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If you have always longed to act on screen, but assumed it is impossible because you didn’t head off to drama school for three years when you were 18, don’t give up your dream. You might be surprised to learn that this is certainly not the only path into the industry. Here’s a look at what really matters for success in film and TV acting. 

What are casting directors looking for?

Casting directors are looking for authenticity, versatility, and the ability to take direction on set. While drama schools provide structured training, they’re not the only place to gain these skills. Today, many actors book roles thanks to part-time training, on-camera workshops, and practical experience rather than a traditional three-year course.

Can part-time acting classes really compete?

Yes, they can. Part-time screen acting classes focus on the skills that matter most for TV and film: working with the camera, understanding eyelines, mastering the art of subtlety, and learning to deliver strong self-tape auditions. Because the classes are smaller and more flexible, you also get more individual attention and hands-on practice.

How much does drama school cost?

Drama schools often require a full-time commitment and significant financial investment, depending on the length of the course and the institution. 

For many adults balancing jobs, families, or other studies, this isn’t practical. Part-time training makes it possible to develop professional skills without uprooting your life or breaking the bank.

So, what’s the best way to get into TV acting?

The truth is there’s no single path into the industry. Some actors go to drama school, others train part-time and gain credits through independent films, commercials, or regional productions. What matters most is consistent training, building confidence in front of the camera, and making industry connections.

If you’re passionate about screen acting and want a realistic, flexible way to start, part-time TV acting classes in Manchester could be the perfect next step.

At one time, the sight of a film crew in Manchester, Leeds or Liverpool would have drawn a crowd, and maybe even been mentioned on regional news programmes. It’s a totally different story nowadays however, as the north of England is regularly chosen as a filming location, and is home to huge studios including the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4.

Film crews up north may no longer cause a stir, but they do mean there’s plenty of opportunities for aspiring actors who are ready for their first role. There’s no need to take the traditional route of moving to London to chase auditions, and perhaps having to make difficult decisions about leaving behind friends and family. 

From gritty dramas to high-energy comedies, northern casting calls are out there if you know where to look. Student films, indie projects, and commercials also provide fantastic experience and can be stepping stones to bigger roles.

You’ll still need to be well prepared to give yourself a chance of landing an entry-level role. Part-time adult acting classes can help you with this aim. You’ll learn how to adapt to the camera, perfect self-tapes, and to understand what casting directors really want to see at an audition. 

Joining a supportive acting class means you’ll practice with others, get constructive feedback, and build confidence in a safe environment. Think of it as your training ground before stepping onto a real set. The classes can be fitted around a busy lifestyle, and you’ll learn invaluable skills that translate into other areas of your life. 

There’s no need to clamber up the perilous slope to Hollywood heights or head for the West End of London any more: with northern productions on the rise, screen and stage acting has never been more accessible. So if you’ve been waiting for a cue to start your dream career, there’s never been a better time. 

If you’ve been taking acting classes in Leeds or Manchester, you’re in a great position as an aspiring actor. The north of England is currently one of the most exciting places in the UK for TV productions, independent films, and theatre. Over the past couple of decades, a thriving performance scene has evolved that no longer plays second fiddle to London.

If you are passionate about a career on screen or stage and ready to take your next steps, here are some places to start looking.

Major TV productions and studios

The TV and film industry in the North is booming, with many flagship British shows filmed here. Manchester’s MediaCityUK in Salford is home to the BBC, ITV, and CBBC, producing household names such as Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, and Peaky Blinders (parts of which were shot in Manchester and Liverpool).

In Leeds, ITV Yorkshire produces Emmerdale, while Channel 4’s new headquarters has brought additional production work to the city. These studios regularly work with casting directors who need local talent for speaking roles, extras, and stand-ins.

Independent film and theatre

Manchester and Leeds both have thriving indie film and fringe theatre communities. Smaller productions often cast locally, giving new actors the chance to gain on-set experience and build credits. Check out HOME Manchester, which hosts stage productions, film festivals, and local filmmaking events.

On the other side of the Pennines, Leeds Playhouse runs creative engagement projects and sometimes casts emerging actors for community-led shows.

Regional casting calls

Not all acting jobs are advertised publicly, but there are several places you can check for genuine regional opportunities. Good online platforms include Spotlight and The Mandy Network, but local Facebook groups are also well worth checking out if you’re scouting for your first break.

