Acting for Film & TV: Level 1 Beginners

Introduction

This beginner-friendly course is perfect for aspiring screen actors who want to master the key differences between stage and screen acting. Learn essential techniques used by A-list actors to deliver compelling performances on camera. Each session builds on the last, offering hands-on experience and practical training in front of the camera.

Led by Director Sue Dunderdale, you’ll explore script analysis, character development, and improvisation through engaging workshops. Gain the confidence and skills to shine on screen.

This course is the first of a 3-part series, providing the foundation for advanced training in our Level 2 and Level 3 courses. Start your journey here!

The Building Blocks of Performance

Weekly Evening Sessions

Session 1: Stage vs Screen

Understand the key differences between performing for stage and screen, and explore how film as a visual medium influences acting.

  • Learn the differences in performance size for audience vs. camera.
  • Understand the importance of repetition and subtleties in screen acting.
  • Develop a strong understanding of how film scenes are shot, how this impacts performance, and the difference in approach between Film and TV.
  • Practice using a scene from a modern play, adapting it for both theatre and film performances.
Session 2: Exploring Character Techniques

Begin developing a character using both life observation and text .

  • Create character biographies and practice hot-seating to explore depth.
  • Develop characters through real-life observation and text-based improvisation.
  • Improvise short scenes using these characters to explore their reactions and behaviours.
Session 3: Improvisation For Character Building

Learn and apply improvisation to further understand character dynamics and creative instincts so your performance lives and breathes.

  • Build confidence in understanding character motivations without relying on dialogue.
  • Hone your ability to listen and react naturally to scene partners.
  • Develop improvisational skills that enhance on-screen performance.
Session 4: Monologue Rehearsal

Work on a monologue, breaking it down to understand its beats, objectives, and character arcs.

  • Break down a short script, identifying actions, objectives, and character status.
  • Apply the “10 Acting Questions” to inform your performance choices.
  • Start rehearsing your monologue with a focus on objectives and actions.
Session 5: On-Camera Monologue Performance

Perform your monologue on camera, incorporating feedback from the director and refine your technique. 

  • Film your monologue while receiving direction and technical notes.
  • Experience the practicalities of working on a set, including hitting marks, maintaining eye-lines, and adjusting to last-minute changes.
  • Participate in a review and Q&A session to consolidate your learning.
To build your confidence you will start by learning the differences between stage and screen performance, applying the technical skills of acting on camera, whilst working with monologues as you begin to understand how to develop a character.

Once you’ve become more comfortable with yourself on camera, Sue will start to assemble the building blocks of how to act in a scene.

By the end of these 5 practical sessions, you will have gained an understanding of acting techniques for screen and apply them in a filmed workshop performance and ready to take on our Level 2 Course as you begin work on Duologue Scenes.

What You'll Love

Progressive Evening Training

Times

6:30pm to 9:30pm

Designed For

Beginners

When

Tue 14th Jan – Weds 12th Feb 2025

Each course is worth a certain amount of points. Courses can be repeated to earn points. See below how many points you can earn from successfully completing this course.

Spotlight Eligibility

Earn 50 Points From This Course
Earn 400 Points To Be Eligible for Spotlight

Casting professionals choose Spotlight to cast their projects because performers on Spotlight are recognised as the industry’s best. 

To be eligible to apply for Spotlight Membership, you have to successfully earn 400 Points from Actors Studio Training.

Booking Options

This course has limited availability and spaces are first come first served.

Please read our Terms and Conditions before proceeding with your booking.

£429

Spread the cost interest free with Pay in 3 at Checkout. We accept all major debit and credit cards. 

  • The Umbrella Rooms: 241 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8EH
  • Nearby Tubes Include: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Covent Garden.
  • Suitable beginners 17+
  • Ideal follow on from our Beginners Weekend Crash Course and 1 Day Screen Acting Workshop
  • International Students Welcome
  • The course is taught in English, so it is important that you have proficient English language skills
  • Learn how to perform on camera
  • How to work with scripts
  • Basics of character development
  • What you need to improve on for future progression
  • Sue-Dunderdale-Director

    Sue Dunderdale

    Director

    Sue Dunderdale has an impressive background in the world of Theatre, Film and TV Directing. Her commitment to fostering both new talent and working with BAFTA award-winning actors underscores her versatility and dedication to the craft.

