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THE ACTOR'S CAFE IS PROUD TO BE SHORTLISTED AS A FINALIST FOR THE 'DRAMA INSPIRATION AWARD' WITH THE MUSIC & DRAMA EDUCATION AWARDS. WE ARE OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED AS A SPOTLIGHT LISTED PART-TIME ACTING SCHOOL. OUR DRAMA SCHOOL IS A FOUNDER-LED ACTING PRACTICE |
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If you're looking to join our classes, please Contact us or attend a Free Taster Class
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Please click the YouTube demo showreel to see some of the students work from previous terms During the courses you will learn acting technique and have an opportunity to create your own showreel Students featured are a mixture of Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced level actors |
FREE TASTER SESSION [IN-PERSON AND ONLINE]
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"I so much enjoyed the taster session today. I learned so much, I am feeling confident about acting now more than ever. The teaching is superb and I'm looking forward to my first term at The Actor's Cafe." Ali Arellano. Actors Cafe Student.
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FOUNDATION COURSE
WATFORD, HERTFORDSHIRE
10 Week Term (Weekly Classes) Start Date: Saturday 31st January 2026 End Date: Saturday 11th April 2026 Break: Saturday 4th April 2026 3-Hour Sessions - 2.30pm-5.30pm ========== FINSBURY PARK, LONDON 12 Week Term (Weekly Classes) Start Date: Monday 2nd February 2026 End Date: Monday 27th April 2026 2.5-Hour Sessions - 6.45pm-9.15pm ========== CHELMSFORD, ESSEX 12 Week Term (Weekly Classes) Start Date: Feb 2026 (TBC) End Date: April 2026 (TBC) 2.5-Hour Sessions - 6.30pm-9pm ========== VENUES Watford (The Pump House) or (The Wellspring) - Saturdays 2.30pm-5.30pm Chelmsford Trinity Methodist Church Hall, CM1 2XB - Tuesdays Finsbury Park The Monkey Building, Finsbury Park, N7 7QP ========== FOUNDATION COURSE FEE £525 - One Full Payment (Full Term) £275/£275 - Split Payment (Full Term) £280 - Flexible Option (Half Term) £60 - Single Session (Drop-In) |
"I am blown away with your teaching and your approach and just your generosity of spirit. I loved it." Camilla Arthur Casting FOUNDATION COURSE Focus: A practical foundation in your acting craft and how to approach a script with clarity, structure, and spontaneity. • Script Analysis & Craft Fundamentals – Learn how to approach a script using an eclectic mix of tried-and-tested methods from top drama schools. Ask the right questions to map your character’s situation and emotional world. • Text Actioning & Objectives – Understand how to action text line-by-line. Apply and justify objectives to each line to clarify your character’s direction and internal drive. • Overall Scene Objectives & Conflict – Explore end-of-scene objectives and the importance of conflict as a dramatic motor. Learn how to build towards objectives through each beat. • Repetition & Instinctive Response – Use Meisner-inspired repetition exercises to develop spontaneous, authentic reactions. Increase your awareness of physical impulses and emotional truth. • On-Camera Scene Work (2–3 min scenes) – Apply your scene work to camera. Experience what it’s like under real conditions: lights, camera, action. • Group Review & Constructive Feedback – Watch each other’s scene work. Learn from your peers' strengths and receive feedback in a safe, supportive environment. • Monologue Work – Technique & Presence – Begin working with a solo speech or monologue. Explore vocal clarity, emotional connection, and authenticity in solo performance. • Monologue on Camera + Sense Memory – Integrate sense memory and emotional depth into your monologue. Learn how to bring internal life into your work for the camera. • Monologue Review & Peer Feedback – Watch back your camera work and receive critique. Reflect on your growth and see diverse interpretations of solo material. • Improvisation Techniques – Close the term with improvisation. Learn how to think on your feet, trust your instincts, and play freely with structure and character. - Showreel Building - each term holds the chance to build a showreel of your screenwork whilst training. All showreel material is free as part of the term. If you would like The Actor's Cafe to edit your showreel material, we ask for an editing fee of £50. The fee is not compulsory, but the option gives the student a chance to build a portfolio of screenwork, which is essential for gaining work as an actor. Please note that session content and term structure may vary slightly from term to term. Class sizes vary between 10-20 people Classes are capped at a maximum of 25 students on each term. |
INTERMEDIATE COURSE
WATFORD, HERTFORDSHIRE
10 Week Term (Weekly Classes) SATURDAYS Start Date: Saturday 31st January 2026 End Date: Saturday 11th April 2026 Break: Saturday 4th April 2026 3-Hour Sessions - 10.30am-1.30pm ========== FINSBURY PARK, LONDON 12 Week Term (Weekly Classes) Start Date: Monday 2nd February 2026 End Date: Monday 27th April 2026 2.5-Hour Sessions - 6.45pm-9.15pm ========== CHELMSFORD, ESSEX 12 Week Term (Weekly Classes) Start Date: Feb 2026 (TBC) End Date: April 2026 (TBC) 2.5-Hour Sessions - 6.30pm-9pm ========== VENUES Watford (The Pump House) or (The Wellspring) - Saturdays - 10.30am-1.30pm Chelmsford Trinity Methodist Church Hall, CM1 2XB - Tuesdays - 6.45pm-9.15pm Finsbury Park The Monkey Building, Finsbury Park, N7 7QP ========= INTERMEDIATE COURSE FEE £550 - One Full Payment (Full Term) £300/£275 - Split Payment (Full Term) £300 - Flexible Option (Half Term) £65 - Single Session (Drop-In) |
"The different energies generated in each class make it such an exciting place to be. I would highly recommend it to any actor no matter which stage of their career they're in.''
