THE ACTORS
NOTTINGHAM & ONLINE
JOIN US
Since 2010 The Actors Workshop Nottingham & The Actors Workshop Online has trained thousands of actors, many of whom are now making waves in the professional industry.
Our classes are for adults only and to attend you must be aged at least 18 years old. We offer classes to both complete beginners and professional actors. So whether you are looking to gain more self-confidence, meet new people or you are seriously pursuing a career as a professional actor, we are here to support you in achieving your goals.
If you would like to become a member, come along to our next trial class. After attending you will be eligible to attend our weekly classes. Our tiered weekly workshops are open to both complete beginners and experienced actors.
WE ARE SPOTLIGHT VERIFIED
The Actors Workshop Nottingham & Online are a verified part-time training facility by Europe's leading casting platform Spotlight.
Spotlight is essential for actors looking to go professional. It connects performers with roles in theatre, television and film productions around the world. Prominent casting professionals choose Spotlight to cast their projects because performers on Spotlight are recognised as the industry’s best.
Once members have attended our classes for two years or more, they are automatically eligible for Spotlight accreditation and can submit their applications with credentials from The Actors Workshop Nottingham & Online.
With studios in London’s famous West End, and partners across Europe, America and Australia, Spotlight is at the heart of the performing arts industry. Spotlight is the best way for actors to promote themselves as a professional performer and be seen by casting directors. Talent agents will usually only consider opening their books to Spotlight accredited actors, so getting Spotlighted is a must.
What criteria do I need to meet to join Spotlight?
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At least one featured role with an Equity or equivalent union contract or two contracted professional performance credits.
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Or have completed at least a year of full-time professional performance training equivalent to a RQF level 5 or two years of part-time training with us!
CONTACT.
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SCREEN SCHOOL PRESENTS...
Made as part of our Screen School - Screen Acting Course, Echoes of the Fallen is now available to watch on YouTube!
(Please note this film features adult content)
IN-PERSON & ONLINE
The Actors Workshop is unique in that as well as running a range of vocational performing arts courses, we also run rolling weekly acting classes, which take place every week, all year round, in-person and online.
For a flexible monthly subscription, members can gain access to both in-person and online classes, plus have access to a huge database of recorded class material.
So if you want in-person workshops, online classes or a combination of both. The Actors Workshop is the place for you.
CONTACT.
"I'm insanely grateful. The Actors Workshop was such an education - you taught me about the industry and the technical side of filming I wasn't getting at other acting classes and it prepared me well. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
AW ALUMNI | STEPH LACEY | STAY CLOSE NETFLIX
CALENDAR
WEEKLY CLASSES
Monday In Person 6pm - 8pm
Monday In Person 8pm -10pm
Tuesday In Person 6pm - 8pm
Tuesday In Person 8pm -10pm
Wednesday Online 7pm - 9pm
SPECIALIST CLASSES
PEM Technique One Day (November Dates TBC)
SCREEN SCHOOLS
Screen Acting Course Two Day (14th & 15th October 2022)
SHOWREEL SHOOTS
Showreel Scene Shoot 1.5 Hour Rehearsal & 2 Hour Shoot (November Dates TBC)
HEADSHOTS
Actors Headshot Photo Shoot 45 Min Slot (November Dates TBC)
MISSION STATEMENT
1. Provide members with professional quality vocational actor training and performance skills development.
2. Equip members with the tools to empower themselves creatively, uphold positive mental health, trust their creative instincts and confidently act on their creative impulses.
3. Actively nurture and support our members to achieve careers in the arts.
CONTACT.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The Actors Workshop is suitable for beginners, intermediate and professional actors.
Our classes are designed to meet the requirements of all experience levels.
After your trial class you will be offered a place in one of our groups which best meets your training needs.
CONTACT.
ADEI
The Actors Workshop Nottingham gave me the confidence and personal development I needed to kick start my career within the world of acting.
DANNY
Tim is an exceptional teacher. He has noticed my strengths, the areas I need to improve, and pushed me to realise my true potential.
