The Workshop Professional Actors Studio Birmingham

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The Workshop Professional Actors Studio Birmingham

MONTHLY MASTERCLASSES FOR ACTORS IN BIRMINGHAM
* Theatre, TV, film & audio
* Filmed pieces
* Sessions with visiting industry professionals

26/08/2026

I’ve been having lots of conversations with creatives over on the aptly titled “Conversations With Creatives”.

What is becoming more and more apparent to me is how important it is to be able to develop your own work, your own voice, the ability to really play, take charge of your own career a bit more, try different acting styles, build your own toolkit AND be in a safe space with other creatives.
People to be inspired by, bounce ideas off.

So, I’m running The Creative Actor from October.
An 8 week actors lab.
All of the information should be in the carousel.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or queries.

To book please email [email protected]
Places are limited.

www.estherstanford.co.uk

21/08/2026

And now for something a bit different…

WHAT: THE CREATIVE ACTOR
Finding Your Voice · Making Bold Choices · Creating Original Work

An 8-week acting lab in Birmingham this autumn.
A space to explore, experiment and play with different aspects of acting — character, improvisation, voice, screen acting, scene work and creating original material.
We’ll try different approaches to the work, different acting techniques and different ways of building a character, and we’ll look at what actually works for you.
Because I don’t believe there’s one right way to be an actor.
No actor has to have one fixed practice. You take what you need, when you need it. One approach might unlock something that another doesn’t. The point isn’t to follow a method religiously — it’s to build your own toolkit.
We’ll experiment. We’ll take risks. We’ll get things wrong. We’ll make things.
And we’ll ask:
What makes you interesting?
What do you have to say?
What choices do you make when nobody tells you what to do?
What happens when you stop trying to give the “right” performance?
Across the eight weeks we’ll work with character, improvisation, voice, screen acting, different approaches to technique, scene work and original material — culminating in an informal sharing of some of the work we’ve created together.

WHO’S IT FOR?
Actors at all stages of their career — from early professionals to seasoned performers. Not suitable for complete beginners.

WHEN:
Wednesday nights.
7th October-25th November 2026 inclusive
2-5pm

WHERE:
The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham

PAYMENT:
£250

WHO RUNS IT?
Led by award-winning actor, writer, director, podcaster, and producer Esther Stanford.
Trained at the BAFTA-winning Television Workshop, Esther brings over 30 years of experience across stage, screen, and audio — from the BBC to the RSC. She works both in front of and behind the camera, and as an on-set acting coach. Esther also offers 1–1 coaching for professional actors and has two TV shows currently in development with a BAFTA-winning production company.

WANT TO BOOK?
DM me or email [email protected] reserve your space or ask any questions.

www.estherstanford.co.uk

19/08/2026

SEPTEMBER’S MONTHLY MASTERCLASS:
COMEDY

WHAT:
Learn to trust your instincts, think on your feet, and thrive in comedy.
We’ll explore how to create spontaneous, truthful moments while building confidence and presence — and discover new ways to think outside the box as an actor.

This session will focus on:
• Exploring the fundamentals of comedy improvisation and what makes a scene funny
• Developing confidence in making bold choices and committing to them
• Learning to listen, react and build with your scene partner
• Exploring timing, rhythm, physicality and the unexpected
• Developing scenes and create playful, spontaneous work
• Finding comedy through character, situation and truthful behaviour
• Letting go of overthinking and trusting your instincts

WHO’S IT FOR?
Actors at all stages of their career — from early professionals to seasoned performers. Not suitable for complete beginners.

WHEN:
Saturday 12th September 2026
2-5pm

WHERE:
The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

PAYMENT:
£38

WHO RUNS IT?
Led by award-winning actor, writer, director, podcaster, and producer Esther Stanford.
Trained at the BAFTA-winning Television Workshop, Esther brings over 30 years of experience across stage, screen, and audio — from the BBC to the RSC. She works both in front of and behind the camera, and as an on-set acting coach. Esther also offers 1–1 coaching for professional actors and has two TV shows currently in development with a BAFTA-winning production company.

WANT TO BOOK?
DM me or email [email protected] to reserve your space or ask any questions.
www.estherstanford.com

theworkshopactorsstudio birmingham

10/08/2026

TWO SPACES LEFT!

WHAT: Saturday 15th August, 2–5pm – Playing with Subtext

This workshop is for actors who want to explore one of the most powerful tools in performance — subtext. The art of what your character really means beneath the words they say.

Across the session, we’ll work practically to:

• Understand what your character really means beneath the words they speak

• Make layered, specific choices that reveal hidden thought and feeling

• Explore how subtext changes the way a scene is played — and watched

• Develop stillness, silence and intention to communicate what words alone can’t

• Use filmed work as a tool for reflection, growth, and learning

The group will also film their work during the class, and footage will be shared afterwards for personal reflection and development.