Manuel Nashi. Film Director. Silent Shout Studios. INTERMEDIATE COURSE Focus: Deepening spontaneity, character development, and camera technique with added complexity and emotional depth . • Repetition with Activity – Advance on the Foundation repetition exercise by introducing an activity. Train your brain to stay instinctively responsive while focusing on a task, building multitasking, awareness, and truthful reactivity. • Challenging Scene Work – Explore a new script that is more demanding than those in the Foundation course. Begin inhabiting more complex characters with layered psychology and emotional depth. • Character Analysis (Yat Malmgren-inspired) – Dive into character construction using Yat Malmgren’s framework of Stable, Near, and Dream qualities. Explore character types in greater detail, depending on the focus of the term. • Improvisation, Objectives & Status Work – Deepen improvisational skills through conflict and objective-based exercises. Explore status dynamics and how Laban Movement Theory links to Malmgren’s character energies. Learn to shift emotional and vocal energy through space. Includes optional animal study work to build physical character embodiment. • Hot Seating Technique – Learn how to 'become' your character in a detailed, in-depth way by answering questions in role. Explore your character’s past, point of view, and inner life more intimately. • Scene for Camera + Constructive Feedback – Apply your developed scene to camera. Receive feedback on how your acting translates under professional filming conditions. • Review Session – Group Analysis – Watch your filmed work back as a group. Reflect on process, improvement, and character impact with peer and tutor feedback. • Strasberg’s Vocal & Movement Exercise – Explore your emotional range and vocal connection through Strasberg-inspired exercises. Practice openness, vulnerability, and the ability to express depth in front of others. • Second On-Camera Scene – Film a second scene during the term to continue building your skill set and on-camera presence. Push further into emotional and technical territory. • Final Review + Improvisation – Reflect and critique the second scene. Wrap the term with improvisational games to help break habitual patterns, stay flexible, and think instinctively under pressure. At the Intermediate level, students may begin to work with guest tutors and visiting professionals, depending on scheduling and availability. Class sizes vary between 10-20 people Classes are capped at a maximum of 25 students on each term. |
ADVANCED COURSE
WATFORD TERM DATES
10 Week Term (Weekly Classes) SATURDAYS Start Date: Saturday 31st January 2026 End Date: Saturday 11th April 2026 Break: Saturday 4th April 2026 3-Hour Sessions - 10.30am-1.30pm ======= FINSBURY PARK, LONDON 12 Week Term (Weekly Classes) Start Date: Monday 2nd February 2026 End Date: Monday 27th April 2026 2.5-Hour Sessions - 6.45pm-9.15pm ======= CHELMSFORD, ESSEX 12 Week Term (Weekly Classes) Start Date: Feb 2026 (TBC) End Date: April 2026 (TBC) 2.5-Hour Sessions - 6.30pm-9pm ======= VENUES Watford (The Pump House) or (The Wellspring) - Saturdays - 2.30pm-5.30pm Chelmsford Trinity Methodist Church Hall, CM1 2XB - Tuesdays Finsbury Park The Monkey Building, Finsbury Park, N7 7QP ======== £575 - One Full Payment (Full Term) £300/£300 - Split Payment (Full Term) £320 - Flexible Option (Half Term) £70 - Single Session (Drop-In) |
"Having visited the Actor's Cafe on three separate occasions now, I can really see the great work it produces. I look forward to another visit soon!"