DENISE
An incredible group of supportive and creative people and a completely safe environment in which to learn.
TRIAL CLASSES
Before subscribing to weekly classes, we invite all new members to attend an online trial class. If you then decide to subscribe to weekly classes with us, you can even do a mixture of both in person and online classes.
We hold one trial class per month, usually in the first week of the month. All trial classes are currently held on Zoom.
Our online trial classes are a chance to meet you and better understand your learning requirements. After a brief introduction and warm up, we will explore various acting exercises during the session.
After the trial class, should you wish to subscribe to our weekly classes, either 'In-Person' or 'Online'. We will do our best to allocate you a place in one of our groups.
The cost of a trial class is just £15, made payable by bank transfer before the date of the class.
After being offered a trial class with us by email, you will need to confirm your booking ASAP to guarantee your place, plus complete and return an application form.
Log in Zoom details of the class will be sent to you once your fee and completed application form have been received.
CONTACT.
"The Actors Workshop helped mature the acting skills I already had,
and also taught me so many things that still help me to this day”.
AW ALUMNI | OWEN WARNER | HOLLYOAKS, I'M A CELEBRITY GET ME OUT OF HERE
TUTORS
The Actors Workshop is overseen by actor, director and producer Tim Bryn Smith. His professional experience spans over 25 years in Film, TV, Commercials, Theatre and Voice Over.
Tim has starred in a number of TV shows including Teachers - Channel 4, Holby City - BBC, The Bill - ITV, Hollyoaks - Channel 4, Heartbeat - ITV, Doctors - BBC, Charity Shop Sue's Christmas - Sky Arts, Mister Eleven - ITV, Days That Shock The World - History Channel and Dream Team - Sky One.
Tim's recent work as a new media producer has brought him together with rising YouTube stars Jack Manifold, Tommy Innit & Niki Nihachu.
CONTACT.
FEES
Subscription to our weekly workshops is just £54 a month and is payable by bank transfer on the 1st of each month.
Your AW subscription is a bit like a gym membership and guarantees you a place at your one, assigned weekly class. We take time to plan and structure our workshops, so if you can't make a workshop for any reason, we politely request that you let us know by email.
Should you wish to cancel your bank standing order at any time, we politely request you provide one month’s written notice.
Classes run every week, throughout the year, except over Christmas and New Year.
CONTACT.
AW was there for me when I needed support as an actor and felt a little lost. I found courage, patience, strength and belief in myself. It was a stepping stone to get back in the game and led me to take a big leap across the pond.
AW ALUMNI | SOHM KAPILA | CHARMED, NCIS LOS ANGELES
TECHNIQUES EXPLORED
At The Actors Workshop we are inspired by and implement a wide range of acting techniques:
Stanislavski
One of the world’s most frequently taught acting techniques, Stanislavski inspired scores of future teachers including Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner, and Lee Strasberg. Think emotional memory recall, spiritual realism, and self-analysis.
Adler
Stella Adler’s approach is also built on that of Stanislavski, but imagination is emphasised over emotional recall; in her words, “You have to get beyond your own precious inner experiences.”
Meisner
Famous for his “repetition” exercise, Meisner teaches actors to “live truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” The work emphasises openness, honesty, and listening above all.
Chekhov
Michael Chekhov created a famous “psycho-physical” technique which draws on physical actions and mind-body connection to create a sensual approach to the character.
Practical Aesthetics
Developed by actor William H. Macy and playwright David Mamet, this analytical approach emphasises the simple pursuit of an action above all else. Actors’ attention goes to text-analysis, script work, and a literal understanding of a scene’s driving events.
Hagen
It’s all about realism for Uta Hagen. Students are taught to “substitute” or “transfer” their own memories into the experiences of their characters, building deep connections based on their own personal truths.
PEM
The Perdekamp Emotional Method (PEM) is an innovative acting method based on a biological process. PEM provides performers with a direct, effortless and guidable access to authentic emotions on a purely physical basis, without recourse to personal experiences or emotional memory.
