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'I came into the Actors Cafe to teach Clowning with a group of students on 12th October, 2022. Clowning can be quite a difficult technique, as it requires not only openness but also bounds of energy. I found all the students at the Actors Cafe to not only be open but also have a genuine sense of curiosity and play. It was wonderful to work with a group that were both supportive and talented and willing to embrace all of the techniques I threw at them. I can't wait to hear how the students get on in the future.' Alex Bell. MA Acting, Central School of Speech and Drama. |
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"The students at The Actor's Cafe were a joy to work with. They were well prepared in their work, and I had great fun workshopping scenes with them." Ceri Bedingfield. Casting Director. |
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''I came upon The Actors Cafe when casting for local talent of all abilities. I have since cast a range of actors in my projects from the groups and am now a regular visitor to the sessions. 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. |
Silent Shout Film Studios
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Tobi Bakare. Actor. Acting Coach.
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"The students are hungry to learn and keen to explore, making sessions positively intense. Thank you for having me!" Tobi Bakare. Company Director: Wrought Artisan. Actor. |
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"I was recently invited to The Actor's Cafe for an agent Q&A, where I also enjoyed a viewing of the students scene work. They were a lovely bunch of students who were well prepared in their work, and showed a keen interest to move forwards in the industry." Jo McLintock. Acting Agent. A&J Artists. |
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Lucy Jenkins. Casting Director
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"I found the students at The Actor's Cafe really positive and engaged. We had a lovely evening together. The students were great, everyone really threw themselves in to it! They were generous with each other and brave with their choices. What an inspiring group of people!" Lucy Jenkins. Casting Director. |
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"I really enjoyed the workshop - thanks for hosting me! An absolute pleasure to run a workshop at The Actors Cafe. The actors were a joy to work with and the facilitators were supportive, relaxed and organised." Lizzie Bichard Casting |
Lizzie Bichard. Casting DIrector
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"Having visited the Actor's Cafe on three separate occasions now, I can really see the great work it produces. The tutors nuture talent in actors of all ages and experience and encourage them to develop their craft and build confidence. The sessions are approached with a view to preparing the actors for every aspect of the profession in a safe and supportive environment. I look forward to another visit soon!" Alex Scanlan. CAM Actors Agency. |
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"My time with The Actor's Cafe students was a valuable opportunity for me to reflect on my time directing actors, I learned a lot about their concerns as well as sharing some of my experiences to hopefully help them in future. Running scenes with them was a real joy and I loved getting to know them and practice our crafts." Ben Mallaby. BAFTA Nominated Director. |
Ben Mallaby. Director.
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PAUL GIDDINGS. DIRECTOR.
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"Thanks for having us at The Actors Cafe and for creating such a relaxed, positive and supportive environment in which we could all work together. The students were a pleasure to work with, focussed, interested in their craft and bold in their acting choices. It was great to see their interpretations come to life on camera and we were impressed by their ability to take notes quickly and be truly present in the scene. A great session." Paul Giddings. TV Director BBC. Actor. |
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"A great evening with an enthusiastic bunch of actors. It was lovely to have an open and honest discussion about the industry and answer their varied and relevant questions about everything from Spotlight to self-tapes. Everyone supplied a self-tape for review before the session and the standard was really very high. I was impressed! I look forward to coming back to the Actors Cafe in the future. Thanks John Gould for the invitation. I hope everyone found it useful" Matt Butcher. Agent. Paul Byram Associates. |
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"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed working with your students and team at the recent workshop. You have created a wonderful facility and resource that I am sure will help equip actors for a successful career in the industry." Nicci Topping. Casting Director. |
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"Thank you so much for last week - I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop! It was a fantastic evening! They were wonderful and you obviously give them so much support and confidence!"
Laura WIndows. Casting Director. |
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CARL PROCTOR CASTING
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"I was very impressed by everyone’s work on the scenes. I don’t know if people have to audition for this course, but the standard is very high and all took direction well. It's clear that the team running the course are highly proficient and committed to providing an excellent training, whilst also making it an enjoyable and fun experience for all. Working with people of different ages and different degrees of experience, makes it all the more interesting for a visiting professional and I would think that the participants feel the same."
