Taking acting classes can really help to improve self-confidence and self-esteem. Drama develops the voice, physicality, your experience of working with others and listening and communication skills. Even professional actors will struggle with nerves and insecurities, but we have put together some techniques and strategies to help you feel more confident both when acting and in life.
Posture on stage and in life
It has been proven that how you feel can be affected by your posture. If you stand up straight and imagine you have a book on your head, it should make you feel secure, strong and more confident. Check out this TED Talk by Amy Cuddy which explains how changing your posture for 2 minutes can allow you to configure your brain to get you in the best possible head space using the power pose, to feel confident and have the best chance of success.
When you’re acting you will use many different postures and expressions, which will allow your muscle memory to use and maintain certain positions. This will increase confidence and they will filter into everyday lives.
Voice and Breath
Acting classes can help you build confidence by working on your articulation, resonation, pace and saying words out loud. By using techniques to build speaking confidence, you will become more confident over time. Tongue Twisters are great for actors of all abilities as they help warm up the voice, loosen the vocal cords and improve communication. It’s important to use the diaphragm and correct breathing to project your voice, rather than shouting and projecting from the throat. iampro has a range of vocal classes to help actors use their voice effectively. Breathing using slow, deep breaths will also allow you to feel calm and focused.
Working in a Team
As an actor, you work as part of a team. Interacting with other people and collaborating to bring a performance together – actors and crew are all important when bringing a show to life. This builds your interpersonal skills, helps you become more adaptable and promotes connection and closeness, which will boost your self-esteem and confidence.
You will also meet many like-minded people in acting classes, which is great if you have struggled to connect with people or find those who share your interests. Actress Charlie Brooks hosts a monthly mentoring session at iampro, which allows the community to share their experiences, fears, achievements and everything in between with like-minded people.
Flexibility and Listening
When acting you will need to think on the spot and improvise, whilst thinking of the words, surroundings, and objectives. When studying Drama, you will build listening skills because you’re working with actors on scripts and will be reacting to moments in the scene. You will also be reading your peers body language and making judgements on how they are feeling. Therefore, you will build confidence by taking risks and learning to trust yourself.
Acting in front of an audience
A good acting class will encourage you to break down your inhibitions! You will get out of your comfort zone and realise that you are capable, resulting in a good hit of adrenaline! When you perform in front of an audience it will also give you a confidence boost and will get those endorphins flowing when you receive applause and get acknowledgement for your performance.
Improve self-confidence and get involved
To join a supportive community of actors you can head to iampro.com where we have a range of acting classes on voice, movement and well-being. You can also watch our Masterclass with actor Jake Wood on nerves and channelling your fear.
