Another free video from New YOrk acting-coach John Windsor-Cunningham, here warning young American actors about the mistake they may be making if they aim to go to a British drama school.
i found this channel about 2 weeks ago... and I absolutely fell in love with it!! you're so full of wisdom and it's so inspiring for me to see you acting even though it's only for a few seconds. you're kinda magical so please keep posting videos. You are so cool!! ✨
+Eva Maria Beristain Thanks for kind remark about my videos. If you want help contact me on the email and 'contact' page on my website (at the end of all the videos), please, thank you. JOhn
John I love this!!! As a working actor based in NY, learning NY industry as it also changes rapidly is a huge task. This past summer I completed BADA Midsummer is Oxford Program and it was amazing because it is a different teaching/approach than what I've learned here. Furthermore it plays into your point of working and building connections with other American actors. The program was ninety percent AMericans and now I have insight into other markets and vice versa. I agree with your points. However I do believe in further training outside of the US after learning your market and training in the various American approaches ie; Method, Meisner, ect. One should continue to push their boundaries and comfort zones. Thank you!
Well done. Keep at it. That's the way to success. Actors who dont keep doing things (ANYTHING AT ALL) wonder why they're out of work. So keep doing what you're doing. Sounds a bit cruel to people who can't make themselves keep at it, but generally true. John Windsor-Cunningham
Interesting point of view and I had never thought about that. Ideally makes more sense to train in the US if one plans to come back to the US to work professionally. Thanks for the video!
thank you for the advise because i was just about to make a mistake. i was just about to proceed with my study abroad plans. I truly appreciate your guidance.
Hi John, How are you feeling today? I hope you are doing well during this time. I wanted to thank you for putting your precious time into creating these life changing videos for free. You are helping so many of us. Thank you for it. Thank you for your dedication, all the detailed classes and your gold advice. I want you to know that you are very much appreciated and loved. Sending you many thanks and best wishes. Have a lovely day!
Hey John could you maybe do a video on body language? How to react to certain situations, how not to overact or underact? I think it's one of the hardest things to do for me. Anyways great video by the way.
Sir you're channel is really inspiring me to pursue my acting dream. it's difficult to go along this road tho, i personally live in belgium and if i go for this career i'll be putting a lot on the line. Today i'm 15 and this video is helping me decide what path I should follow. Thank you for all your videos 🙂
Be careful deciding. Having the right kind of job to fall back on, to earn money from when you're out of work as an actor, a job which you can leave when you choose when an acting job suddenly comes along, all that might be a clever way to start, on the other hand if you're good already maybe you should start young. I can only tell if you try a session with me, at which your parents should be present too, considering your age. But I rarely see messages here, and am best got through the 'contact' page n my website www.Windsor-Cunningham.com if you do want serious advice which I could only give when I see what you are like and whether you need a lot of training and the kind of acting-jobs which I could guess you are likely to get. So try that if you want, but tell your folks, and reply through the website please! It's a very, very difficult profession. John
+Dunia Loppe Thank you for kind remark about my videos. If you ever want more help it's easier if you get in touch using my direct email jwcactor@yahoo.com or using the 'CONTACT' page on my website www.Windsor-Cunningham.com THank you again anyway. JOhn
This is a big question. You need to know that the person you're asking knows what they're talking about. I have a whole video on my website about "Why it's NOT a good idea to g to a school in a different country to the country in which you aim to actually work. Agents do not leap up in the air and say "OOOOH you went to RADA????" THey decide what they think of you from if you're any good!!! It also depends on the alternatives in the USA. YOu'd need to do a session with me to get into those probably, but dont leave messages like this on youtube as I may easily miss them, please reply, if you want more detailed discussion on the "Contact' page of my website (Windsor-Cunningham.com) or my direct email (Jwcactor@yahoo.com) IN short it could be fun, or of limited use and use up all of your money. Or it might get you some jobs with daft directors who think RADA counts. I went there, see their work regularly and know of what I speak! JOhn Windsor-Cunningham
Thanks. Not sure why you felt it interesting, - maybe it's the importance of making strong decisions about an acting career from the start. Anyway best wishes back. John Windsor-Cunningham
Hi John, I love your channel! This is a very interesting topic, as I have seen, and I'm sure you've noticed as well the influx of British actors taking jobs from American actors. For example, Outlander. Ron Moore, one of the executive producers for the show actually said that British actors are more versatile. He has even gone as far as to hire a Brit for an American character on the series. In addition to that insult, the female lead as never performed in theater, only in short independent films, and commercials. I also don't believe just because someone only acts in Shakespeare plays makes them better then actors who work only in film. Please share your thoughts with me.