With the summer in full swing, Britain’s outdoor theatres are full of colour, sound and activity as actors perform under the wide open skies. From the enchanting clifftop experience of Cornwall’s Minack Theatre to the leafy grandeur of London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, it’s possible to see everything from Shakespeare to children’s shows. 

If you are considering embarking on drama classes for adults, acting in the great outdoors is not only a thrilling experience, but also good practice. You’ll need to be able to project your voice against the breeze, carry on in the face of a sudden rainshower or seagull invasion, and respond to your environment. 

This helps to hone the skills that all good actors need to master (and casting directors value): the ability to be agile, react to what’s around you, stay focused and ride out distractions or mistakes, or even turn them into creative opportunities. 

Open air acting is a great way to step out of your comfort zone, and realise that great acting is all about presence rather than the pursuit of perfection. Live theatre is magical but also raw and unpredictable, and an outdoor venue helps you to experience it as it is intended to be. 

Great outdoor venues in the UK

If you feel inspired to see some open-air acting action or even go for an audition, here are some of the greatest outdoor theatres to check out. 

The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Cornwall

This historic amphitheatre is carved into a cliff overlooking the Cornish sea, so it would be difficult not to feel transported by the setting, whether you are watching or performing. Live programmes run throughout the summer, and this year it includes The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, based on the best-selling novel. 

There are also performances of Hamlet, Moby Dick, and a modern recreation of a Shakespeare masterpiece, The Tempest in a Teacup. Even if you visit when there’s no performance, you can take a guided tour of the theatre and subtropical gardens during the summer months. 

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester, Cheshire

This is a pop-up summer venue based on the round design of Elizabethan theatres. It puts on a range of performances throughout July and August, from literary plays to family-friendly fun. This year, there’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Alice in Wonderland. 

Brighton Open Air Theatre, East Sussex

This 400-seat amphitheatre embraces diversity, and is a natural home for drag, burlesque and comedy. It also puts on children friendly shows throughout the summer, and a handful of classics. This year, check out Cinderella, Twelfth Night, a Dolly Parton tribute night, and a whole host of live music and comedy nights. 

Many people are drawn to acting because they dream of performing on the stage or screen, but at our acting classes in Liverpool, you’ll also be taught a more overlooked skill: how to act for radio. As demand rises for entertaining podcasts and audiodramas, there’s a growing market for talented voice actors. 

Radio can also be a more accessible and manageable way for older actors to break into the industry. Here’s what to know about voice acting. 

A growing market

At one time, radio acting was limited to a few drama slots on Radio 4 or commercial voiceover work. However, with the rise of streaming platforms such as Audible and BBC Sounds, audio dramas and ‘talking books’ are finding a new audience. There’s also a growing demand for skilled voice actors for animations, gaming, and advertising. 

The challenges and advantages of voice acting

Voice actors rely on their control of tone, rhythm and breathing to communicate feeling and meaning. With no visuals to rely on, they need to make their character so believable and compelling that they come alive in the imagination of the listener. This takes skill, but they are learnable skills that will get better with tuition and practice. 

The advantages of voice acting for older actors are also worth considering: it means you can bypass any character stereotyping based on your appearance or age, and this can open up a much wider range of roles and genres. 

You don’t need to worry about camera angles, hair, makeup and costumes, so you can pour 100 per cent of your focus into character and storytelling. 

Older actors are often rich in life experiences, and they have a voice inside them that is authentic and lived in. That’s definitely something worth sharing.

We often wish aspiring actors good luck when they go for an audition, but luck is often really just a matter of preparation meets opportunity. This is never more true than when auditioning for a play, television show, or radio drama. The process is about more than being able to put in a good performance: it’s a whole skillset. Here’s what to know. 

Cold reading and script work

“Cold reading” means performing from a section of script that you’ve had a limited time to prepare, maybe even just a few minutes. You may be asked to do this in an audition, perhaps just for a line or two, or maybe more. 

It is not just a case of reading the lines out loud; it requires you to show that you can interpret and bring to life a character, even when the pressure is on. The ability to be spontaneous is highly prized in acting, because it demonstrates the actor can think on their feet and adapt to the unexpected. 

It’s a way for the casting director to see if the actor has an innate ability to embody the character, and to assess their potential to grow into a role. This might sound daunting if you are an inexperienced actor, but it’s one of the skills you will learn at our acting classes in Liverpool.

