Most people assume that acting classes consist almost exclusively of young hopefuls who wait tables while they're waiting for their big break to come along. And while it is true that some professional actors use acting classes to hone their skills, there are many more reasons why you might want to take an acting class even if you have no desire to ever be in a movie or on stage. We'll show you some of the benefits of taking an acting class that you probably never even realized existed. All those actors you see on television and on Broadway; many of them started with lessons at the New York Film Academy.

Confidence

Do you know what many therapists suggest when their clients are lacking in confidence? They suggest an acting class. By getting up in front of fellow students and reading lines, inventing scenes, and pretending to be someone else who has more confidence, students find that they have more confidence in their own lives and often go on to out negotiate deals.

Fun

For people who are stuck at home all day changing diapers or who are feeling bored and stagnated in their professional or personal lives, an acting class is a chance to get out and have fun whether their friends are available or not. Most acting classes consist largely of acting out scenarios, improvising, and dressing up in character, which is something most people haven't done since they were children. The experience can be quite liberating and enjoyable, recharging them for the week to come.

People Skills

For people who find it difficult to relate to others, to understand why their neighbors don't like it when they throw parties at their home, or who find that they are often hurting people's feelings without meaning to, an acting class can help them to develop empathy for others. By pretending to be someone else and attempting to see things from another point of view during class, students can apply these skills to understand other people in their lives.

Communication

And finally, some companies actually have their employees take an acting class to improve their communication skills. When you sell real estate, you need to be able to convey information simply and intelligibly. Reading well-written speeches in your acting class and taking part in make believe conversations can help communication skills sink in organically, allowing for better retention than just reading a pamphlet.