If your goal is to become a film director, but you want to first gain access to that kind of exposure through an acting career, and you are divided upon what kind of education you want to seek, the question remains – how focused are you?

As a high school student about to finish school, and on the verge of starting his adult life and career, that is a really good question to ask awarding-winning filmmaker, D. L. White. White, who began studying acting at The Sanford Meisner Center in Los Angeles, CA where he graduated from the two year acting program in 2006 and went on to write and direct several short films and a feature length in 2010, titled, The Middle of the Middle, White most likely went through the same decision-making process and struggled with the same things that this high school student is probably going through.

To answer the question, White says that filmmaking is an extremely expensive and time consuming process, and sometimes the expenses and the time invested can outweigh the pros of going to film school. He gives another alternative: The School of Life. The only place to really learn about this job is via on the job training, and this true for any field in the industry including, acting, script supervising, directing, set designing, gripping, gaffing, etc. According to White you can work your way up in this industry, and through that gain great experience and valuable contacts along the way.

But sometimes as an actor, you would need some guidance to give you the right amount of direction that you need in order to get you motivated. Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio, located in the heart of Hollywood, is the recommended actor-training program for NBC’s Talent Development Initative. Since 2001, Ms. Mestnik has been providing Hollywood actors the same comprehensive training she received in New York City. Similar to D. L. White’s educational background, EMAS was founded on the principles of the Mesiner Technique. Offering serious training, in a fun and challenging environment, EMAS may become that great opportunity that you can’t forgo towards the honing and development of your potential as an actor. Contact us, here, for more details.

There’s already so much that goes on with an acting career, but what if you’re juggling a day job as well? There’s no question that you need the day job to pay for expenses, but a burgeoning acting career is something that asks all kinds of sacrifices from you and it just isn’t realistic to work at both a regular full-time gig and pursue an acting career at the same time.

The question has come up if you had to choose, would you choose your day job over acting? Well, it comes down exactly to that – how committed are you, and to which career? In the long run, if you choose acting, you’ll have to sacrifice comfort for crappy living conditions and for long periods of time – which is why a lot of people quit their acting pursuits because to actually give yourself this kind of shot is really up to what you are willing to sacrifice.

Usually an average of eight to ten years is required from acting professionals who make it to the big screen or television. Similar to any profession out there, acting requires hard work, determination, and perseverance. If you’re not willing to do your part and carry the bulk of what’s required of you, then it really isn’t likely that you’ll be able to hit the big time either.

And finding something flexible, which usually falls into the waiting tables-category, is ideal. It’s pretty rare to find something part-time that is flexible and accommodating at the same time. But if you’re not willing to work hard to reach where you want to be in 5-10 years, then it’s pretty much telling an engineer that forgoing his studies will help him get his certificate – which really isn’t the way the world works. Work hard, and that means roughing it, and even suffering a few blows financially, but if you want to be one of the elite few, then it’s all requisite stuff from here on.

Acting is a tough profession. It’s a distinct balance of experience and skill perfected over a period of time. A lot of patience and time ends up being thrown into the equation, and those who are disciplined enough to work hard and persevere for what they love and aspire to will reap the rewards in the end.

Rigorous training and practice – a minimum of three to four hours a day, six days a week for at least two or three years before you reach the bare minimum of becoming a professional. Which means you might have the potential, but you’ll have to work hard in order to be able to push that potential to the max.

It also comes down to how you present yourself. Imagine this: you are given a basic monologue and a rundown of what the casting director is looking for. What if you look down at the script in hand, your self-doubt gets in the way, and you freeze? The first few seconds are crucial. Your monologue either flies and you deliver, or you fail to sell them your speech, and you’re axed before you can unearth your character. Two seconds or so to prove youself – probably the most essential two seconds of your life.

The Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio, a dynamic Los Angeles acting school, is willing to help you unmask your potential in truthfully, emotionally, and courageously expressing yourself. Ms. Mestnik founded EMAS in 2001 to provide Hollywood actors the same comprehensive training she received in New York City. Using the Meisner Technique to help challenge and invigorate actors to fully encompass their roles, EMAS will help guide you in understanding and improving your craft.

What’s most likely standing between you and your goals, is yourself. With the help of some great acting instruction, you’ll be able to acquire the skills that you will need to deliver those lines with fiery appeal, or with enough pizzazz, or dynamic panache to impress the right people.

Enrollment for Spring Classes Beginning Acting Classes starts now!