Screen Acting GYM
Best weekly drop-in screen acting classes in London.
Need expert self-tape coaching or audition practice to land your next role? The Screen Acting GYM offers a dynamic and supportive training environment where actors refine their craft, build confidence, and master the art of acting on screen.
Wednesdays 11-3 pm
Tuesdays 11-3 pm
In-person Screen Acting GYM classes
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I prefer small classes of a maximum of 8 people because it’s the most beneficial for the actors.
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I individually select a different script for each actor. After reviewing your Spotlight, I chose a script that suits your type, aiming to work on characters you could realistically audition for.
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A Dropbox link with the footage from the class will be sent to the email provided at the time of purchase, and you’ll receive it within 72 hours after the class.
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I'm Natalia Kostrzewa, a professional actress with 20+ years in film and TV across Ireland and the UK. With over 50 screen credits — from lead roles in ITV dramas to guest spots on Black Mirror — I bring real-world experience into the classroom.
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Each class is £35 — my aim is to keep these sessions affordable and accessible to everyone. Classes take place at Theatre Deli, just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station.
Long-Term Benefits
of the Screen Acting GYM
By attending the Screen Acting GYM on a regular basis, you embark on a personal journey of growth as a performer.
The more I get to know you as an actor — your unique strengths, style, and aspirations — the more I can tailor the material to suit you. This means we don’t simply play to your strengths; we also introduce scenes that challenge you, help you stretch your range, and build new skills. Over time, this bespoke approach supports your continuous development as a screen actor.
Quick example of how we work at the Screen Acting GYM
Working with actress Lillie Prowse.
The direction given at The Screen Acting GYM in the scene was:
1. Always favour the light. Avoid starting the scene where we can’t see your face.
2. Have a clear inner monologue at the start of the scene.
3. You’re swaying your body. Try to focus on the other actor, and your body will naturally calm.
4. This is the opening scene of a movie. As an audience, we need to want to see what will happen to these characters. Playing it like a ‘meet cute’ isn’t gripping. Instead, focus on the heavy past these characters share. 🎬
Lillie took direction beautifully and made the moment so much more interesting.
FAQ
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In class, you will do two takes: first, the version you have prepared, and then, after feedback, a second take, with a chance to rewatch and redo one scene after everyone has their turn. In short: You will get to perform a minimum of three times and watch back your performance twice.
In screen acting the quickest way to learn is to do it, watch it and do it again!
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I prefer small classes of a maximum of 8 people because it’s the most beneficial for the actors.
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No. I individually select a different script for each actor. After reviewing your Spotlight, I chose a script that suits your type, aiming to work on characters you could realistically audition for.
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I’m usually very organised, so you can expect to receive your script the same day you booked your tickets, or at the latest, the next day. Your script will be sent to the email address you provided at the time of purchase. Booking early gives you more time to learn your lines.
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Yes. The more comfortable and confident you are with your lines, the more freedom you will have to explore your character. Booking the class early gives you more time to learn your lines.
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Yes! A Dropbox link will be sent to the email provided at the time of purchase, and you’ll receive it within 72 hours after the class.
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When booking, provide a Spotlight link so I can choose the best script for you. If you don’t have one, you can use a Mandy link, IMDb link, or a social media link instead. Please note, this class is for people over 18.
Here's a sneak peek of our
weekly drop-in
Screen Acting GYM classes in London.
Screen Acting GYM | Actors’ Testimonials
Simply the best screen acting training in the UK that I have come across. Not only are sessions affordable, but you genuinely learn so much. The tips and tricks I have learned from just a few classes at Owning It have elevated my tapes beyond what three years of drama school and five years of winging it as a professional have taught me. You come away from every class with incredible-looking cinematic footage of multiple takes of your scene. The quality of the material far outweighs the professional monologue/duologue reels that have been popular options for actors building their Spotlight page in recent years. Natalia’s dedication and attention to detail mean that every actor in the session has a scene hand-picked from her extensive library of current TV/Film scripts, based on the actor’s casting. But if you want to nail a specific scene/casting to fill a gap on your spotlight, or simply to try something new, Natalia can help! Natalia’s direction is focused, incisive and collaborative. Her instincts are so sharp, you always come away feeling like you’ve upped your game. And sessions are fun, without the pressure of having to ‘perform.’ It really is a rare, golden opportunity to genuinely work out and improve your craft.