Most actors who manage to work i the other country have a way of getting a visa, or a relation there, or they are a star and a company will "sponsor" them, but for most actors this just will not happen, so think carefully about training in the wrong country. How would you get a visa to stay and work there?
C. Chua I get what you mean...There has to be something in their training over there that makes them more fluid when it comes to characters, accents, etc. and I would’ve assumed they taught that at their drama schools. It obnoxious at times, but it’s also called acting’ for a reason and they’re either going to pick the best option they have access to at the time (with or without a name) or not 😝🤷🏻♀️
This is EXACTLY what happened to a colleague of mine. She would see all of her friends from RADA on UK television shows. While she could not get work here. How did I know her? We worked together in a word processing center.
John..I have been a working actor here in America for 20 years now. I'm 37. I went to a performing arts high school and have costared on several major network shows in recurring roles, along with an extensive background in theater. What if I just wanted to gain a new perspective. What if I already had the agent, of 15 years, and the contacts for when I returned from training, so I am not completely oblivious ? Do you still discourage going to a program in England? Would love to hear your thoughts.
I can only say that the money a course n another country costs is so great - that it could buy the best photos in the world, endless coaching with a master for all future auditions, perfect clothes, travel between all the major casting areas .... and as I train people on Skype all the time to save them the trouble, well I think my video is right still. But thanks for your question. John (I can be found through the 'contact' page on my website www.Windsor-Cunningham.com
@@NewYorkActingCoach John, Ive just visited your website and will reach out to you. But I have to think of an interesting way to approach you. I may consider hand puppets. Soon and Best.
@@tinlizziestudios4344 Your question about mature actors reached me but has disappeared on this site. All actors are different so I can't give general advice on this without seeing any person once, but the main point is that there's no difference, - that there are places to find agents, that going to classes is still a respectable thing to do (I know Oscar-nominees with huge experience who use acting-coaches and still secretly go to classes together), and older actors MAY have the advantage of life-experience they can use in their acting. But making a video about it would only be saying the same things that all ages of actors need - to work hard at it all. John Windsor-Cunningham
John, you are very talented and convincing teacher with excellent RP british accent. I wish I had such accent, I wonder whether it is possible to learn for non-native speakers.
Yes, but would you have a visa to work there, and would there be work anyway. You might not sound completely English and not have years of experience of British life, so play in British roles might be more difficult to get cast in than you think. You need to visit, go to classes there and research thoroughly. Just warning you. I dont want you to waste years there and not get jobs! Bt it MIGHT (possibly) be a clever move, just find out first. John Windsor-Cunningham
I don't know if you look at comments but I have a question I'm 18 and been a signed model to very good agencies for about a year and I'm being thrown to acting castings movies, shows and commercials and I'm very out of my element and unprepared but it interests me very much. I was never able to do a lot of theatre in high school due to me traveling so it boils down to what advice do you have for me? You can't model very long, careers are very short so if I can make my career more acting heavy it would be very good What should I do?
+thewiezman Hi. Happy to answer your question, but not space enough here to give you serious advice. And I can't see where to send you a message on this system, so please email me and I''ll make some suggestions, at jwcactor@yahoo.com or use the 'contact page' on my website www.Windsor-Cunningham.com
Your question needs an answer which is only possible if I know what you are like, and what kind of roles I see you will probably get, so if you want a session with me use the 'contact' page on my website www.Windsor-Cunningham.com please. Too difficult and serious a question to answer properly here.
