As a mum of five children, working in the cost of living epidemic, wanting the best for my children. I felt it was only right to speak on this acting class situation my child had attended a while back. My second child started going to one of these acting classes that were supposed to be special. these big pop-up events in Manchester and London. At first, she was hopeful; she kept talking about how they might help her get noticed, how acting coaches would be there and something about industry guests ( apologies, I don't have an idea of what that means, assuming directors etc) , and how opportunities could come from just being in the room at times. But every. single. time, it was just a major letdown. Her dad mentioned that she was terribly upset about her last pop up in London ( christamas class 2025) According to her they cram pack in around 70 kids for a workshop of about 2 and a half to three hours, which isn't a lot when you have to see everyone perform their pieces or rehearsed lines, ( you get watched for 2 mins if you are lucky and some sadly don't even get to perform AT ALL) and instead of real teaching or feedback, it’s just a chaotic crowd.
So, I want to be clear that I fully understand that representation is never guaranteed, and my child never expected it to be. she has to work for it, totally get it. nothing is easy in this world. But what really bothers me is how these classes dangle this scouting, 'intensive training' thing in front of hopeful, aspiring actors, like my daughter, who just want a real chance. They are promised proper intensive training, but how can that happen when the lessons consist of around 70 different actors in the space of 2.5 to 3 hours. So, my daughter mentioned that as a group, they do try to see everyone in that short space of time. They make an effort to let each student have a moment. But even though they see all these kids, my daughter still came away feeling like she didn’t get the value for what we paid. There wasn’t that real, personal feedback or guidance that she needed. so, in the end, even though they give every kid a glance, it just left her feeling like nothing new was learnt, discouraged, like she didn’t really grow or progress from it.
I felt like they seem to feed off that hope, and in doing so, they left my daughter feeling so upset. like she gave everything, and yet got nothing solid in return. Nothing upsets me more than when I feel like people take advantage or prey on needy actors who just want to make it in this demanding industry. I think it just feels a little exploitative. she had been doing these work shops since 2022, it did take her while to understand that maybe this place just isn't for her anymore therefore, she and her best friend ( i'm close with their mother, who ALSO agrees) will no longer continue with these classes. not to mention the extortionate prices where you don't even learn that much?
I just want to be clear that on the agency side, I do believe they have a strong reputation. They have some really established connections, and I know they’ve placed a number of actors successfully. But when it comes to the acting classes themselves, that’s where things fall apart. These sessions feel rushed, disorganised, and they just don’t give the individual attention that young actors need. I want to leave this saying that I am in no way trying to bash the agency AT ALL. But please cap your lessons and limit the amount of students, it is only fair everyones gets a chance and the run for their money. Also please try to make the lessons actually productive.