Carl Proctor. Casting Director. |
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"I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the session - so much so, that the sheer number of things I wanted to discuss with you couldn't all be included in just one email! A massive 'hats off' to you and your team - and thank you. I am blown away with your teaching and your approach and just your generosity of spirit. I loved it." Camilla Arthur Casting. Casting Director. |
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NEWSCONGRATULATIONS TO PHOEBE FRENCH WHO LANDED TWO EPISODES ON HOLBY CITY AS EVIE FLETCHER, AFTER JUST ONE TERM OF THE ACTOR'S CAFE!
Some people train and audition for many years to have the hope of landing a part in something that will help them on their route into the industry. Phoebe Fletcher managed that after just one part-time term with The Actor's Cafe! Phoebe had not other training until her term at The Actor's Cafe during summer 2019. Phoebe said, "It all felt a bit surreal watching it back. Like it was some kind of dream I had and then I was waiting for it to appear on tv for everybody to see! I had the job confirmed in December 2019 and filmed throughout Jan and Feb 2020, I’m in two episodes for now but hoping they will have me back as I’m playing one of the lead’s daughters. It was an amazing experience! I learnt more as I went and everybody on set was so kind and helpful. I speak about the The Actor's Cafe course fondly and always point people in your direction who are looking for acting courses and advice!" |
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ONLINE ACTING SESSIONS ARE WELL UNDERWAY
Our online sessions are well underway. We've had around 500 people apply so far, encounting. During these sessions we've been looking at self-tape performances and giving feedback with the technical aspects of the self-tape in mind as well as constructive critique on the acting craft.
Here's what Elizabeth Mann had to say -
"Thank you so much for the lesson you have just given us all. Speaking for myself, I would like to say how impressed I am with the way you conducted the lesson - I feel I have learned so much in such a short time. A friend of mine from the Saturday School at GSA had recommended your trial session in Guilford a few months ago, enthusing about how much he had learned in just a few hours. I’m so glad that I’ve had this opportunity today and look forward to hearing from you about the next available taster session in Guildford." - Elizabeth Mann
Check out actorscafe.co.uk/online for all our courses. Or book in an online taster session with us if you haven't done so already at actorscafe.co.uk/free-class. We'll also be holding taster sessions in person at our venues in Watford, Guildford, Romford and London. Details for the in-person taster session will be at actorscafe.co.uk/free-class asap.
Our online sessions are well underway. We've had around 500 people apply so far, encounting. During these sessions we've been looking at self-tape performances and giving feedback with the technical aspects of the self-tape in mind as well as constructive critique on the acting craft.
Here's what Elizabeth Mann had to say -
"Thank you so much for the lesson you have just given us all. Speaking for myself, I would like to say how impressed I am with the way you conducted the lesson - I feel I have learned so much in such a short time. A friend of mine from the Saturday School at GSA had recommended your trial session in Guilford a few months ago, enthusing about how much he had learned in just a few hours. I’m so glad that I’ve had this opportunity today and look forward to hearing from you about the next available taster session in Guildford." - Elizabeth Mann
Check out actorscafe.co.uk/online for all our courses. Or book in an online taster session with us if you haven't done so already at actorscafe.co.uk/free-class. We'll also be holding taster sessions in person at our venues in Watford, Guildford, Romford and London. Details for the in-person taster session will be at actorscafe.co.uk/free-class asap.
 Barney Jones - Photo by La Luna Photography
ONCE NOVICE ACTOR'S CAFE STUDENT BARNEY JONES LANDS FIRST MAJOR FILM ROLE AFTER JUST ONE TERM Actor's Cafe student Barney Jones joined The Actors cafe for the summer term of 2018 with no acting experience. While taking on his second term, he landed his first professional paid role in a feature film. After the audition for the film, Barney wrote "John, I'm so proud of myself right now, this audition was so formal, sign in and sign out sheets, seven people watching, everyone in the waiting room could hear your audition, I was so nervous. I sat down, shut my eyes and pretended I was in your class and gave my best performance to date. I can't tell you how much of what you say resonates with me. You continuously challenge me to try things differently even when I think I've done well, you always give me something more to think about, i owe a lot to you." |
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JOHN GOULD'S COLLABORATION WITH JAY SHETTY, ANAHITA HUGHES, AND FILMWORK STUDIOS "BEFORE YOU TAKE SOMEONE FOR GRANTED" REACHES 145 MILLION FACEBOOK VIEWS.
