Are you an actor seeking to create characters that truly connect with audiences?
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to transform your acting by mastering the art of creating characters with real depth and authenticity, in six short weeks.
Imagine yourself confidently stepping into any role, knowing your character work is unmatched. Praised for your ability to portray genuine, captivating characters that stay with your audience long after the performance ends, your confidence in your craft soars, opening doors to exciting new opportunities and leading to the successful and fulfilling acting career you deserve.
WHEN DOES THE CHARACTER LAB TAKE PLACE?
The Character Lab: Online takes place once a week live online over Zoom, running for six weeks, and concluding with a final, seventh session for your live Zoom Showcase and post-Showcase reflection. You will maintain lifelong access to the materials.
The Character Lab: Self Study will soon be available online. You will be able to sign up at any time and complete the six-module course at your own pace, maintaining lifelong access to the materials.
The Character Lab: Bespoke (scroll down and see below for more details) is available all year round and lasts for six weeks from whichever date you begin.
The Character Lab: In Person will run later in the year on a similar schedule to the Online version - six weekly classes and a Showcase, all of which will take place live and in person at the Shadow Road Studio. If you are interested in signing up to be notified when this course goes live, please drop me a line and let me know - shadowroadproductions@gmx.com.
HOW LARGE ARE THE CLASSES?
Live group classes (both online and in person) will be kept small, to ensure that each student gets sufficient time and attention in each session, and has enough time to go into each subject in detail, working both individually and in pairs. There will be no more than ten students in each Zoom class and only six students in each in-person class..
If you are looking for something smaller - exclusive one to one coaching - then please scroll on down to find out more about The Character Lab: Bespoke!
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO DEVOTE TO IT EACH WEEK?
You will be given homework between sessions and should expect to spend at least a couple of hours on this every week. If you are taking one of the live classes, it is up to you how much time you choose to devote to preparing for your Showcase performance on top of this!
- Understanding The Basics Of Character Discovery Through Scripts
- Dissecting Character Traits: Identifying Key Elements & Nuances
- Crafting A Character's History From Provided Details
- Fact vs. Opinion In Character Perception
- Creative Writing Techniques For Character Development
- Exploring Your Character's Personal Letters & Journals
- Writing & Reflecting On Pivotal Events
- Using Writing To Explore Emotional Depths
- Understanding Psychological Approaches
- Character Motivations & Desires
- Emotional Truth & Authenticity
- Breaking Down Barriers & Protecting Yourself While You Do
- Character Physicality & Movement
- Inferring Physical Traits From Context
- Physical Exercises For Authenticity
- Body Language & Characterisation
- Mapping Out Character Relationships
- Defining Key Relationship Roles
- Scene Dynamics, Interactions & Impact
- Reflecting Relationship Changes: Adapting To Evolving Dynamics
- Understanding Character Arcs: Mapping Emotional & Transformational Journeys
- Planning Your Monologue & Bringing Together Character Insights
- End-of-course Showcase Prep: Performing With Confidence
- Live Zoom showcase performance to an audience of your fellow students, friends, and family
- Reflecting On Character Growth
As the Artistic Director and founder of Shadow Road Productions, an independent theatre company in London, I’ve spent over 15 years immersed in the world of theatre, working as a writer, director, actor, and producer. I’ve brought stories to life in venues as iconic as the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in the West End, and as historical as the Roman Theatre of Verulamium. My work has been celebrated for the depth and nuance I bring to characters and their relationships, both on the page - in the adaptations and original plays I have written and directed - and on stage, where my portrayals of roles such as Lady Macbeth and Treasure Island’s Captain Smollett, have been much praised.
As a traditionally published children's writer whose work has sold internationally, I understand the power of storytelling and character development from multiple angles. My work with the UNBROKEN mixed arts mental health awareness festival & short film prize, and my collaboration with military mental health charity Combat Stress (which resulted in the creation of one of my full length plays, Dreams From the Pit, focusing on British veterans of the Afghan war, PTSD, and other issues) has contributed further to my deep understanding of the human psyche, and how to convey its many complexities to an audience.
Building on a basis of intensive training from esteemed institutions such as the New York Film Academy and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, among others, I have worked hard, honed my craft, and built a reputation for creating warm, collaborative, and highly productive rehearsal environments, where actors are encouraged to explore and expand their creative boundaries. I support them in their experimentation and growth, guiding them in finding their unique voice and approach to authentic character development - and I am always delighted to welcome them back, when they return to work with me again and again!
HOW MUCH DOES THE CHARACTER LAB COST?
The next run of The Character Lab: Online will be available at an Early Bird rate of £299, before reverting to the usual price of £377! If you sign up early enough, you will also be able to pick up some special EARLY BIRD BONUSES, worth a total of £443! These include:
1) A fabulous Guest Expert session on Character in Combat with Amy Floyd (Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Star Wars: Andor, Hijack, Disney’s Culprits, Marvel's Secret Invasion, Grand Theft Auto VI, and others) which will show you how to integrate character depth into action sequences and combat scenes, providing a unique skill set that differentiates you as an actor. Valued at £199.
2) The Character Creation Checklist - a downloadable PDF filled with checklists, questionnaires and templates designed to streamline your character building process, both now and in the future, to deepen your character exploration, and to enhance your learning experience. Valued at £47
3) The chance to join a one-off group session focusing on character development through poetry, where you will each analyse a chosen poem and delve into the nuances of the narrator's character, simultaneously enhancing both your literary and acting prowess! Valued at £197
YOU MENTIONED EXCLUSIVE ONE TO ONECOACHING AS WELL?
TELL ME MORE!
Do you like the sound of The Character Lab, but you're really looking for a personalised approach to help you master your craft? My exclusive one to one coaching programme - The Character Lab: Bespoke - is designed to fast-track your growth as an actor.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
- Bespoke coaching, tailored to your unique strengths and goals.
- One-to-one guidance to refine your skills and help you create unforgettable characters every time.
- Flexible scheduling to suit your availability.
- All the resources and benefits of the group program, with exclusive individual attention.
- Actors who want faster results and highly focused support.
- Those ready to elevate their craft and stand out in auditions.
- Limited Time Spring Special Offer: £997 (regular £1,997)
I'M IN! HOW DO I SIGN UP?
To get on the waiting list for either of the group programmes - The Character Lab: Online or The Character Lab: In Person - please email me at shadowroadproductions@gmx.com with the subject line ‘Signing Up for The Character Lab 2025' and I will get back to you with more information.
For the one to one coaching programme - The Character Lab: Bespoke - please email me at the same address - shadowroadproductions@gmx.com - with the subject line ‘Character Lab Coaching' and I will be in touch to sort out all the necessary details with you. We will then get started ASAP!
I can't wait to start work together! :-)
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