Is it necessary to study acting?

Being a good actor requires the coming together of a number of nuanced skills, instincts and processes which can undoubtedly benefit from being honed and drilled within the confines of a formal training setup.

However, it has been said time and time again that one of the most vital qualities a good actor needs is ‘life experience‘. With that agreed upon as a cornerstone of acting greatness, perhaps it is not necessary to submit to years of contrived drama training, and better to have spent the time out in the big wide world, meeting people from different walks of life, putting yourself in challenging situations and getting out of your comfort zone.

There are plenty of actors who are naturally gifted and do beautiful work…whatever works for you! [Tom Hiddleston]

The question –

‘Is it necessary to study acting?’

…was put to some of the most in-demand actors of modern times at BAFTA LA, including Viggo Mortensen, Ruth Negga, Tom Hiddleston, Claire Foy, Joel Edgerton, Riz Ahmed and John Lithgow. Here’s what they had to say:

What do you think? We’d love to hear your opinion.