Thanks to the internet, there are a ton of actor support groups here in the States where you can ask about those very things- agents, managers, LA or NY headshot style, classes, etc. If you do want to take advantage of British training, you probably won't lose too much time assimilating once you get back to the States. My favorite shows are not American reality TV, Chicago Fire, etc. They are shows like Peaky Blinders, Penny Dreadful and The Queen's Gambit. There's definitely a theme here! Some of the best shows and performers in those shows are of British origin. American film and tv are hiring British actors in droves to play American parts, in part because British training has surpassed that of the US. The excellence of the Adler and Strasberg studios from the 50s and 60s that produced actors like Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, etc. is largely gone, to the point that American actors have fallen behind our British counterparts. I'll posit this: it might be harder to find quality training here in the States than to learn the business nuts and bolts of the business once you return from taking advantage of the stellar programs that Britain has. As an American, I'm actually trying to find a British coach who works online during quarantine to help with text analysis, beat breakdown, etc. I don't see American programs accomplishing that goal for their actors, or we wouldn't be hiring outside the country. Just my "2 cents", for what it's worth!
You say you want a British coach. If you let me know what for - (through the 'Contact Page' on my website, please, not here,) - I do know one good British coach in NYC, (who knows more about Shakespeare than I do), or if it's for certain kinds of work you may want to discuss it with me, up to you. Anyway my details are there. John Windsor-Cunningham
Best not to write me here as I get over 200 such messages each day and no time to open a tenth of them. Please use my email (or the contact page on my website) and I'll let you know how coaching works. JOhn it is jwcactor@yahoo.com
You're right - there are exceptions, going to both might be wonderful, if you can afford it and if you learn more from the school than from getting actual jobs, which may well happen! But my general idea is right, I'm still sure. And 'social media'' will have to be a completely new video some time, thanks for the prompt. John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)
Plus the acting and writing are different. British scripts are quite intellectual and acting a fun thing in the UK. American scripts are more emotional and US actors are very serious professionals. Obviously there is some common ground, but I think an actor needs to acclimatize to the industry they want to be part of.
Good question, but everything depends on the actor, as all are different, with different likelihoods of success which I can't guess without knowing you. Can only suggest you try a single session with me via my website so that I can advise seriously. John Windsor-Cunningham.com
Yes, of course, William, you're right, but I think it's clear I meant 'full term' courses, and, when I was first working in the UK , I gained enormously from doing classes there run by some seriously smart American directors who worked in London then. But f Americans spend what it costs to even attend any decent one-month course in the UK they might have been doing the same thing in the USA (like at Shakespeare &Co in MA), forming friendships which it will be easier to keep and contacts which could lead to actual jobs, and have the unspent air-fare to spend on the best photographer in New York! I'm not knocking the 'experience' of actors who've gone to short French, Russian and Polish courses (particularly the last for would-be film directors). I'm just trying to help people understand how this difficult business works. Sorry if it annoyed you. John
@NewYorkActingCoach no it didn't annoy me sir. I am a working actor I have been in several movies and tv shows as guest star or supporting lead yet I had a troubled start as a youth coming up so was never able to take formal training when I was younger or get the experience to learn Shakespeare also there weren't many schools that taught acting where I was from so I never received the training that i wish I received as a youth, I did not start getting any proper training until I was around 26 or 28. That's when I was able to find a nearby meisner course. So going to a university to study was out of the question because I had to have a full time job just to pay for my education at this time. There was no family I could lean on because I had none. Yet now that I have had training and plenty of compensation from my work I decided that I wanted to get the training I always wanted to back then to further my acting. So I spoke when many friends that I've made over the years that are also working actors to try to find programs that will benefit me so late in my career because I don't have the time to do 4 years at a university. I'm 37 now and I'm at least getting booked for 2 or 3 mainstream projects a year which in most cases I can be on set for months at a time. So options to learn Shakespeare and fundamentals of proper acting have been scarce. So I am coming from the perspective of someone who may be in my shoes that already has contacts here in the states, and might be late in getting a proper actors education and may want to join a short term program to broaden their scope in the craft.( sorry if I went on a rant) yet I say all that to say I have been in search for short term programs that better suite someone like me and this was one of the first options that someone suggested that would benefit someone such as myself. If you do know of any places that are similar here in the states I definitely would take that into consideration. After doing research on some schools in England and then seeing your video at first glance I immediately thought you were saying to not go to a school in Britain but then later learned that you were speaking more in the sense of long term university which I don't plan on doing, but at the same time if I can find a program where I can learn those fundamentals without having to go to a university for years I definitely would.