Great to be a part of this production with Jay Shetty. I'm thrilled that it's reached so many views and the feedback has been fantastic. It's a good feeling to hear that people are inspired by it's message. It feels very positive and fulfilling to be part of a project that supports an ethos that I care about.
Great to be a part of this production with Jay Shetty. I'm thrilled that it's reached so many views and the feedback has been fantastic. It's a good feeling to hear that people are inspired by it's message. It feels very positive and fulfilling to be part of a project that supports an ethos that I care about.
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ACTOR'S CAFE TAKES PART IN BBC 3 COUNTIES RADIO POST CODE QUIZ WITH HOST TIM WHEELER
The Actor's Cafe recently took part in BBC 3 Radio's Post Code Quiz with host Tim Wheeler. Tim contacted The Actor's Cafe asking if we'd like to take part in the quiz, which we thought would be great fun and so gave an imminent yes to. It was a enjoyable experience and a great opportunity to share the mood of The Actor's Cafe to further counties on BBC3 Radio, Tim's co-host Nana Akua even mentioned that she might pop down to one of the Free Workshops herself! We'd love to see you along Nana!" Thank you for having us on the show.
The Actor's Cafe recently took part in BBC 3 Radio's Post Code Quiz with host Tim Wheeler. Tim contacted The Actor's Cafe asking if we'd like to take part in the quiz, which we thought would be great fun and so gave an imminent yes to. It was a enjoyable experience and a great opportunity to share the mood of The Actor's Cafe to further counties on BBC3 Radio, Tim's co-host Nana Akua even mentioned that she might pop down to one of the Free Workshops herself! We'd love to see you along Nana!" Thank you for having us on the show.
ACTOR'S CAFE STUDENT ANNIE WILLIAMS CAN BE SEEN IN THIS YEAR'S LIDL XMAS AD
Annie Williams joined The Actor's Cafe with the Hornchurch branch in Essex at the beginning of this term. Annie has featured in Independent films and various TV programs. Her son Tommy Ray is also a student on the course and is currently auditioning for drama schools. Annie has not only climbed the acting ladder to gain herself credits for Spotlight Casting, but has also helped her son to land parts for stage and various acting projects before he had even reached the age to audition for drama schools. We're very pleased that Annie is a part of the sessions at The Actor's Cafe, and it's well worth asking her a thing or two about the industry if ever you meet her on the course. Watch out for Annie Williams, there's more of her to come! Annie is the lady raising her glass at the end of the ad!
Annie Williams joined The Actor's Cafe with the Hornchurch branch in Essex at the beginning of this term. Annie has featured in Independent films and various TV programs. Her son Tommy Ray is also a student on the course and is currently auditioning for drama schools. Annie has not only climbed the acting ladder to gain herself credits for Spotlight Casting, but has also helped her son to land parts for stage and various acting projects before he had even reached the age to audition for drama schools. We're very pleased that Annie is a part of the sessions at The Actor's Cafe, and it's well worth asking her a thing or two about the industry if ever you meet her on the course. Watch out for Annie Williams, there's more of her to come! Annie is the lady raising her glass at the end of the ad!
ACTORS CAFE GUEST SPEAKER LOUISE GREEN LANDS A PART IN CHANNEL 4'S MAN DOWN
"I was very chuffed to be cast in Man Down, after a role in BBC 3's Witless, it was nice to get a role for Channel 4." Louise is a guest speaker at The Actor's Cafe and she's a former Actor's Cafe Student. Since she started at the Actor's Cafe she joined John Doe management and her roles for TV and Commercials have since increased. We're very proud to have her as a speaker at The Actor's Cafe, and we're pleased that she is around to impart her experience and knowledge to students on the course. Well done Louise!
"I was very chuffed to be cast in Man Down, after a role in BBC 3's Witless, it was nice to get a role for Channel 4." Louise is a guest speaker at The Actor's Cafe and she's a former Actor's Cafe Student. Since she started at the Actor's Cafe she joined John Doe management and her roles for TV and Commercials have since increased. We're very proud to have her as a speaker at The Actor's Cafe, and we're pleased that she is around to impart her experience and knowledge to students on the course. Well done Louise!
