Welcome to Studio NEWS
My Creative Journal of Tips, Collabs & Industry Thoughts
Is Going to Acting Classes Where Everyone Works on the Same Scene a Good Idea?
Is working on the same scene as everyone else in class really helping you as an actor?
Short answer: no. When every actor is given the same material, individuality gets diluted, confidence gets shaken, and lazy casting is exposed. Acting is not about copying what works for someone else — it’s about trusting your instincts, protecting your uniqueness, and having the courage (and ego) to do the work your way. In an industry built on self-tapes and personal interpretation, learning how to stand alone matters more than ever.
When Money Is Tight but the Dream Is Loud: How to Create Your Own Acting Classes in 2026
If you’re stepping into 2026 with that fire to grow as an actor—but your bank account is giving you a hard “no”—you’re not alone. Big-city rent is real, 9–5 life is real, and acting classes can feel out of reach. But guess what? You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” financial moment to feel like an actor again. You can create your own classes. Yup. Really. All you need is a small group of hungry actors, a living room, a camera, and the willingness to show up. This is how you stay in the craft—even when life is expensive.
Why You Shouldn’t Forget About Irish Casting Directors in 2026
With more and more major productions filming in Ireland, actors can’t afford to overlook Irish casting directors. UK and Irish teams collaborate frequently, meaning your visibility in Ireland can directly boost your chances of landing roles across both markets. Do your research, make thoughtful contact, and if you can do a solid Irish accent or have a base in Ireland—show it. This is a market worth tapping into in 2026.
My Predictions on Showreel Trends for 2026
The traditional showreel is on its way out. As our attention spans shrink and short-form content dominates how we consume media, the acting industry is being forced to evolve. In this blog, I share my predictions for showreel trends in 2026 — why full, neatly cut scenes are losing impact, and why the future belongs to bold openings, sharp hooks, and moments that leave casting directors wanting more.
Hello 2026! What I Wish for You in the New Year
New beginnings have always been my favourite part of the year, and 2026 is no exception. If you're an actor stepping into this new chapter with big hopes, here’s my biggest piece of advice: see yourself as a product you’re proudly selling, and become the best salesperson you can be.
Before you expect your agent to bring you more auditions, ask yourself: Have I given them everything they need to actually sell me? Your Spotlight is your storefront. If you claim you can do accents, show it. Record a clean, confident American accent scene and label it clearly. Make your skills undeniable.
And your headshot—does it truly stand out, or is it lost in a sea of faces? This is the year to become your own marketing team. In the U.K., you don’t have a manager selling you—you have you.
2026 is the year to sharpen your tools, clarify your brand, and step into the industry with intention.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Owning It Family
As 2025 comes to a close, I just want to say the biggest thank you to everyone who’s been part of the Owning It Acting Studio family this year. From sold-out Screen Acting GYM classes to the incredible feedback on the weekly blog, your support has meant the world to me. Every self-tape, every class, every message has reminded me why I love doing this. I’m so proud of each of you and beyond grateful to be part of your acting journey. Here’s to more growth, creativity, and storytelling in 2026!
“I’ve Been Told to Be Still and Not Move on Screen…” — Why That Note Is Misleading
New actors say this to me constantly: “Someone told me not to move on camera.” And every time, it raises a red flag. Stillness on screen does not mean freezing your body or suppressing your natural impulses. In fact, one of the most important notes I give actors is to “be in your body”—to move the way you move in your real life. When you talk to your mum at the kitchen table, you don’t sit like a statue. When a stranger asks for directions, you don’t freeze. So why would you do that on camera?
Great screen actors—from Jessica Lange and Meg Ryan to Jack Nicholson—move constantly, but purposefully. They’re comfortable in their bodies, and that comfort reads as truth on screen. The real craft is knowing when stillness is powerful, not forcing it. Before anything else, an actor must understand how they naturally move, behave, and physically respond in different situations. That awareness is what makes screen acting alive, grounded, and compelling.
I Forgot My Lines on Set… with an Oscar-Nominated Director
I’ve been acting for two decades. I’ve played leads, memorised mountains of dialogue, kept my cool through chaos. And yet, on set with an Oscar-nominated director, I went completely blank. Like—nothing. Nada. Brain empty.
I could blame the flu my toddler gave me or the fact that it was day one of my period (cheers, body). But let’s be real—nobody cares about your excuses on set.
So I looked at the sides, took a breath, told that little voice in my head to f** off*, and got back to work.
Because here’s the truth, actors: even after 20 years, you can still forget your lines. What matters is how you handle it when you do.