Good question, but too big to answer here. Basically it's the same issues, that you'd not know about other British students and links to British agents, and if you want to actually work in the USA there's the question of how to get a visa. So if you want this discussed please use the 'contact' page on my website as I often miss messages here. John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)
I have helped dozens of people - from all Europe, Africa and Asia - into British and American drama schools, but only because they want to work in that country as actors. If you do not then it might be better to spend your time and money on developing your knowledge and contacts in German film and theatre. If you want to work in the UK or USA (and if you can) be careful as there are some small schools run by people with no serious acting experience, who really only teach English! And remember that accents do not matter, what does is that you speak clearly and fully understand what you are saying in your audition. John Windsor-Cunningham
Hi John, what do you think about someone who is NOT from the US, but wants to study at a British school like Rada or Central, and then after that move to LA. My goal is to become an American actor in LA, but I want to apply at British schools becasue I`ve heard they are the absolute best. What do you think about this?
A huge question as it decides your future. You need to contact me using the 'contact' page on my website as I miss most messages here, or my email (jwcactor@yahoo.com) there are so many reasons for thinking carefully about what you say. I was in London last week teaching teachers at one of the main schools there, and watching their showcases and am well up-to-date on my thoughts ! JOhn
No email arrived. I miss most messages here, so best please, use the "Contact' page on my website (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com) or direct to jwcactor@yahoo.com but I'm not meaning to push you as quite a few others are lining up. But no message from you yet after 20 minutes. So I thought I'd let you know. JOhn
Thanks, very kind, but that's not how film-casting works. My experience is massive in theater and there are just not many parts for people my age, but an interesting theater show looms (in NY for when this damn virus lifts), so any encouragement is welcome and thanks for yours! John Windsor-Cunningham
@@NewYorkActingCoach you should merge with UAE film or media industry, they will definitely welcome you but in the beginning its always hard here... Now a days actors are like rainy frogs who just appear in social media like ticktock Instagram or RU-vid. Without guideline they fall from fame like Apple from tree seen by Einstein lol
We should merge as a team online. I would love to be part of your work team as freelancer. May be we produce great actor finding then in corner of the worlds and they remember us and might give us a spoecial party and gifts as graditute. Even happy without that too... 😊😋
Perhaps it makes sense that as a American trained in England, you need to make sure that you have an American actor friend who already has these contacts, and can pass them onto you when you come back to the United States.
Yes, of course, you may be right. There are no fixed rules, - but if that friend was truly willing to introduce you to casting directors back in the USA, and willing to say so BEFORE you disappear to England for year or two, that would be a terrific friend, and they would be willing to talk with you bout in detail NOW. You can't just HOPE they will help. And there is more involved - the experience of being in the country where you plan to work in the future, knowing exactly where all the companies are, seeing what they are doing, and working on mainly British plays with British directors at a British school, which may not be of much use back in the USA. So be careful you're not just wanting a long holiday in England! John Windsor-Cunningham
What if I choose to stay in the UK permanently? I don’t want and have never wanted to work in Los Angeles or New York. I’ve felt drawn to the UK since I was a child and I know it’s where I am supposed to be. What would you say in this case, if you don’t mind? Also, I would love to explore other cities in the UK; cities outside of London.
OK, but this is a very, very important decision as it will effect your whole life. Yes, of course, the idea of working in another country is great, but first will you be able to work there, will you get a visa? Secondly you will be competing for British roles most of the time, with actors who have 'been' British all their lives, and know how certain words and phrases, and plays, and different places can lead to more work. You probably need to go to a good drama school there which will need you to choose the right monologues for YOU, and work on them HARD for months and months, and other cities outside London are for 'tourists' to enjoy, you want to go where the work is. If you want a session to discuss this more please use the 'Contact page' on my website (WIndsor-Cunningham.com) or my direct email (jwcactor@Yahoo.com), or whoever you ask for advice make sure they know what they're talking about. John Windsor-Cunningham
@@NewYorkActingCoach Thank you for the prompt response! I’m studying musical theatre for training in singing, dancing, and acting. I’m passionate about every area of the arts and I do not want to have to choose between the three. I figured that because this area of study is broad, it will be easier for me to find work. I understand it will still be difficult, but I am prepared. I cannot see myself elsewhere. For reference, I’m currently seventeen and do plan on getting a visa and hopefully becoming a naturalised UK citizen in the future. Thank you, again.