Patsy Rodenburg
In her years as an acting coach, Patsy Rodenburg discovered the secrets to that elusive quality actors call 'it'. There are three basic ways human energy moves between people and you can be in any one of the 'three circles' in any situation.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered around the world for his pioneering teachings on mindfulness, global ethics and peace.
UCB
The Upright Citizens Brigade is an American improvisational group established in 1990. The UCB outlined their methodology to comedy improv in their 'Manual'. The original incarnation of the group consisted of Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh, Adam McKay, Rick Roman, Horatio Sanz and Drew Franklin.
LIFE SKILLS
Our workshops hold a huge array of life enhancing benefits:
Self-Confidence
The confidence you can gain from exploring and developing acting techniques will benefit all areas of your life. Acting workshops help you learn to trust your ideas, instincts and abilities. Improvisation work, helps you think outside the box and be more confident going into unfamiliar situations.
Imagination
Being creative and learning to make creative choices in our classes, helps you to be better at thinking of new ideas, allowing you to view the world in new ways.
Empathy
Understanding characters, roles and the subtext of a text, allows you to relate better to people from different situations, backgrounds and cultures. It encourages you to show compassion and tolerance for others.
Cooperation
During our classes our students engage in discussion, feedback, rehearsal and performance. Acting is a collaborative exercise involving different people and has a strong reliance on team work and promotes consideration for the group dynamic. For the best outcomes students must combine the creative ideas and the abilities of the whole group.
Concentration
Playing, practicing, and performing will develop a your ability and skills to be able to focus your mind, body and voice.
Communication Skills
Our acting classes enable you to improve your vocal projection, articulation, tone of speech and expression. As acting is all about subtext and nuance, it improves your verbal and nonverbal communication. Successful actors must have excellent listening and observation skills.
Emotional Outlet
Our acting classes allow students to explore and express a range of emotions and encourages them to understand and deal with similar feelings they may be experiencing in their day to day lives. Aggression, tension, stress and grief can be released in a safe, controlled environment – always allowing for a period of reflection afterwards.
Physical Fitness
Acting can require intensive movement over a prolonged period. Exercises improve flexibility, coordination, balance, and control.
Memory
Your memory requires exercise, just like a muscle. Rehearsing and performing lines and movements will improve memory.
Fun
Drama brings elements of play, humour, and laughter to those taking part – it improves an individuals motivation and reduces their stress.
"The Actors Workshop is really exciting, I'm inspired!”.
SHANE MEADOWS | BAFTA WINNING | DIRECTOR
CASTING
The Actors workshop strives to help members improve skills and make in-roads to the professional industry.
We have sourced numerous castings for our members and our clients include; Sky Arts, BBC, Notts TV, Showcase Cinemas, Lego Movie, The PFA, National Health Service, Warhammer plus many short films, promotional videos, voice overs, plays, pantomimes, training facilities and more.
Casting agents and producers often use our talent page as a valued resource. Scroll through the images below for a small sample of some of the work we've been involved in.
LEGO MOVIE 2 | TV SPOT | VOICE OVER
Incredible local production company Spool Films got in touch to say they were working on a TV commercial for the forth coming Lego Movie and they needed a big talent... with a big voice. We had just the man, Rob Bassett. It was an incredible privilege to be involved in the promo for such a well received movie.
NEWS / CELEX AGENCY
We are excited to be working with Celex, the Midland's largest TV & Film Casting Agency.
As part of our agreement, Celex are offering representation to members of The Actors Workshop that come with a recommendation from us.
Since joining forces, we have been able to supply lots of actors, who are already working on some fantastic television productions including the forth-coming Vicky McClure ITV mini series 'Without Sin'.
HEADSHOT SERVICE
The Actors Workshop Nottingham provides a headshot photography service tailored specifically for actors.
For just £90, you get a one hour shoot/edit with our experienced photographer.
Get in touch you book your session with us.
