The Secret to Starting Strong: Why Every Aspiring Actor Needs an Acting Coach?

As an Actor have you ever wondered what it takes to feel completely confident on stage or in front of a camera?

Studies show that nearly 90% of beginning actors feel unsure and overwhelmed when they first start. 

The journey of an aspiring actor can feel like stepping into a new world full of excitement but also filled with challenges—remembering lines, controlling emotions, and learning to express every part of a character. 

Without guidance, it’s easy to feel lost or even give up. This is where learning from an acting coach can make all the difference.

For new actors, having a coach who knows a lot about acting and shares their own experiences and advice can feel like having a good friend who helps you when things get tough.

A good acting coach not only teaches important acting skills and techniques but also helps you build confidence, manage stage performance anxiety, and provides the guidance you need to succeed from the very start.

With the right coach, every new actor can start their acting career with a strong base and a clear plan to reach their dreams.

But you may be wondering, How do I find my ideal acting coach as I begin my acting journey?

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from what an acting coach is to why they are important for every new actor.

Who is an Acting Coach?

Acting Coach - Teacher: Mentor

An acting coach is more than a teacher—a mentor, a friend, and sometimes even a personal trainer for your creativity! Acting coaches know the art inside and out.

As an actor, creativity and invention are important, but they should come after mastering the basics. An acting coach plays a crucial role in helping you build a solid foundation in your acting skills.

A coach provides strong support on your journey, offering many valuable techniques and methods that you can learn from. By learning from them, you can improve your acting skills and grow as an actor.

These Acting gurus help you find your true potential, strengthen your core acting abilities, and reach goals you may not have thought possible, all thanks to their experience and guidance.

As you learn and practice these acting techniques, you’ll soon build a solid base in the fundamentals, increasing your chances of success.

From mastering a character’s development complexity to learning to deliver lines with real impact, a great acting coach customizes their teaching to support your growth and ensure you’re always progressing.

Similar to how athletes need coaches to train for big games, aspiring actors benefit a lot from having an acting coach to guide them toward memorable performances on stage or screen.   

Choosing the Right Acting Coach: What to Look For?   

Finding the perfect acting coach can feel like casting for the right role—it’s a bit tricky but possible! Here are some key things to keep in mind as you search for the best fit: 

1. Acting Experience and Industry Background

Shikhar Mishra stars in the movie Main Atal Hoon, sharing the screen with Pankaj Tripathi.

The world of acting isn’t just about scripts, lights, or dramatic monologues; it’s about understanding the ins and outs of the industry. This is why a coach with real-world experience can make a big difference.

Think of it this way: would you want a football coach who’s never actually played on the field? Probably not! The same goes for acting. Look for a coach who’s not only performed but also understands the different acting styles and approaches.

Ideally, find someone who’s been on stage, knows different acting techniques, and has taught others in a structured way.

Years of practical experience give acting coaches incredible insights. They’ve learned from their mistakes and, they can pass those tips on to you. 

2. Teaching Style and Acting Approach

Did you know that different acting coaches have their unique styles and methods of teaching? That’s why it’s so important to find one that lines up with your goals.

Are you drawn to a deep, method-based approach where you fully "become" the character? Or maybe you prefer a more relaxed, character-driven style that lets you add a bit of your personality to the role?

Let’s put it this way: choosing a coach is a bit like finding the perfect pair of shoes. One might feel tight and stiff (think serious method acting!), while another is so comfortable it feels like it was made for you. 

And yes, you may have to try a few on to see which one fits!

So, like picking the right shoes, it’s worth the effort to find a coach whose style resonates with your vision as an actor.

3. Trial Sessions and Student Reviews

Before committing to an acting coach, consider trying a trial session or two. This will give you a sense of their teaching style, communication approach, and whether there’s a good connection or not.

A session can reveal if their coaching methods align with your learning needs and acting goals. You can also choose between online and in-person classes based on what feels best for you. 

Take some time to read reviews or testimonials from other students—seeing their experiences can give you helpful insights. Google Reviews can also provide you with honest feedback from past students, giving you a clear sense of what it’s like to learn from the coach.

Acting Coach - Shikhar Mishra (Shikhar Theatrewala)

Meet Shikhar Mishra, aka Shikhar Theatrewala—a seasoned actor and coach who has walked this path himself. Through his journey in theatre, Shikhar has developed unique practical methods, years of experience, and a passion for guiding aspiring actors as they uncover their voices and artistry.

Curious to know more about his acting journey? Check out the YouTube podcast Meet Piyush Mishra’s Eklavya to get a glimpse into Shikhar’s story, philosophy, and what inspires him to choose acting as a career. Watch it here.

Best Techniques Taught by Acting Coaches for Beginners

Aspiring actors need more than talent—they need refined techniques that allow them to express themselves fully on stage or screen. Acting coaches introduce methods to build vocal strength, improve articulation, develop characters, and enhance physical control, all essential for creating memorable characters.

Here are the top techniques often taught by acting coaches to help beginners gain confidence and versatility in their craft.

1. Voice Techniques

• Pencil Reading: Helps improve clarity and diction, ensuring words are pronounced accurately and effectively.

  
  

• Lip and Tongue Drills: Helps make mouth muscles more flexible and controlled, which is important for clear and expressive speech.

  
  

• 5 Resonator's Activation: Focuses on vocal projection by activating different resonating chambers in the body, resulting in a fuller, more dynamic voice.

2. Body Posture Techniques

• Animal Movements: Helps actors become more aware of their bodies by copying animal movements, which can add variety to character expressions.

  
  

• Kalaripayattu (Kalaripat): This ancient martial art builds control, balance, and fluidity, allowing for more graceful and intentional movements on stage.

  
  

• Gajvadvu: Uses specific body movements to feel grounded and present, helping actors connect better with their character's feelings and stance.

3. Character Development Techniques in Indian Acting

• Who the Character is: Define who the character is by exploring their identity, background, social status, relationships, and role in the story.

  
  

  Consider cultural influences, family lineage, and archetypes specific to Indian culture that may shape the character's identity.

• What is the Character: Identify the character's goals, desires, and motivations. Think about the primary rasa (emotional essence) they embody and the bhavas (emotions) they frequently express.

  
  

  This aspect adds depth, reflecting India's rich tradition of emotive storytelling.

  
  

• When is the Character: Establish the time period for the character, as this influences their language, behavior, and values.

  
  

  Reflect on the character’s life stage or age, as this also impacts their actions, reactions, and emotional responses.

  
  

• Where is the Character: Identify where the character is geographically and culturally situated. Regional differences affect behavior, dialect, and mannerisms, adding layers to the performance.

  
  

  Consider the setting for the character’s key scenes, as location affects body language and vocal tone, especially in Indian contexts where environments often inform personality traits.

  
  

• Why is the Character: Understand why the character acts as they do by exploring their internal motivations, fears, and personal history.

  
  

  Tie these motivations to cultural values, spiritual beliefs, or personal traumas, as these often play a significant role in Indian narratives.

  
  

• How is the Character: Determine how the character expresses themselves through gestures, mudras (hand gestures), facial expressions, and vocal tones.

  
  

  Choose abhinaya techniques (expressive acting) and improvisational choices that bring depth and authenticity, making the portrayal both genuine and culturally resonant.

These core techniques in voice, body posture, and character development offer aspiring actors the skills they need to embody diverse roles with authenticity, clarity, and physicality.

Online vs. In-Person Acting Coaching: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between online and in-person acting coaching can be challenging for new actors. Each option has unique benefits and drawbacks that shape your learning experience.

Let’s explore both to help you find the best fit for your acting career.

Advantages of Online Acting Classes

• Flexibility: Online coaching provides the convenience of scheduling sessions around your availability. You can learn from anywhere, making it easier to fit into busy lives.

• Accessibility: With online classes, you have access to a diverse range of coaches and courses, no matter where you are located. This opens up opportunities to learn from the best in the industry.

• Affordability: Online classes are often more budget-friendly than in-person workshops, allowing you to invest in your education without breaking the bank.

• Community Networking: Online classes create a larger community of aspiring actors from various regions, fostering a rich learning environment where you can analyze competition and learn about different cultures and languages.

While online coaching may lack some physical interaction essential for certain exercises, this limitation doesn’t apply to Theatrewala’s Online Acting Classes. Upon completing the course, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase what you’ve learned through various assignments. Isn’t that fantastic?

Advantages of Offline Acting Classes

• Face-to-face interaction: Offline acting classes allow for direct feedback and a more personal connection with your coach, which can enhance your learning experience.

• Hands-On Exercises: Many acting techniques require physical presence to practice effectively. In-person coaching facilitates dynamic group activities and physical exercises.

• Shared Energy: The energy of a shared space can be incredibly motivating, helping to inspire creativity and collaboration among peers.

  

  offline Acting Workshops by Theatrewala

  Join Theatrewala’s offline acting workshops, including the Tools of Acting (Phase II India Tour), the Manali Art Retreat, and the Foundation Program. These programs help you grow and get creative in a fun, interactive setting—perfect for anyone who wants hands-on learning in acting with Practical Approaches.

Deciding Factors for Beginners

When choosing between online and offline Acting Classes, consider the following factors:

• Learning Style: Do you thrive in a collaborative environment or prefer self-paced learning?

  
  

• Goals: Are you looking to develop specific skills, or do you want a broader understanding of acting techniques?

  
  

• Available Resources: What is your budget, and what resources do you have access to in your area?

Combining Both for Maximum Benefit

Some aspiring actors may find that a hybrid approach works best for them. By using a mix of both online and offline Acting formats, you can maximize your learning experience. 

Online classes can add to in-person training, allowing you to practice skills at home while offline workshops give you hands-on experience.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make and How an Acting Coach Can Help

Here are some common mistakes beginners make in their acting career and how an acting coach can help address them:

1. Overacting and Lack of Subtlety

Beginners often act with too much energy, which can look unrealistic. You need to learn the difference between overacting, acting just right, and underacting.

Acting coaches help you find the right balance by teaching you how to express your feelings in a way that feels real. 

2. Skipping Preparation

Some beginners don’t realize how important it is to prepare for acting. Acting coaches help you understand how to practice lines, get to know the characters, and stay consistent with your daily routine.

This preparation is important to feeling ready and confident when it’s time to perform.

3. Ignoring Voice and Body Training

Using your body and voice well is an important part of acting, but new actors sometimes overlook this.

Acting coaches teach exercises that we discussed above to help you improve your physical movements and vocal skills.

By working on body, mind, and voice, aspiring actors can enhance their overall acting ability and connect with their audience more effectively.

4. Fear of Failure in Acting Career

Beginners often feel scared of making mistakes, which can hold them back from improving. However, they need to learn from these mistakes and use them to grow.

Acting coaches create a safe space where actors can try new things without fear. With practice in a supportive environment, beginners can become more comfortable and willing to take risks in their acting.

5. Skipping Script Analysis

New actors might rush through their lines without fully understanding the character. Acting instructors help you study and understand the script in-depth, learning why the character does certain things.

This helps make your acting more convincing.

Each of these steps is key to helping new actors build confidence and avoid common mistakes. An acting coach guides beginners in every area, helping them improve from the very start.

Conclusion

We Have learned the role of an acting coach and how to choose the right one for you. Learning from a coach is crucial for aspiring actors. They offer guidance, boost your confidence, and help you build essential skills. 

Working with a coach provides the support you need to succeed in the industry. Take the time to find a coach that aligns with your goals to enhance your acting Career.

Also, What qualities do you look for in an acting coach? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Theatrewala and Team

Are you ready to take your acting skills to the next level? Meet Theatrewala's talented acting coaches who are here to guide you on your journey.

With their expertise, you’ll gain the confidence, skills, and insights you need to shine on stage and screen in your Acting career.

 Don’t wait—check out Theatrewala's official website to learn more about our coaches and the programs we offer.