Thinking of joining a MAD acting course but not sure whether to choose stage or screen?
You’re not the only one. It’s one of the most common questions we hear — especially from adults starting (or returning to) acting later in life.
Stage vs. Screen — at a glance
| Aspect | Stage | Screen |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Live and in person | Through the camera lens |
| Style | Bigger, bolder, projected | Subtle, internal, close-up |
| Focus | Voice, body, energy | Stillness, detail, emotional connection |
| Final Outcome | Live sharing in a theatre | Filmed scenes for your viewing |
| Prep | Usually script-based | Usually script-based |
What’s different in the classroom?
Both course types use:
- Practical exercises and games
- Partner and small group work
- Script-based scenes
- Supportive feedback
The key difference? In Acting for Camera, you rehearse and perform to camera — not a live audience. You’ll also get edited footage of your scene to keep.
Where should I start?
If you’re brand new to acting, we recommend starting with Acting for Beginners. It gives you core tools, confidence, and a base that works for both formats.
- Build confidence in front of others
- Learn how scenes and characters work
- Feel more at home in any acting space
Can I go straight into screen acting?
Yes — if you’ve done some acting before. It doesn’t need to be recent or professional — but some familiarity helps.
If you’re totally new, you’ll get more out of Acting for Camera if you’ve done Beginners first. We promise that’s not just a sales line — it genuinely sets you up better.
Which is better?
Neither is better — just different. And both can be brilliant.
- Stage acting develops energy, voice and physical storytelling
- Screen acting sharpens stillness, subtlety and emotional truth
Many students do both — and enjoy the contrast.
In summary:
- New to acting? Start with Acting for Beginners
- Returning to acting? Acting for Camera is a great next step
- Not sure? Drop us a message — we’ll help you decide