How to Start an Acting Classes Business

Part 1 - How to start an Acting Classes business - Background

An acting classes business provides group or one-on-one classes in acting for adults or children. As the owner of an acting classes business, you’ll provide training, coaching and support to those who are considering getting into the acting business or those already in the business who would like to improve their chances of landing a role. Most business owners in this field will want to find a niche. For instance, you might work with children, or with a career-oriented adult audience interested in stage acting, film, commercials, voice-over work or other areas of specialization.

You may also be interested in additional low cost business ideas.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start an Acting Classes business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening an acting classes business?

Here’s how your annual start-up costs might break down:

Workspace — Zero to $10,000 or more per year. This range is so wide because you might be able to start your business in your own home, with one or two clients, if your zoning laws allow. However, as your business grows, you’ll need more space. Also, depending on your type of acting business, you might require a stage or room for camera and lighting. Ask around if you can rent a stage for a few hours a week from a community theater, school, church group or similar source. You might also decide to rent a storefront, which can cost anywhere from $250 a month or much more, depending on location.

Promotional material — $500 or less. Platforms like your website and social media can be very inexpensive or free. Make sure you have video clips of your own acting or directing performances or videos of those you’ve coached in the past. These clips can run on your website or YouTube for little to nothing.

Special equipment and gear — Depending on your type of instruction, this can cost zero to $15,000 or more. Such equipment can include videography services, audio production facilities, microphones, amplifiers, and similar specialty equipment used for training in voice-over work or providing demo reels to clients.

Licensing and professional services — $1,000 or less. Explore such regulatory matters as obtaining a business license, tax identification number, and liability insurance. You should also have an initial discussion with an attorney and accountant to make sure you start your business legally and in the most efficient way.

What are the ongoing expenses for an acting classes business?

Your largest ongoing costs will be for your space and for employees, if any. You could also make investments in the services of ad agencies or public relations firms to continue to attract students.

Who is the target market?

Your clientele will vary, depending on the niche you’re filling. One end of the clientele spectrum could be parents parents who would like to get their child involved in a fun, after-school activity. Often times, parents enroll their children in acting classes in an attempt to get their child involved in an activity that will help with boosting the child’s courage and self-confidence. Sitting at the other end of your clientele spectrum may be more passionate students who are looking to enter the world of career acting or those who have already ventured into the professional acting scene.

How does an acting classes business make money?

You revenue will mainly come from the fees that you charge your clients. You may charge your clients for individual sessions, or you can have them sign up and pay for a set number of classes, each of which build upon the skills they learned in the previous class.

How much can you charge customers?

This veteran actor and acting coach suggests that an eight-week session of improv classes that meet three hours a week could logically cost $400-$500. However, this is in New York, and your local area might not be able to support that rate. This page also gives fee guidance for other sorts of acting training including individual consultations, voice lessons, auditioning training and other niches. Also consider what your market will bear in term of the fees you charge.

How much profit can an acting classes business make?

The closest classification from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is for post-secondary art, drama and music teachers. For this group, the mean salary was listed as $81,050. On the other end of the spectrum, here’s an industry source that references an average annual salary of $38,000 for an acting coach. The profit you might make is highly variable, depending on your location, industry reputation, and many other factors. It will also depend on the classes and services offered and your ability to sell your services and grow your business.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Listen to your students and the questions they raise and obstacles they meet in advancing their acting careers. Their queries might suggest additional classes. You can also using your talents to offer workshops to teach presentation or speaking skills to business professionals. You may also consider branching into the talent agency business or representing movie extras or other niche groups within the industry.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at an acting classes business?

Your typical day might include many of the following responsibilities:

• Promoting your services and seeking clients. This involves posting to social media, pitching story ideas, making yourself available for media interviews, etc.

• Scheduling videographers, lighting techs, make-up artists, assistants, and others who might help with classes

• Conducting classes, workshops, or one-on-one coaching sessions

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful acting classes business?

Your reputation is critical. Prospective clients must be aware of your experience and expertise in the acting profession before they’ll register for your classes. This means that you not only need to have a background in the industry, but the ability to showcase yourself and present your accomplishments in a way that will attract clients. You should be adept with social media and be able to find ways to promote yourself and your services in the media.

Finally, your teaching, training and/or coaching methods must be seen to be of value to students so they’ll continue to take classes and recommend your services to others. If your students do not improve their skills, they will attribute it to poor teaching. If this happens, it is likely that they will not continue taking classes from you, and they will not share positive thoughts about their experiences with others that consider taking your classes.

What is the growth potential for an acting classes business?

The entertainment industry is constantly growing. In fact, in 2016 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a “faster than average” growth rate of 10 percent for actors between the years 2014-2024. This means that there is and will continue to be a demand for acting coaches in the years to come.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an acting classes business?

Consider starting small. You might first work one-on-one or with a very small group from your home or a low-cost commercial space. You might even work in a park (weather permitting) or other free but fairly private public spaces. As your teaching and coaching business grows and your reputation spreads via word of mouth, you can move to a larger space, invest in equipment, and take on more students.

How and when to build a team

Chances are you’ll start solo, but add to your team as needed, as the opportunity arises, and as revenue allows you to do so. If you’re working with young children, you might need part-time aides, perhaps high school or college students, to help keep order. You might hire a videographer to film your students efforts and even additional crew members such as lighting or sound professionals, depending on your commitment to professional production.

You might also consider building a team by collaborating with other teaching professionals who offer services you don’t: voice coaches, stand-up comedians, etc.

Part 2 - Is an Acting Classes business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Acting Classes business in 90 days