    Having coached and directed acclaimed actors such as Helena Bonham Carter and Clarke Peters, Sue has worked with BAFTA-winning performers, contributing to their success on screen.

    What Actors Are Saying

    Alex Crow
    Alex Crow
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    This is a brilliant course - so much content taught by amazing experienced tutors who are still working in the world of TV and Film.

    To do a course in Pinewood is lovely and the week filming the bespoke showreels was a brilliant finale. Highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to work in TV and film.
    Phillipa Flynn Marriott
    Phillipa Flynn Marriott
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    A galvanizing month of thorough Screen training ranging from acting techniques to technical terms. Having over 20 years of experience in the business I wanted an intense course to brush up my screen skills post-pandemic and that is exactly what I got.

    Plus it is run by a very lovely bunch of creatives who tailor make the experience to nurture the best out of individuals.
    Michael Oladele
    Michael Oladele
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    The screen actors course gave me the tools, knowledge and skills to be able to apply myself to acting for screen. It was intense, hard work and seriously fulfilling.

    I feel even more confident and prepared to take on the industry armed with acting toolkit. Thank you Actors Studio. Highly recommended!
    Natasha Sweeting
    Natasha Sweeting
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    I did the month long Screen Acting Masterclass at Pinewood Studios. It was one of the best things I have ever done and I’m so glad I chose to do it! Every coach and member of crew was so professional and so kind and fun at the same time. I have gained invaluable knowledge and connections as well as friends!

    I would recommend to anyone looking to start transitioning into screen acting and even if you’ve got experience!
    Nick Bateman
    Nick Bateman
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    The Masterclass in Screen Acting at Pinewood was an absolute honour to study. The course itself is brilliantly structured over four weeks. It's designed to open your eyes to the technical and emotional aspects of acting for screen, that up to this point, I have was not aware of at all.

    The crew are absolutely fantastic and really make the course what it is - from talented and inspiring teachers, directors, scriptwriters, 1st ADs, camera crew, lighting and sound technicians - they're all inspiring in their own way.
    Jennavere Watkin
    Jennavere Watkin
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    Truly the best screen acting training experience. The masterclass in screen acting has taught me wonders about the industry from technicalities to the artistry to how to build yourself in the business.

    This course had really challenged me every day, feeling tired as I got home and learning scripts everyday. The bar was set to high standards which really pushed me to come out as a much better actor.
    Janine Hickl
    Janine Hickl
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    The 4-week Masterclass at Actors Studio was a life changing experience! The Actors Studio team is wonderful and an honor to work with. This is a high quality training with great course content, inspiring teachers, a fantastic crew and amazing people in a creative environment.

    The course itself is challenging but very informative, encouraging and fun! I can highly recommend the Masterclass and I will definitely come back to do another course soon - Thank you!
    Forrest Caffray
    Forrest Caffray
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    Almost every single day on the course, could be split into its own individual workshop. Working with different professionals in the field on so many different elements of the industry, the scope covered in 20 days is exhaustive - in a good way.

    This is certainly no walk in the park, you will be pushed in mentally and emotionally novel ways, ways not provoked before. You will surprise yourself!

    Covering the course in detail would require an essay. To put it shortly, if you have the time, money and curiosity, then go for it.
    Eva Valic
    Eva Valic
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    In one word EXCELLENT! At Actors studio, I did one week with Tim Kent, one week with Paulette Randall and one month Masterclass. One better than the other!

    Tim was great, I've learned a lot from him. Paulette's exceptional energy is just the best thing when you're filming. And the Masterclass was amazing! Each time I did an Actors studio course, everything went so smooth.

    The filming crew is super professional and talented, but also kind, supportive and funny. Each member of Actors studio team is friendly and positive.
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