Mylo McDonald / ActorWhat I love about your class is the freedom and time you give us to come in with an idea and really mould it. You're also never afraid to push me as an actor, to be brutally honest and get me to tell the best story I possibly can for the camera. The other thing I appreciate is the community you've built, which comes from the passion you bring to every session. Beginners, intermediates, and professionals all work together, helping one another improve. That creates a real sense of collaboration during scene readings; readers don't just say their lines, they truly connect with the actor, which is a massive help. It's a proper class, one of the best I've attended in the city. And while it’s not tied to a single "method," everyone is always pulling in the same direction.
Michael Mulqueen / Actor ‘’Working with Natalia has been a truly transformational experience. I had lost a lot of confidence working in front of a camera and her classes have given me the space to fail, learn and ultimately grow as an actor. I no longer feel stressed taping and have found a home in which I can hone my craft, understanding that it is a continual work in progress. I cannot recommend her and the Screen Acting GYM enough. The environment she creates is so lovely and the people who attend are just as such. Go, go, go, 1000 percent, go!’’
Nickcolia King Nda / ActorIt was a great class. I love how you make sure there's enough time to really push everyone. Seen too many workshops where not everyone gets a turn, let alone the time to review our own work and adjust, with space for extra time and attention to get the best out of everyone.
Zara Owen / Actress
‘’ Natalia's Screen Acting Gym is unmatched in London's creative industry today - her energy, attention to detail, and genuine care for her students is unique. The class offers actors the perfect opportunity to simultaneously practice their craft and be their own critics, learning from watching themselves on screen and learn from a successful (yet incredibly down-to-earth) teacher. Natalia has brought out subtleties in my performances that I did not think myself capable of delivering. The tips and tricks she infuses her class with are equally valuable, ameliorating her students' self-tape style! ’’
Elizabeth Webber / Actress
'' Natalia and "Owning IT Acting Studio" have been amazing! The sessions are so personable and tailored to each actor. I've been able to really explore my casting type as the material feels realistic to castings I would receive in real life. Natalia is a great coach and is able to really go into depth and detail when redirecting different ways to play scenes. She is attentive to each actor's specific growth and really pushes each actor. There is no rush, and she will get the best out of your tape. Can't recommend a class with Natalia enough!''
Robyn Marshall / Actress & Singer
'' The format of the Screen Acting GYM is perfect and Natalia always provides excellent comments to push you in the right direction and to challenge you to try new ideas. Her scene choices always allowing you to explore untapped sides of you - and they are always interesting, distinctive and fun - her catalogue of scenes must be enormous! ''
Brian Law / Actor
'' I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's Screen Acting GYM; the energy in the room was very comfortable and I really loved being pushed by your direction. I am already in the process of booking my next session and I look forward to receiving your clear-cut directions soon!''
David Ogundare / Actor
'' Really enjoying there weekly classes. Love the excitement of getting great new scripts each week and look forward to filming them in class, which is also a bit scary! It's also usful to see what other actors do with the direction. I feel I learnt a lot of useful tips and new ideas for self-taping. ''
Zara Hadeshian / Actress
Whenever anyone asks me for my recommendations for London-based acting classes, I always say Owning It. I’ve seen so much growth since going to my first class earlier this year, and my approach to my own self-tapes has developed significantly. When I do them now, I literally ask myself: ‘How would Natalia tell me to play this?’ because the feedback she gives is always so specific and well-articulated. The class as a whole is so valuable to me, and I feel as though I’m even able to take things away from watching other people’s performances and how her words affect their tapes also.
Sophia Gaddes / Actress
'I feel challenged every time I work with Natalia, and I’ve seen real growth in myself as a performer since my first session. She has a great ability to bring out the best in my work'.
Lina Gabari / Actress
“Owning IT Acting Studio provides an extremely supportive and professional environment for actors to hone their craft and self-taping skills. I never realised how much creative control you can exert as an actor in self-tapes until I worked with Natalia. I now genuinely enjoy them! And I feel safe to take risks in her classes. If you want to take your self-tapes to another level, then get yourself to class!”
Harry Jefferies / Actor
Natalia is an incredible coach with a unique perspective, always full of helpful ideas on how to make your scene emotionally powerful while also making it look like it’s straight out of a movie. Every class is so enriching that I walk out overwhelmed with the knowledge she shares. It’s truly priceless to me, as I become a better actress with every session I have with her.
Angelika Wloch / Actress
How To Improve Your Self-Tape Set Up
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
How To Improve Your Self-Tape Set Up
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.