CONTACT.
MERCHANDISE
Visit our online store to find a range of exclusive Actors Workshop clothing and accessories
SHOP
MONOLOGUES FOR SHOWREELS BOOK
As an actor, your showreel is your ticket to a bright career in the entertainment industry. That's why it's essential you make the right decisions about what to include in it. If you want to catch the casting director's eye or bag a new agent, an original monologue can be an essential part of self-tapes and auditions. With over 140 original scripts, written to suit all age groups and genders, Monologues for Showreels offers you, the actor, the opportunity to express a variety of emotions and set you apart from the crowd. The monologues in this book have been curated and edited by Tim Bryn Smith, actor, director, producer and founder of The Actors Workshop Online, and Sara Bodinar, professional screenwriter, playwright, and The Actors Workshop's writer-in-residence.
BUY NOW
101 SCENES FOR SHOWREELS BOOK
With more films, television and online content being produced than ever before, opportunities to land professional acting work have never been greater! The key to unlocking the door between you and the industry gatekeepers is a stand out showreel. Contained within these pages are 101 tried and tested original scene scripts to suit all ages and genders. You can even watch a selection of the original performances by using the QR codes provided. Not only is this book perfect for those looking for brilliant showreel material but it's also a fantastic resource for drama teachers looking for scripts to use in classes and workshops. So, if you want to find scripts that are both original, memorable and stay copyright compliant, '101 Scenes For Showreels' is the book for you.
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The Actors Workshop gave me a safe, supportive and fun environment to grow in confidence and get used to performing in front of people. It was there for me at the start of my professional journey. I really don't think I'd have got anywhere without it!
AW ALUMNI | LISA AMBALAVANAR | THE A-LIST, DOCTORS
NEWS / NEXUS TURNS 8
Founded in 2015 by Tim Bryn Smith, Miguel Alves Kahn And supported by The Actors Workshop, Nexus Cast & Crew Network celebrates its 8th anniversary this year.
Nexus provides monthly networking events in the Midlands and an online presence that allows professional and aspiring filmmakers to socialise and connect in a friendly and creative environment.
We have an exciting as well as an established and nationally well respected community within the film and tv industry. Our community is celebrated for its talent, success and strong connections.
We welcome creatives to say hello, come along to our events and showcase their work. Our events are the perfect place to make connections for any film or tv project.
Nexus is kindly supported by BFI Network.
NEWS / ACTOR JAM 2022
Fancy performing at our next showcase event?
Actor Jam is organised by The Actors Workshop and Nexus Cast & Crew Network. Performers are invited to audition for a coveted spot as a cast member (via self-tape) and can choose to perform either an individual monologue or multiple-actor scene.
The event takes place at Nottingham’s Antenna Media Centre and is scheduled for Thursday 1st December. Past events have seen packed out crowds and judging panels including talent agents, producers, directors and TV stars.
Actors Jam is a chance to gain fantastic exposure and take advantage of some brilliant networking opportunities. Many of the featured actors have already gone on to win roles in a variety of professional projects.
Last years 'Best Performance' award went to Edward Spence and the 'Audience Award' went to Jake Turner.
Previous years performances can be viewed on The Actors Workshop YouTube Channel.
Guidelines:
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Choose either a solo monologue (max length 2:30mins) or group scene (max length 4:00mins).
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Please audition with the material you wish to perform if selected.
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Published, unpublished and self written work can be submitted.
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No more than 2 submissions per actor.
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Tapes exceeding the maximum duration will not be considered for selection.
Deadline for entries: Friday 18th November 2022
Shortlist announced: Friday 24th November 2022
Performance date: 6pm 1st December 2022 (auditions must be available for this date)
Submit:
Film & upload a self tape and share as an unlisted YouTube video, then upload via the submission form at: linktr.ee/NexusMidlands
"To learn the craft of acting, is to learn the craft of life."
TIM BRYN SMITH | THE ACTORS WORKSHOP | FOUNDER & DIRECTOR