As you gain experience and confidence in your acting skills, you’ll learn how to trust your instincts and be spontaneous. There are also practical points to remember, such as taking the time to understand the narrative and character motivations, even if you only have a few minutes for a read through. 

If the scene involves other characters, you need to show you can react to their performance as well as delivering your own. When you are speaking, stay composed and use voice modulation and articulation techniques to ensure that you are clearly understood and convey the appropriate meaning and emotion in your voice. 

Taking direction 

The audition team will also be looking for someone who can collaborate with others and take direction well. This means being able to apply a direction note correctly and without undue hesitation, while maintaining an authentic performance. For example, it might be a subtle shift of tone or intention, or trying a completely different angle on a scene. 

Self-tape techniques

Self-tapes are now the industry standard, whether as a preliminary requirement for a second audition stage, or to replace an in-person audition. However, putting together a good self-tape requires some skill and experience. You’ll need to have an understanding of the technical aspects such as framing, lighting, and sound, and to be aware of eye lines.

You’ll also need to be able to create that sense of immediacy and intimacy without another actor or reader to respond to, and to recognise when you’ve got the final cut and when to do a re-tape.  

Casting professionals are looking for someone who can read the room, demonstrate spontaneity and work well with others, alongside all those traditional techniques such as voice modulation. These are skills that you will learn at acting school.

If you are thinking about joining adult acting classes in Manchester, you might find that you end up learning more than you bargained for. Of course you’ll be armed with the skills you need to perform effectively on stage or in front of the camera, but many people are surprised to find that their new skillset carries over in other areas of their lives. 

In fact, some people take up acting not to pursue a career dream, but for a whole range of other reasons: to boost their confidence; meet new people; enhance their creativity, and many more. Here’s a look at some of the unexpected skills you might pick up at our acting classes.

Enhanced communication skills

Good communication is at the heart of effective acting, and in drama workshops you’ll learn how to take your skills to a whole new level. You’ll have plenty of instruction and opportunities to practice speaking confidently and clearly, how to modulate your voice to suit the situation, how to express your intentions fluently and how to listen actively to others.

You will find that these skills transition effortlessly into other areas of your life, from job interviews to dealing with clients at work, and even in casual conversions or when talking to loved ones.

Greater self confidence

Acting pushes you out of your comfort zone: it takes courage to stand up and perform in front of strangers, whether you are a natural extravert who loves company or a home-loving introvert. Over time, you will gain more confidence as you work in a safe and supportive environment with plenty of advice and encouragement along the way. 

Learning how to act is especially useful for people who fear public speaking: they can find themselves suddenly able to handle tasks such as making a presentation at work or college, or making a wedding speech with the ease and poise they could only previously dream of. 

Higher emotional intelligence

When you take on an acting role, you are doing so much more than just delivering lines and gestures: you will need to immerse yourself fully in the character, understanding their motives, desires, weaknesses and what lies at their emotional core. You’ll need to intuitively understand how they respond to other characters and events in the storyline.

In short, you’ll step into their shoes and see the world through the eyes of another person. They may be a fictional character, but understanding how they think and feel can make you more empathetic and intuitive with the real people in your life, enhancing the quality of your personal and professional relationships.

Resilience and adaptability

In live performance, not everything goes to plan, and in fact the funniest or most creative moments can arise spontaneously from mistakes. Acting will teach you how to adapt, bounce back from failure, improvise and find another way to carry on. 

Over time, these abilities will shine in other areas of your life, and you will find yourself much more resilient and less afraid of failure.  

At our acting workshop in Manchester, we teach TV acting classes to students over the age of 16. With the quality and number of TV productions at an all time high thanks to streaming services such as Netflix, there are exciting opportunities for aspiring small screen actors. However, you might be wondering how the acting techniques differ from stage to screen.

While the two types of acting craft share similar key skills, they require different approaches. Here’s a brief look at the unique challenges of each to help you understand which one might suit you best, or if you just want to build good all-round experience as you train. 

Acting for screen

When acting for screen, the camera can capture close-up shots from multiple angles, so there is scope to pick up more subtle facial expressions and nuanced emotions. It’s also possible to make multiple takes of the same screen, so there’s space to develop and refine your acting if necessary. However, a certain degree of consistency between takes is needed.

Screen acting requires a more naturalistic approach, and it’s possible to convey meaning and emotion through facial expressions and small gestures. This makes the performance convincing and engaging. The voice should have a relaxed and conversational tone. Technical awareness, such as understanding camera angles and lighting are also important. 

