to remember here is that it is all about the talent that you have and how you apply it.
If you go to a casting and you prove to the director that you are good for the part and can deliver the goods then you are in with a great chance of getting the role. The fact remains that the casting director likes you for what you have displayed on the day and that will be noted. I know of many actors who have completed drama courses only to find that they have struggled to make any money. I still think undertaking a drama course is a great thing, but at the end of the day it is the person that you are, the talent you have and what you can offer to a casting director or producer that will determine whether or not you get parts.
If you are interested in going to a drama school then the procedure would normally to contact the drama school direct whereby you would be offered the chance to audition to showcase your talent. This may involve reading a couple of pieces of literature, classic and modern and perhaps singing a song.
Remember that drama schools will only have a limited number of places so it will be essential to apply for any places early. Start making your enquiries at your earliest opportunity as there will be other budding actors all competing for a limited number of places.