PROFESSIONAL SCREEN ACTING WORKSHOPS

IN CENTRAL BRIGHTON

MORE THAN JUST A WORKSHOP

Our ethos is all about hard-work, respect and honesty. We’ve all been to those workshops full of padding; lengthy introductions, waffly Q&A’s and direction that feels overly simple, confusing or non-specific. But not us.

We push our actors each and every session with as much practical, on-screen training as possible, working with each person to develop technically sound and engaging performances. We help our actors to gain a true foundational understanding of how they can give a brilliant screen performance and provide them with the tools, techniques and methods needed to carry forward with them into their careers.

Our dedication to galvanise the community of actors and creatives in Brighton is a goal shared by many and we are continuing to grow our community, connect creatives together and to champion every single person that we work with.

Actor JT Stocks in a still of a recorded monologue by Sam Cartwright

Where proactive actors come to train

We don’t run workshops where you leave with some handy ‘tips and tricks’, we provide training that gives you a foundational understanding of not just acting for screen, but acting as a craft. Your training doesn’t just stop when you leave drama school.

In our workshops, we’ve welcomed everyone from TV regulars to those who’ve never stepped foot in front of a camera before, from West End performers to local theatre enthusiasts. The Screen Acting Workshop is the place to be for proactive actors, so what’re you waiting for? 

TESTIMONIALS

  • shell

    (Brighton Actor)

    “I learned more in 3 weeks with Sam, than I have in the past 2 years at uni”

  • CARLA

    (West End Actor)

    “Finally! an acting for screen class that challenges,  uplifts and inspires. Sam's class is a much valued and needed part of the brighton acting scene. After looking for a high quality class since moving from London  I feel lucky to have stumbled across this  hidden gem !   Sam is experienced, warm and engaging.  Highly recommend.”

  • paris

    (Brighton Actor)

    “I’ve been attending Sam’s acting workshops for well over a year now, and I can confidently say they are second to none. His classes focus on perfecting your acting technique - an essential tool for taking control of your on-screen performance. Thanks to Sam, I’ve regained my confidence and feel empowered in my career again. The growth I’ve experienced has been exponential!

    Sam’s feedback is firm, insightful, and packed with industry knowledge, ensuring you’re fully prepared to deliver your best performance when you step on set. I couldn’t recommend him enough and have been singing his praises to all my fellow actors!”

  • HARRI

    (Currently training at Bristol Old Vic)

    “These workshops feel like Brighton’s best kept secret for actors - classes full of invaluable lessons, a safe space to play and make mistakes, the best scripts, and a professionally filmed scene at the end of it. Sam is a fantastic teacher. I can’t recommend his classes highly enough.”

  • jacqueline

    (Eastenders)

    “I am simply amazed at how much time, effort and dedication he puts into the course. I’ve been acting for over 20 years and have done many, many acting courses. One thing that stands out about Sam’s teaching is his ability to create a very relaxed, fun and safe environment. He makes it feel like a safe place to play, and more importantly to make mistakes, without fear of embarrassment. Any mistakes are very quickly shaped into positive and constructive feedback. He has a remarkable ability to get better performances from actors, in a really kind, fun and positive way.”

  • Frankie

    (Brighton Actor)

    “I've been attending the drop in classes for the Acting on Screen workshops this term and have been utterly blown away. What makes this class different is that Sam's depth of knowledge on both, what happens in front of the camera and behind is astounding. He provides insight from every perspective, not just that of the director, but also the editor and the camera man, he teaches and suggests from every angle which is so helpful.  It's enabled me to learn so much in a short space of time.”

  • Rachel

    (Lead Agent at Internation Actors London)

    “The atmosphere was relaxed but focused and Sam has some great techniques to help elevate the actors performances in the scenes. Would highly recommend!”

  • WA'AD

    (Brighton Actor)

    “I can’t recommend these classes enough! To the point and immensely helpful. After attending for about a year now, I can really see/feel the improvement in my acting for screen. I am much sharper on technique and much more effective with script work.”

  • Callum

    (Chichester Actor)

    “It is very obvious that a lot of thought and effort has gone into these sessions with the intent to get the best out of us and the best results possible. From learning about breaking down scripts to on screen techniques, there was so much helpful content that will be so useful to refer to again. Sam was constructive, patient, supportive and a pleasure to work with. I recommend Sam’s workshops to everyone as you come away with so much”

  • Simon

    (The Toys That Built America)

    “Sam is a fantastic teacher, who gives you the proper time and care to explore and grow your acting skills. Incredibly professional and passionate. Highly recommend these classes!”

  • Stamati

    (Brighton Actor)

    “The Screen Acting Workshop is a non-stop fusillade of acting advice and a veritable 21-gun salute to excellence in training.

    Sam gives directorial advice to all participants and effortlessly films and directs our scenes whilst delivering a hailstorm of acting wisdom and drama training.

    I cannot tell you how much I have learnt over the last two days and plan to be first in the queue for any class he devises in the future. Thank you Sam!”

  • Atlanta

    (Brighton Actor)

    “Would definitely recommend this course for any actors serious about refining their screen acting skills. Through dissecting the text, filming and watching back performance, I was able to pinpoint specific areas for improvement and existing bad habits in myself and others work. Sam’s constructive feedback and keen eye for detail has enabled me to target these areas, understand what works and what doesn’t and carry his advice into future screen work. His directing skills were also thorough and clear and I would certainly work with him again. Excellent value, what are you waiting for!?”

  • Juna

    (International Actor)

    “Sam is an incredible, capable teacher. I have learnt so much in a block of 3 sessions. It was absolutely amazing and helpful to grow as a screen actor and increase all the knowledge you need to perform confidently in front of a camera. And the footage is a awesome! Highly recommended!”

  • Jules

    (Professional Voice Teacher)

    “Delighted to have attended the Screen Acting workshop weekly sessions! Sam creates a relaxed and creative atmosphere, and has great information and insights about film acting that he shares concisely and clearly. Even in one session he manages to pack it in- so you leave feeling inspired, challenged, and that you very much got your moneys worth.   The experience of regularly being in front of a camera with a bunch of friendly and supportive peers and getting insightful and constructive feedback from Sam is invaluable. I highly recommend these sessions to anyone who is interested in film acting whether experienced or not.”

  • jane

    (Coronation Street, Eastenders, Justin’s House)

    “Sam is a is not only brilliant actor, photographer, and cinematographer, but a gifted director. He really put me at my ease and did an extraordinary job of getting a performance out of me that I genuinely feel really proud of.”

  • Nicole

    (Brighton Actor)

    “I was truly amazed by Sam's way of teaching which is very time efficient and direct but simultaneously very encouraging and personalised for every student. