‘The Great White Way’, these four words somehow manage to create a spark in any aspiring, or rather even in an experienced artist’s heart. Performing at one of the Broadway productions is not just a professional summit to scale but it’s an honor, prestigious in every possible way. To land a role in a Broadway musical or a play requires a rigorous amount of practice, determination and focus. Yes a lot of hard work, but all good things are just distant not unachievable, aren’t they?

The challenge with a profession like acting is that it is not only contained within a rule book. Along with your ability to adapt, there are various training programs that can hone your skills, and prepare you for the uncertainty that is involved.

If you’re finally out of college or high school considering to pursue a fully-fledged theater career, the first the thing you might be looking at is drama schools and training programs for acting. Preparing for a craft such as theater does not only require talent and passion but also a vast technical knowledge. Enrolling in an acting class will not only help you strengthen your performing skills but will also groom your speech, body language, confidence and overall persona. It holistically molds your technique and as well your awareness levels, in terms of culture and history.

Make sure you take part in acting productions happening at your high school or college, as these will definitely encourage you. You can also enroll in workshops, part time acting or dancing or singing classes to have an added advantage. If you can have part time job in a theater company as a backstage crew member, grab that opportunity, as it can prove to be quite useful.

Drama schools generally have auditions before they accept students for programs. When you’re auditioning, it is important to be prepared. The whole art of acting depends on how well the person practices and works on their lines, approach and expressions. So, remember improvisation has more value than impulsiveness in a drama school. Also, it is imperative that you know an answer to the question, ‘Why do you want to be an actor?’ Always make sure to gain clarity on what you want to accomplish as a performing artist.

Every drama school is different, so you must ace your research. Apart from reading up articles and checking websites and reviews, you could get in touch with someone who has been to an acting school. Meeting them in person can get you some concrete information, as you don’t have to limit yourself to a few questions. Find out which teachers will be training you, the duration of the course and how you can fund your dream program through grants and scholarships.

The day of auditioning itself will tell you a lot about the school you’re planning to enroll in. So take your time, and have more than one option, so that it becomes easier for you to choose. Ultimately it all depends on how the school can shape you as a professional and as a person. So meticulously observe and be open minded!

Finally, all theater actors have thing in common, is that they always believe in the best, and their greatest power is faith. So as a young aspirant don’t let any ordeals dim your excitement, keep moving ahead, and someday when you have finally pulled your act together as an actor, your Broadway Gig would just be waiting around the corner.