The Workshop Professional Actors Studio Birmingham

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

11/05/2026

JUNE CLASS NOW ON SALE!

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 actor, director & coach Esther Stanford.

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

10/05/2026

May’s monthly class, with this lovely lot.
We focused on devising.
We started with nothing and ended the session with a 10 minute play, with the whole group performing in.

It can be a daunting prospect, walking into a room unsure of how a piece of theatre will emerge, but you have to trust each other and not be afraid of doing anything “wrong”.
This is part of the process, part of creation, part of being a creative.

June class on sale from tomorrow.
[email protected]
www.estherstanford.co.uk

30/04/2026

3 SPACES LEFT!

MAY WORKSHOP – LIMITED PLACES

DEVISING: CHARACTER → STORY → PERFORMANCE

Saturday 9th May | 2–5pm
The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

This isn’t just about “coming up with ideas” — it’s about bringing characters to life and getting them on their feet.

In this practical, high-energy session, we’ll:
• Build bold, instinctive characters through improvisation
• Explore relationships, dynamics, and playable choices
• Turn raw ideas into scenes that actually work on stage
• Discover story through action — not overthinking
• Work as an ensemble to create something spontaneous, surprising, and performable

Come with a character, a line, or absolutely nothing — we’ll create everything from scratch in the room.

This is about doing, playing, and taking risks — not sitting around talking about ideas.

Perfect for actors who want to stretch themselves, trust their instincts, and create original work

£38 | Places are limited

Message or email to book: [email protected]

www.estherstanford.co.uk

MAY WORKSHOP – LIMITED PLACES

DEVISING: CHARACTER → STORY → PERFORMANCE

Saturday 9th May | 2–5pm
The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

This isn’t just about “coming up with ideas” — it’s about bringing characters to life and getting them on their feet.

In this practical, high-energy session, we’ll:
• Build bold, instinctive characters through improvisation
• Explore relationships, dynamics, and playable choices
• Turn raw ideas into scenes that actually work on stage
• Discover story through action — not overthinking
• Work as an ensemble to create something spontaneous, surprising, and performable

Come with a character, a line, or absolutely nothing — we’ll create everything from scratch in the room.

This is about doing, playing, and taking risks — not sitting around talking about ideas.

Perfect for actors who want to stretch themselves, trust their instincts, and create original work

£38 | Places are limited

Message or email to book: [email protected]

www.estherstanford.co.uk

27/04/2026

MAY WORKSHOP – LIMITED PLACES

DEVISING: CHARACTER → STORY → PERFORMANCE

Saturday 9th May | 2–5pm
The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

This isn’t just about “coming up with ideas” — it’s about bringing characters to life and getting them on their feet.

In this practical, high-energy session, we’ll:
• Build bold, instinctive characters through improvisation
• Explore relationships, dynamics, and playable choices
• Turn raw ideas into scenes that actually work on stage
• Discover story through action — not overthinking
• Work as an ensemble to create something spontaneous, surprising, and performable

Come with a character, a line, or absolutely nothing — we’ll create everything from scratch in the room.

This is about doing, playing, and taking risks — not sitting around talking about ideas.

Perfect for actors who want to stretch themselves, trust their instincts, and create original work

£38 | Places are limited

Message or email to book: [email protected]

www.estherstanford.co.uk

24/04/2026

Thank you for this Catherine ❤️

I don’t believe that we can grow as actors if we don’t feel safe to explore and play and make mistakes.
That’s the way we all grow creatively.
Through trial and error.
Through play.

“I know I’ve told you before but I absolutely love your workshops. What you’ve created is something really special, an environment that feels both inclusive and safe, yet still stretches and challenges us in all the right ways.

I’ve been reflecting a lot on my time at drama school (The Poor School) where I trained many years ago. The whole approach was about pressure, confrontation, and humiliation. (Some of the stuff we went through was shocking and that’s a conversation for another day). There was this belief that if you survived the training, you’d survive the industry. Maybe that was true for some people, but for me and most of my year group it just left a lot of damage that has taken a really long time to work through.

That’s why what you do feels so extraordinary by comparison. You create a space where people feel genuinely seen and supported, while still being pushed to grow. It reminds me why I fell in love with acting in the first place, and I leave every workshop feeling reconnected to that. I just wanted to say thanks Esther, I really value and appreciate every workshop that you create.”

www.estherstanford.co.uk

17/04/2026

The first quarter of the year with The Workshop Actor Studio 🤍

A space for actors to keep their craft alive, explore, and reconnect — without the pressure of a weekly commitment.

Come as you are. Keep your muscles moving.

Next class:
: Saturday 9th May, 2–5pm – Devising a Story
This workshop is for actors who want to create work from the ground up — trusting their instincts, imagination, and collaboration to bring something original to life.

Across the session, we’ll work practically to:
• Generate and develop characters, relationships, and ideas from scratch
• Shape spontaneous ideas into clear, playable stories
• Explore structure, stakes, and dramatic tension in devised work
• Collaborate as an ensemble to build something cohesive and performable
• Let go of overplanning and trust what emerges in the moment

You can arrive with a spark — a character, an idea, a line — or with nothing at all. We’ll build from whatever is in the room.

The focus is on freedom, creativity, and discovery — creating work that feels alive, surprising, and truly your own.

WHEN: Saturday 9th May 2026, 2–5pm

WHERE: The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

PAYMENT: £38
Places are limited.

Email [email protected] or message to book.