My mixed emotions of acting classes really refers me to (this is where virgins stop reading this article) SEX. Should one be taught how to please the opposite sex when having sex? Do people actually go for sex classes? (I wonder how they are.). Sex is as natural a talent one should have, right? WrONG with a capital ONG. This is my perception as well. However, if the reason for failed relationships and marriage for that matter spring from lack of good sex, the art is not as natural as one would assume.

Truth be told, we can all act. You were acting for every lie you told or the time someone actually vibed you to have sex with them. You are probably acting right now pretending not to laugh at this funny read yet your cheeks are burning from muscle retraction.

Professional acting is not a laughing matter though and this is where my sad emotions crawl in. I never went to professional acting classes and yet I call myself an actor trying to make it in the Kenyan acting industry. I do however posses talent from my early acting days from primary school all the way to high school. If I had a chance to get a professional acting coach, I would probably be a big Hollywood superstar.

Acting classes are essential for anyone trying to make a profession out of acting. Like any other profession, training and skills tuning should be part of your daily life. If you are a Kenyan actor or are trying to be one and you wait till audition day and take 5min before to try out your skills, let me tell you right now YOU HAVE FAILED.

Unfortunately, there are not many acting colleges or classes around. However, thanks to a few individuals, who spare their time and experience to show us the way, there is light at the end of the tunnel after all. Neil Schell has hosted a hat trick of acting classes constituting of 5 days each in Nairobi and will hopefully be hosting many more. If you are asking who Neil Schell is, you probably are living under a rock.

Neil Schell is an accomplished actor, acting coach, director and producer in film and television. He has been working in the film industry for over 25 years. He has acted in movies like The A-team, Watchmen, and Dr Dolittle3. He has featured in Series like Fringe, Caprica, Eureka, Outer limits. Locally, he is the Director of Higher learning and Saints. If that is not enough to make you attend these classes, let me add that he is old. Yes, older is always wiser.

We have also had our own Nini Wacera hold acting classes in Nairobi. Nini, actress, producer and casting director, who has appeared in movies such as Dangerous Affair and Project Daddy, as well as the popular Television Series: Wingu La Moto, Nairobi Law and Changes, the workshops provide her with a chance not only to share her experience, but also to keep her talents flowing.

Please visit the website actors.co.ke to get updates on when the next acting classes are.
Can one make it without attending acting classes? Yes you can. Like Sex, some are just born with it and some have to learn through classes or videos like Kamasutra. However, if you know you lack that special element in your act or have been to a couple of auditions and never received that call afterwards, you probably need to attend acting classes.

By Gerald Langiri