"WHEN YOU BUMP INTO YOUR EX" VIRAL VIDEO WITH JAY SHETTY REACHES 50 MILLION FACEBOOK VIEWS
Once again, Anahita Hughes and Johnny Gould collaborate on another successful viral video with Jay Shetty, reaching 50 million Facebook views. "We're delighted to be a part of the project, we didn't expect this many views. Jay Shetty is incredibly professional and great fun to work with, we're looking forward to more videos with Jay."
Once again, Anahita Hughes and Johnny Gould collaborate on another successful viral video with Jay Shetty, reaching 50 million Facebook views. "We're delighted to be a part of the project, we didn't expect this many views. Jay Shetty is incredibly professional and great fun to work with, we're looking forward to more videos with Jay."
ACTOR'S CAFE TUTOR JOHNNY GOULD ACCEPTS INTERNATIONAL ACTING TOUR
Actor's Cafe Tutor Johnny Gould has accepted an international tour to Cyprus, Greece to perform for the European Capital of Culture Festival in July. "The tour landed straight after the summer term at the actor's cafe and I'll be back in time before the next term in September," Johnny said. "I've worked with the director of the show before and it was nice to be considered again." The director of the show George Rosdothenous has directed 5 international shows and currently tutors theatre performance at the university of Leeds centre for performing arts.
ACTOR'S CAFE STUDENT LELA JAS IS CAST IN A TV SERIES
Actor's Cafe Student Lela Jas has recently been cast in an episode for UKTV's new documentary drama series, The Private Lives of The Monarchs. Lela told The Actor's Cafe - "I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the last 9 weeks. You've opened my eyes to lots of new approaches to creating truth in what we do." It's been a pleasure to work with Lela at The Actor's Cafe and we're very pleased that another one of our acting students is getting work in the industry.
"BEFORE YOU BREAK UP WATCH THIS" VIRAL VIDEO WITH JOHNNY GOULD & JAY SHETTY HITS 40 MILLION FACEBOOK VIEWS
The Actor's Cafe Assistant, Student and Actress Anahita Hughes and myself recently collaborated with internet sensation Jay Shetty of Huffington Post Live with Before You Break Up Watch This, which reached 40 million Facebook views in the first few weeks of it's launch. Ana and I were thrilled to be a part of the project and we look forward to further collaborations with Jay.
The Actor's Cafe Assistant, Student and Actress Anahita Hughes and myself recently collaborated with internet sensation Jay Shetty of Huffington Post Live with Before You Break Up Watch This, which reached 40 million Facebook views in the first few weeks of it's launch. Ana and I were thrilled to be a part of the project and we look forward to further collaborations with Jay.
MOONBASE MEDIA 10% DISCOUNT SHOWREEL OFFER TO ALL ACTOR'S CAFE STUDENTS
Showreels are almost essential to your CV and work as an actor and after visiting The Actor's Cafe this term, the impressive Moonbase media showreel company are offering all our students a 10% discount offer on their showreels. The company offer high quality, TV style produced showreels at a fantastic rate. Please see www.moonbase.media for more info and please quote CAFE1 if you are a student on the course and are interested in a showreel of your own.
Showreels are almost essential to your CV and work as an actor and after visiting The Actor's Cafe this term, the impressive Moonbase media showreel company are offering all our students a 10% discount offer on their showreels. The company offer high quality, TV style produced showreels at a fantastic rate. Please see www.moonbase.media for more info and please quote CAFE1 if you are a student on the course and are interested in a showreel of your own.
ACTING STUDENT LOUISE GREEN LANDS A PART IN AN EPISODE OF WITLESS SERIES 2 EPISODE 3
Actor's Cafe student Louise Green has been with the Actor's Cafe for three terms now and has "enjoyed every minute." It's been a pleasure for us at the Actor's Cafe to have Louise on board and since being with the school she's landed roles in multiple commercials. Louise's latest role is a TV role for BBC's Comedy Witless playing the role of a helpline assistant. You can see Louise's appearance on catch up.
Actor's Cafe student Louise Green has been with the Actor's Cafe for three terms now and has "enjoyed every minute." It's been a pleasure for us at the Actor's Cafe to have Louise on board and since being with the school she's landed roles in multiple commercials. Louise's latest role is a TV role for BBC's Comedy Witless playing the role of a helpline assistant. You can see Louise's appearance on catch up.