Alex Scanlan. CAM Actors Agency ADVANCED COURSE Focus: Professional-level training including character transformation, self-taping, industry preparation, and deep script analysis. • Yat Malmgren Character Deep Dive – Continue your exploration of Stable, Near, and Dream types — covering aspects not previously studied. Explore full character transformation using Malmgren’s psychological and physical tools. • Play Study & Scene Contextualisation – Read and analyse a full play (expected to read three times before the session). Understand major themes, character arcs, and how to place your scene work within the larger framework of the play. • Advanced Repetition & Scene Conflict – Combine repetition exercises with a scene and activity to enhance instinctive listening under real scene pressure. Sharpen your awareness of power dynamics, emotional undercurrents, and conflict. • Acting for Camera – Advanced Scenes – Tackle more demanding circumstances and scene partners. Apply learned techniques under greater emotional or technical complexity. • Guest Tutor Workshops – Sessions may feature guest tutors with unique techniques or industry-specific experience. Past guests include actors from Death in Paradise, directors from BAFTA-nominated projects, and professionals from casting studios. • Casting Director Workshop (When Scheduled) – A practical session led by a casting professional. Learn directly what’s expected in the room and on tape — an invaluable industry insight. • Self-Tape Technique & Exercise – Develop a high-quality self-tape under industry conditions. Understand frame, eye line, lighting, performance choices, and how to grab attention as quickly as possible. • Career Q&A; – Dedicated space to ask questions about agents, Spotlight, professional development, and career planning. Learn how to build momentum, prepare applications, and network mindfully. • Final Scene for Camera – Unique Material – Apply yourself to a second advanced scene not previously covered. Raise the bar in terms of emotional, physical, and technical requirements. • Review + Showreel Building – Group feedback and scene review. Your filmed scenes from each term are yours to keep — a practical and affordable way to build a professional showreel over time. Advanced and Intermediate groups may sometimes blend, depending on numbers, experience levels, and guest tutor structure. When necessary, they may be split again to focus on specific tier-appropriate exercises. Class sizes vary between 10-20 people Classes are capped at a maximum of 25 students on each term. |
ONLINE
TERMS ARE SCHEDULED ACCORDING TO DEMAND. PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR AVAILABILITY.
Class sizes usually vary between 10-20 people Classes are capped at a maximum of 25 students on each term |
"Thank you so much for nurturing me and allowing me a safe space to explore with neither judgement nor ridicule. I've seen quite a few tutors who do both!!"
Julie Stevenson. Actor's Cafe Student. 2019-2024 TERM DATES
Sessions run according to demand; times and dates vary accordingly. Please contact us via the contact form to enquire. 1:1 £50 per hour Group Sessions £400 - 10 sessions [2 hours] £250 - 5 sessions [2 hours] Class duration may vary depending on class size |
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WATFORD
The Pump House Theatre Local Board RD Watford WD17 2JP |
WATFORD
Wellspring Auditorium 1 Wellspring Way Watford WD17 2AH |
Who are the classes for?
- For those who want to develop their acting to a professional standard or those who want to act for fun, under the guidance of a professional actor.
- For those looking to build acting skill and gain acting credits for their CV (advanced course)
- Starting actors who want to further develop their acting practice and learn from industry creatives and professionals
- Classes are organised into beginners and advanced. Both classes are for ages 18+. Beginners is for all abilities aged 18+ and Advanced is for members who have joined the beginners class for one year or have shown clear advancement in their ability.
What's included in the Courses?
- A series of acting classes teaching industry standard acting methods, taught by an experienced actor. All classes work to produce a naturalistic and truthful performance in the student.
- A chance to build a screen showreel, which is essential for getting acting work.
- An opportunity to be involved with stage and screen productions worthy of a Spotlight credit.
- Opportunities to meet industry professionals and take advice from casting directors, directors, actors and agents.
- The course offers guidance on how get into the acting industry, although it is not compulsory for students to want to get into the industry, some students will be on the course for confidence building, creative expression etc,
How do I apply?
- Please apply by contacting us.
- You can also apply for a taster session by filling out the form on the Free Class page. You'll have the option to sign up for the next term when you attend the free session.
Payment
Payment for classes is received by cash, cheque, bank transfer. Payment details will be given when you fill out the Course form below or contact us.
- For those who want to develop their acting to a professional standard or those who want to act for fun, under the guidance of a professional actor.
- For those looking to build acting skill and gain acting credits for their CV (advanced course)
- Starting actors who want to further develop their acting practice and learn from industry creatives and professionals
- Classes are organised into beginners and advanced. Both classes are for ages 18+. Beginners is for all abilities aged 18+ and Advanced is for members who have joined the beginners class for one year or have shown clear advancement in their ability.
What's included in the Courses?
- A series of acting classes teaching industry standard acting methods, taught by an experienced actor. All classes work to produce a naturalistic and truthful performance in the student.
- A chance to build a screen showreel, which is essential for getting acting work.
- An opportunity to be involved with stage and screen productions worthy of a Spotlight credit.
- Opportunities to meet industry professionals and take advice from casting directors, directors, actors and agents.
- The course offers guidance on how get into the acting industry, although it is not compulsory for students to want to get into the industry, some students will be on the course for confidence building, creative expression etc,
How do I apply?
- Please apply by contacting us.
- You can also apply for a taster session by filling out the form on the Free Class page. You'll have the option to sign up for the next term when you attend the free session.
Payment
Payment for classes is received by cash, cheque, bank transfer. Payment details will be given when you fill out the Course form below or contact us.