OK, but remember that the USA is famous for musicals, not the UK. This MAY mean that if you have huge talent you will get work in them in the UK. But I don't know about "planning" to get a visa, - do you know how to get one? Would a UK employer have to insist that ONY you can play a part, and would that visa be permanent? - I simply don't know about these things. . . . You may be onto a sensible dream, I just don't know. The trick is to work hard and be brillliant at it, that's one thing I do know. Sorry , have to stop there. John
Well, there are exceptions. Americans who are truly serious about theatre work may - if they work hard - learn more from a good course in the UK than in the dozens of American ones which are packed with students who want to do films. And the serious study of Pinter and Stoppard and Shakespeare - which each makes the others easier to understand (or should do) - is done far less in USA drama schools.. BUT I still suggest it is better for Americans to go to a school in the USA and then makes SURE they get into one of the serious theatre companies here for a year, like the Guthrie Theatre - still a seriously good job - and there are others! John Windsor-Cunningham
@@NewYorkActingCoach I'm 66, so acting for me is long in the past. I checked the top drama schools in the US, and they have tough requirements for admission - essay, interview, audition, and not a lot of spots open. It's a long journey, and doing theater work after graduation is so vital. I knew one girl who did a summer in England for a Shakespeare program. She loved it. Where she is now I don't know.
Also, it is very rare that British film or TV uses foreigners. The British film industry simply snubs foreigners unless you are already an established A lister. British industry will favour British actors and that is OK but even when the character is supposed to be a foreigner. Just watch British films and TV shows and see how many times they would use a British actor to play a Russian etc. It is only Indians that get to play Indians but if you are white and South African or Russian, you will see them pick a British actor over you instead.
There are happily exceptions to what you say - firstly a very small number of actors who work incredibly hard on their lines, on getting what the lines are really ABOUT; and the other is that, thankfully, we no longer care what colour an actor is - or we shouldn't - so if you''re better than the others at the audition and you want to play a white girl's father you should have a try for it whatever colour you are, as you COULD be her father, but work LIKE HELL on the audition! John Windsor-Cunningham
Probably, yes, as so many others do, and those are the actors you will be competing with to get jobs. If you need help auditioning for a school I do coach for that.
May I tell you this advice is sound wisdom. Back home you will be lost without contacts and professional actor friends to support and guide you. Having trained in London 50 years ago, I can confirm that no one stateside gives a shi* that you trained in England.
Yes, you're right, if you have the ability to work hard on scripts then a 'European' career is possible, as others have already managed, and for that then going to a British drama school may work, but make sure it's a good one, and that you're super-prepared for the audition. Find a good acting coach, doesn't have to be me, there are lots of good ones, just make sure they know the schools you're auditioning for, and know them well. Just ask them about that, cos if they're not willing to answer they're possibly not worth using. John Windsor-Cunningham
Are you still active on this channel? If so, I'm wondering - i just turned 25, in a little insecure about being to old to go to drama school or begin acting. I still look like a teen. But are there people in their twenties at these school just learning?
Am in a show off-Broadway and filming s well, so unable to coach or give personal advice til after November 20th. And this is definitely not a reliable way of contacting me. Please use my email (after NOv 20th) jwcactor@yahoo.com and, in short, there are people in their 30's a drama schools, so no prob there. The question is whether you really want it. But email, and not yet please! Am insanely busy. John
I miss most messages here. Can you please use the 'contact' page on my website (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com) or my direct email (jwcactor@Yahoo.com) I certainly know the best drama schools but the best one for you depends on the answer to many questions. So please contact me there.
If by "oops" you mean you're already going to a school in a different country to the one where you plan to work, well, it may bring you luck, making you more different to others. Just make sure you work harder than anyone else there! John Windsor-Cunningham
@@NewYorkActingCoach I am an American and talking to some people who think I would be a good fit for East 15 international program. Most acting and theater schools in the US require good academics which I don’t have. So Im already making plans to audition for East 15 and other UK programs next year.
Well, yes, USA College degree courses need good academics to get in, but not all drama schools, and things are changing so much that I leave it to you to research the truth on that. But however good E15 may be, they will probably have you working on British plays and being seen by British agents at any showcase, which sounds of no use to you if you're not planning to work there. And the huge extra cost of moving to the UK for a while would easily cover two weeks on the phone looking into this subject more. John Windsor-Cunningham