by Franchy
(NY)
QUESTION:
How can I get a free internship of acting for the summer or fall? I want 2 become an actor but don’t know were 2 begin. Please help me. I am looking for an acting class in Manhattan, NY.
ANSWER:
Dear Franchy,
If you go to an acting school in New York, a lot of them will help you find an internship as part of your program (for example, Pace University helps students find internships at places like Inside the Actors Studio). Some acting schools also offer internships to their students at their theater (Circle in the Square Theater School, for example).
If you’re not ready for acting school yet, pick up a copy of Backstage newspaper or sign up for Backstage – The Actor’s Resource
and look at the listings for off-Broadway and off-off Broadway, then send a letter to the address listed mentioning you are available to intern. Most of these smaller theater companies need extra help backstage and you can learn a lot about acting by watching an off-off-Broadway show come together in New York.
One very good internship program I know of is at the Ensemble Studio Theater on 52nd Street. They offer both full-time and part-time internships.
You can also try to intern at agents and casting directors offices if you want to learn more about the business of acting.
Good luck!