Welcome to Studio NEWS
My Creative Journal of Tips, Collabs & Industry Thoughts
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.
Finding an Agent: It’s a Lot Like Dating
Looking for a talent agent can feel a lot like dating—full of unknowns and big decisions. At Owning IT Acting Studio, I break down how to find the right agent, spot red flags, and give your representation the tools they need to succeed. From updating your headshots and self-tapes to understanding commissions, mandatory classes, and unrealistic promises, this guide helps actors navigate the tricky world of agent relationships. Learn how to choose an agent who will truly support your career and avoid common pitfalls in the industry.
Are You Tracking Your Auditions? If Not, You Should.
Auditions aren’t just about booking the job — they’re about building relationships and spotting patterns in your career. I’ve kept a spreadsheet for years, logging everything from the casting director’s name to whether it was a self-tape or callback. Over time, I’ve noticed certain casting directors keep bringing me back, even if I haven’t booked with them yet. That tells me they see potential, and it motivates me to keep delivering my best work. Tracking auditions turns rejection into data — and data, my friends, is power.
Why Every Class Matters (And What I Wish I’d Known in My 20s)
A recent conversation reminded me why I need to show up fully for every class I teach — because I don’t know what it’s taken someone to be there. In this post, I reflect on my own struggles as a young actor without a safety net, what I’ve learned about money, survival jobs, and mental health, and why this career is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re trying to build a life as an actor, I hope this helps.
Don’t Get Stuck in the Same Acting Class (Yes, I Said It)
Are you stuck in the same acting class, hoping it will finally change your career? Here’s the hard truth: if you’ve been in one class for years, you’re probably getting comfortable—not better. Growth comes from challenge. Here’s why exploring new classes (and the right teachers) might be the best move you ever make as an actor.
When Should You Pay for a Self-Tape Session?
Actors in London are some of the hardest-working people I know—hustling multiple jobs, jumping from gig to gig, and still trying to keep their craft sharp. So trust me when I say: paying for a self-tape should never be your default. It should be your strategy.
Build a solid setup at home. Tape those one-liners and commercials yourself. Save your budget for the big moments—the casting that could shift your career, the Netflix pilot, the role that demands more. And when you do pay? Demand quality. You’re not just booking a studio; you’re booking a partner in your success.
Zoom Auditions: How I Prep (and What I Learned from My Latest Callback)
Zoom auditions can feel awkward at first, but they don’t have to. After booking roles straight from Zoom, I’ve learned a few simple tricks—like setting up your tech, using the right eyelines, and even recording your auditions—that can make a huge difference. Here’s what’s been working for me and might help you nail your next audition too.
One-Liner Parts and How I Deal With Them (Without Losing My Mind)
Struggling with one-liner self-tape auditions? You’re not alone. Whether it’s “Here’s your drink, Mr. Bond” or a single line of dialogue in a big scene, many working actors wonder why they’re even taping for roles that feel like background noise. At Owning It Acting Studio, we flip the script. Learn how to turn minimal dialogue into a standout performance, understand what casting directors are really looking for, and discover the best strategies for sending two takes — one safe, one bold — without overthinking it. Audition smart, tape with purpose, and move on like a pro.