How to Collaborate with a Director on Set (Without Losing Your Voice)
Learning how to collaborate with a director on set is one of the most important skills an actor can develop. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to feel nervous and simply follow instructions — but filmmaking is a team effort. Understanding how to work effectively with a director will help you give stronger performances and build lasting professional relationships.
Remember, the best actors know that film is a collaborative art. Even if you have a small role, your input matters. Come prepared with ideas, stay flexible, and learn to communicate your needs clearly. Great on-set collaboration isn’t about ego — it’s about trust, respect, and creative teamwork.
Celebrating Others: There’s Room for Everyone in This Industry
The acting industry doesn’t have to be competitive. Discover inspiring creatives who uplift and support fellow actors—from mentors and workshop leaders to photographers and mental health advocates—and see how collaboration can help you thrive.
Should I Quit Acting? When Is Enough Enough?
Should I quit acting? When is enough… enough?” If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night asking those painful questions, you’re not alone. Every actor hits that wall at some point — the doubt, the financial struggle, the comparison to friends who seem to be “moving on with life.” This honest reflection isn’t about giving up — it’s about facing the truth of the industry, making peace with the journey, and remembering why you started creating in the first place.
Should I Go to Acting School? My Honest Take After Attending 3
I went to three different acting schools. Each one promised to shape me into the actor I dreamed of becoming. But if I could go back in time, I’d give myself one piece of advice: I wouldn’t do it again. Before you sign up for an expensive acting program, it’s worth asking — is acting school really the best path for you?
Crafting Your Individuality: The Most Important Thing You Can Do as an Actor
As an actor, the most powerful tool you have isn’t a perfect monologue or flawless technique—it’s your individuality. Too often, we try to impress casting directors instead of trusting our instincts. But when you stop people-pleasing and start making bold, authentic choices, your performances become unforgettable. Learn how embracing your unique voice can transform your auditions, build confidence, and help you stand out in a competitive industry.
Where to Find a Great Reader for Your Self-Tapes (Without Paying for One)
Struggling to find a good reader for your self-tapes? Stop paying strangers and start building a reliable circle of actors who’ll show up for you. Learn how to spot the right readers, build your own mini network, and level up your tapes without spending a dime.
Another “Actors Lottery” Won!
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’ve been offered a part in a new feature film — my first since 2021! It feels like a real “actors lottery” win, especially in today’s industry climate where every non-superhero film feels like a small miracle. Even more exciting, I’ll be working alongside legends Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans — which is particularly serendipitous, as I often use scenes from Laura Linney’s films in The Screen Acting GYM. I can’t wait to bring you behind the scenes, share the self-tape that landed me the role, and keep things running at the studio with a special guest coach while I’m away filming in Norfolk.
How to Handle Rejection as an Actor (Without Letting It Break You)
Rejection is part of every actor’s journey, but it doesn’t have to crush your spirit. In this post, I share simple, effective ways to handle rejection—like closing the chapter after auditions, setting emotional boundaries, and moving forward with confidence—so you can stay motivated and thrive in your acting career.
Tunnel Vision: Why Booking the Role Isn't Always the Goal
Tunnel Vision: Why Booking the Role Isn’t My Main Goal
As an acting coach, I’ve seen so many actors put all their energy into just one thing: booking the role. But I believe real success in this industry comes from the long game. In this blog, I share why I focus on making the best possible self-tapes—not just to land a job, but to build trust with casting directors and show them I’m a reliable, professional actor they can count on. If you're serious about longevity in your acting career, this one's for you.
Are Your Self-Tapes a 10 Out of 10? Why Quality Matters for Actors
Are your self-tapes really a 10 out of 10? Many actors land auditions but don’t book jobs because their tapes aren’t fully polished. Learn how to improve your TV and film self-tapes—from preparation and performance to technical quality—so casting directors notice you.
Post-Show Blues: What No One Tells You About Finishing a Big Acting Job
You just wrapped a major acting job, the kind of role you dreamed about. But instead of riding the high, you feel... empty. Lost. Low. Welcome to the emotional comedown no one warns you about: post-job depression. At Owning IT Acting Studio, I understand that acting is as much an emotional journey as a professional one. In this blog, I unpack why this crash happens and how to protect your mental health — with real tools, real talk, and support from the best screen acting classes in London.
If I Could Give My Younger Self One Piece of Advice as an Actress
If you’re an actor struggling with perfectionism or the need for approval in acting class, you’re not alone. The best advice I wish I had as a young actress is this: stop trying to impress your teacher or classmates, and start giving yourself permission to fail. When actors let go of perfection and embrace play, risk, and even “being bad,” they unlock true freedom, creativity, and presence. That’s the energy that casting directors, audiences, and industry professionals remember.