Acting for stage

Acting for stage is much more physical, involving a more heightened performance with voice projection and exaggerated facial expressions and body language. It also requires strong mental focus because scenes can’t be reshot, so you’ll need to be well prepared and learn how to handle mistakes without losing momentum. 

You’ll also need to work at engaging with the live audience, and respond to their reactions to hone your performance. 

One of the key skills an actor should develop is breaking down a script, whether they want to act for stage or screen. This helps you to understand the story arc and character in more depth, enabling you to deliver a more confident and convincing performance. Here’s a guide to getting to grips with a script.

Read the script x 3

Aim to read the script right through three times. On your first read, just take in the story and themes, thinking about what is driving the drama. On your second read, focus on your character and their central relationships: what is their emotional core, and how does it fit in with the key plot developments?

On your third read, get a feel for the tone and rhythms of the dialogue and how your character responds to other characters and events. Look for any subtexts (ie. hidden motivations that you might convey in body language or tone rather than words) that you might have missed before. 

Break down the details

Now you have a handle on the story and character, delve into the context in some more depth. For example, is there any indication of the time period and location of the drama? This will help you to add subtle nuances to your performance. Similarly, is there any clue to your character’s backstory that could help you to understand their motivations?

Think about how this information will translate into stage: how will the situation appear from the audience’s perspective? Which other characters will you be sharing the space with, even if they do not have a speaking role? 

As the Shakespearean character Jaques in As You Like it said, “All the world’s a stage”, so start to think about how you will approach your stagecraft even as you are reading.

If you find it helpful, add your own notes to the margins of the script to help you flesh out your thoughts. However, be wary of going too far and embellishing the story or character with details that are not present or implied in the script. 

Start memorising lines

When you feel as though you have really got under the skin of your character, start the process of memorising lines. Break it down into manageable sections rather than trying to learn big chunks in one go. Say the words out loud rather than just reading them, and practice with a partner if you can, and aim to react to them rather than just say your piece. 

As you become more familiar with your lines, start to think about your movements and body language as well as the words, as eventually these will all need to work together. 

If you’d like the chance to develop your skills further, check out our adult acting classes in Liverpool.

It’s the festive season, and you might be planning to catch a pantomime. These lively productions are always great fun to watch, and they are also fantastic opportunities for aspiring actors to showcase their skills. Often an amateur theatre group will put on a pantomime at this time of the year. 

They are a great way for adults taking part time acting classes in Liverpool to combine experience of the stage with their other commitments. Here’s a look at the noble history of the pantomime, and how you can join in the fun. Remember that many theatre groups start planning next year’s panto as early as January, so it’s the ideal time to brush up your skills.

The Great British panto tradition

Pantomimes are usually based on a classic children’s story or a fairy tale such as Snow White, Dick Whittington, Cinderella or Robin Hood. They are rowdy and raucous family entertainment, with slapstick humour for the kids and bawdy double entendres for the adults. They usually include an element of singing and dancing and plenty of special effects.

The biggest productions command major stars from the entertainment industry, but there are hundreds of smaller regional pantos that are always on the lookout for skilled performers.

There’s a variety of roles available. If the main character is male, it’s traditionally played by a female actor, while the Panto Dame (usually the hero’s mother) is played by a male actor. There’s also usually a co-principal boy or girl who is the hero’s love interest, and a comic lead who tends to have good slapstick skills and encourages audience participation.

Other classic panto roles include the villain and their sidekick, double acts such as the Ugly Sisters, and a Fairy Godmother. There’s also of course the role of the pantomime animal! This is a job for actors with plenty of stamina. 

For newer actors, there’s also opportunities to be cast as an ensemble performer. These actors will take part in singing and dance routines, and may have small speaking roles or understudy one of the main performers. It’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door with live stage performances, without being thrown in at the deep end. 

Tips for a great audition

If you fancy giving Panto a go, then make sure you are familiar with the story and characters, and decide which role suits your personality and skillset. As previously mentioned, if it’s your first audition for a proper acting role, then starting with a more low-key part such as chorus or ensemble might be the best approach. 

Do not underestimate the skills and abilities required to be a good pantomime actor: it may be for laughs, but this requires a lot of energy and positivity. Be upbeat and the best version of yourself to impress the panel.