The Actors’ Workshop is a unique, independent and nationally recognised centre for actor education.

Our Foundation Course has an unrivalled record for getting students into BA/MA courses at UK drama schools: 42 places on BA/MA courses at accredited UK drama schools in 2023.

(You can see our results for 2023 here.)

Led by experienced industry professionals, our courses and masterclasses provide the focused skills needed to succeed at audition and take your training further.

All classes and courses take place at our studio on Chatterton Street, Bristol BS1 6PR

The Actors’ Workshop’s Part-Time Foundation Course in Acting provides rigorous professional training in all the core skills required to pursue actor training at degree level (BA or MA).

Though our stunning success rate of 90% year-on-year speaks for itself, our constantly-evolving curriculum is designed not just to teach the core professional skills needed to succeed at audition and beyond, but to develop your creativity and understanding as an artist.

Our Foundation Course runs from early September until the beginning of June (Showcase*) with an optional extra performance project in July.

Applications for 2024-25 are OPEN!

Our next audition date is Saturday 11th May

*SHOWCASE 2024 is on Monday 3rd June at The Mount Without, Bristol. Tickets are Here

Taught by industry experts, this practical course offers professional training for actors who wish to acquire the technical knowledge and acting skills needed to excel in screen work.

Starting in September 2024, this 25-week course will run on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6.30-9.30pm at our studio on Chatterton Street, Bristol BS1 6PR.

The course includes a professionally produced showreel and voice reel and will culminate in a screening at a local cinema.

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS 6.30 - 9.30pm at The Actors’ Workshop Studio on Chatterton Street, BS1 6PR

Open to students aged 18+

Monday 3rd June at 7:30pm

The Mount Without, Upper Church Ln, Bristol BS2 8FN

An exciting and eclectic collection of scenes from classical and contemporary plays, woven together to create a narrative.

Come and see why our students are so successful and sought-after

…..and then join us for a drink in the best bar in Bristol!

2nd, 3rd & 4th July 2024

After the enormous critical success – and sold-out run – of Twelfth Night last year, we are producing and directing Macbeth at the Loco Klub, Temple Meads on 2nd, 3rd and 4th July 2024.

Set in the lava fields of Iceland, our atmospheric, thought-provoking production will explore the fine line between good and evil and the link between societal and environmental degradation. Macbeth will be performed by graduating members of our Foundation Course and directed by Jennifer Highan and Clara Marullo.

Shakespeare underpins everything we do as actors and is a huge part of our training at The Actors’ Workshop. The professional level of work reached by our foundation students in classical text is a fundamental tool that sets them apart and gives them a huge advantage as they embark on further training and enter the industry.

There will be a free matinee for secondary schools on Weds 3rd July. Contact us to book!

Our small, selective Teenage Group focuses on the building blocks of the craft – from Shakespeare to contemporary texts, Commedia dell’Arte to Meisner and more…..

This is the group for you if you are aged between 14 and 18, are serious about acting and want to make it your career.

Small classes and individual mentoring are the cornerstones of our work: we work closely with each student to unlock potential and exceed expectations.

Most of our Teen Group students move up to our Foundation Course after A-levels/BTecs; they have a massive head start as a result of their previous training with us.

Our Teen Group trains on Sundays from 3.00-6.00pm at our studio on Chatterton Street, Bristol BS1 6PR

We present a fully-staged Showcase every year at a local theatre.

Entry is by audition: please email us and we will be delighted to set this up for you if we have space.

Reawaken your creativity and work with experienced professional actors to enhance your skills and deliver best practice in teaching the performance components of GCSE and A level drama.

Join us in our studio on Chatterton Street, Bristol BS1 3PR* for an exciting series of

4 FREE Workshops open to all drama teachers in the Bristol area.

Connect with other teachers and be part of an ever-growing industry interface where your students will benefit from best practice and opportunities for training, plus the opportunity to bring your students to live performances, that will set them on the right path for a career in the performing arts.

*We have free parking too!

Aimed at actors, teachers and drama students, our masterclasses and short courses offer cutting edge professional development.

Led by Industry Experts, they will enhance your practice, adding new skills and deepening your craft.

Masterclasses run most weekends during the Autumn and early Spring. Short Courses run throughout the academic year.

All classes and courses are priced as competitively as possible with discounts for students and Equity members.