MEISNER EXPERT SIMON FURNESS LEADS AN INCREDIBLE CLASS
Simon Furness, a student of one of Sanford Meisner's class members leads an incredible class at The Actor's Cafe. "Acting is truth under given imaginary circumstances. It's not acting, it's doing. We make it complicated as actors, it's simple. Listen. Repeat. Listen. Repeat," says Simon, with enthusiasm and a voice of experience. "Now i want you to count every single floor board in the room." (The students count) "Okay who actually counted each floor board? Who approximated? Acting is doing, not approximating." The class sat fascinated in Simon's knowledge. We look forward to extracting more from this acting wizard again soon.
Simon Furness, a student of one of Sanford Meisner's class members leads an incredible class at The Actor's Cafe. "Acting is truth under given imaginary circumstances. It's not acting, it's doing. We make it complicated as actors, it's simple. Listen. Repeat. Listen. Repeat," says Simon, with enthusiasm and a voice of experience. "Now i want you to count every single floor board in the room." (The students count) "Okay who actually counted each floor board? Who approximated? Acting is doing, not approximating." The class sat fascinated in Simon's knowledge. We look forward to extracting more from this acting wizard again soon.
TV DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER PAUL GIDDINGS CONFIRMS A VISIT TO THE COURSE
Director Paul Giddings and Luke Jenkins of Moonbase media will be making an appearance on the course this term, Paul Giddings has been a director and a producer for 15 years, working for major broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4. Their credits include Eastenders Live, Doctor Who Confidential, The X Factor and Family Guy: The Story So Far.
Director Paul Giddings and Luke Jenkins of Moonbase media will be making an appearance on the course this term, Paul Giddings has been a director and a producer for 15 years, working for major broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4. Their credits include Eastenders Live, Doctor Who Confidential, The X Factor and Family Guy: The Story So Far.
ACTOR'S CAFE STUDENT KWESI DAVIES IS CAST IN A COMMERCIAL THROUGH THE ACTOR'S CAFE COURSE
Becca Miller-Cheevers ran a casting director workshop with us last term and offered the students the opportunity to cast for one of her productions. Kwesi Davies was fortunate enough to be cast for a Jobs Commercial to which the fee from the project paid back his fee for The Actor's Cafe course, he was delighted with the casting and said this of the teaching:
"I just wanted to acknowledge you for being such a great teacher. You really helped me to see how positive the whole experience of acting can be. You're such a great teacher."
Becca Miller-Cheevers ran a casting director workshop with us last term and offered the students the opportunity to cast for one of her productions. Kwesi Davies was fortunate enough to be cast for a Jobs Commercial to which the fee from the project paid back his fee for The Actor's Cafe course, he was delighted with the casting and said this of the teaching:
"I just wanted to acknowledge you for being such a great teacher. You really helped me to see how positive the whole experience of acting can be. You're such a great teacher."
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CASTING DIRECTOR BECCA MILLER-CHEEVERS VISITS THE ACTOR'S CAFE
Becca, who helped cast for Absolutely Fabulous, as well as commercials and other projects visited The Actor's Cafe with an expectation of being a part of the course as a student. She attended the free workshops wanting to get a feel for what it's like to be an actress and be on the other side of the camera. The Actor's Cafe invited Becca to direct a class as a casting director, to which The Actor's Cafe students benefitted from her expertise and were given an opportunity to cast for one of her commercial projects. |
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ACTOR'S CAFE STUDENT ANAHITA HUGHES WORKS WITH FILM DIRECTOR PHIL BLAKE
Actor's Cafe Student Anahita Hughes is selected for a short film festival entry project working with director Phil Blake. Phil has worked with actress Alison Steadman, had his short film The Gap shown at the Odeon Leicester Square and has worked on a film starring Kevin Costner. Anahita was delighted with the opportunity to work with Phil through The Actor's Cafe.
Actor's Cafe Student Anahita Hughes is selected for a short film festival entry project working with director Phil Blake. Phil has worked with actress Alison Steadman, had his short film The Gap shown at the Odeon Leicester Square and has worked on a film starring Kevin Costner. Anahita was delighted with the opportunity to work with Phil through The Actor's Cafe.