The focus is on grounded, connected performances where every choice has meaning — and what’s left unsaid is just as powerful as what is.

Led by

Professional actor training in a supportive, practical environment.

WHEN: Saturday 15th August 2026, 2–5pm

WHERE: The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

PAYMENT: £38
Places are limited.

Email [email protected] or message to book.

20/07/2026

AUGUST CLASS NOW ON SALE!

WHAT: Saturday 15th August, 2–5pm – Playing with Subtext

This workshop is for actors who want to explore one of the most powerful tools in performance — subtext. The art of what your character really means beneath the words they say.

Across the session, we’ll work practically to:

• Understand what your character really means beneath the words they speak

• Make layered, specific choices that reveal hidden thought and feeling

• Explore how subtext changes the way a scene is played — and watched

• Develop stillness, silence and intention to communicate what words alone can’t

• Use filmed work as a tool for reflection, growth, and learning

The group will also film their work during the class, and footage will be shared afterwards for personal reflection and development.

The focus is on grounded, connected performances where every choice has meaning — and what’s left unsaid is just as powerful as what is.

Led by

Professional actor training in a supportive, practical environment.

WHEN: Saturday 15th August 2026, 2–5pm

WHERE: The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

PAYMENT: £38
Places are limited.

Email [email protected] or message to book.

02/07/2026

This class has now SOLD OUT.
The August workshop will go on sale on the 20th July.

I’m thrilled to announce that for July’s class we have West End associate director Dewi Johnson coming in to run a masterclass in Restoration Comedy!

IRestoration is bold, witty, status-driven theatre — if you’re looking for a modern comparison think Blackadder or Ghosts.

Dewi has directed in the West End alongside Steve Coogan, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Mel Giedroyc, David Mitchell, and Gemma Whelan.
He knows his stuff — and he’s brilliant with actors.

During the session, we’ll break down the text together, then perform it in small groups so everyone gets to work and everyone gets direction.

No experience of the style needed. Just bring your curiosity.

WHEN: Saturday 18th July, 2–5pm

WHERE: The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

PRICE: £38 | Places are limited

Message or email [email protected] to book.

actingmasterclass westenddirector

15/06/2026

I’m thrilled to announce that for July’s class we have West End associate director Dewi Johnson coming in to run a masterclass in Restoration Comedy!

IRestoration is bold, witty, status-driven theatre — if you’re looking for a modern comparison think Blackadder or Ghosts.

Dewi has directed in the West End alongside Steve Coogan, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Mel Giedroyc, David Mitchell, and Gemma Whelan.
He knows his stuff — and he’s brilliant with actors.

During the session, we’ll break down the text together, then perform it in small groups so everyone gets to work and everyone gets direction.

No experience of the style needed. Just bring your curiosity.

WHEN: Saturday 18th July, 2–5pm

WHERE: The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

PRICE: £38 | Places are limited

Message or email [email protected] to book.

actingmasterclass westenddirector

13/06/2026

Lovely session with this lot today for the June monthly class.
Today’s session was scriptwork.
I absolutely love that if you give 2 people the same script they will come at it with totally different interpretations.
Some stunning work from the group.

The next class is on Saturday July 18th 2-5pm at and spaces for that class go on sale on Monday.

29/05/2026

SOLD OUT

The June class SCRIPT TO SCREEN has now sold out.
The July class will go on sale on Monday 15th June and the class will be on Saturday July 18th, 2-5pm Central Birmingham.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the monthly classes please email [email protected]

www.estherstanford.co.uk

22/05/2026

Just a few spaces left for our June class!

WHAT: Saturday 13th June, 2–5pm – Script to Screen

This workshop is for actors who want to explore scripted performance for both stage and camera — developing truthful, specific work and understanding how performance shifts between the two mediums.

Across the session, we’ll work practically to:
• Prepare and rehearse scripted scenes with clarity and intention
• Make strong, specific acting choices within a script
• Explore the differences between stage and screen performance
• Develop connection, listening, and truthful reactions on camera
• Use filmed work as a tool for reflection, growth, and learning

When you book on, I’ll send you a script in advance so you can begin exploring the material before the session.

The group will also film their work during the class, and footage will be shared afterwards for personal reflection and development.

The focus is on grounded, connected performances that feel alive both on stage and on screen.

Led by

Professional actor training in a supportive, practical environment.

WHEN: Saturday 13th June 2026, 2–5pm

WHERE: The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

PAYMENT: £38
Places are limited.

Email [email protected] or message to book.
www.estherstanford.co.uk

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Website

http://www.estherstanford.co.uk/

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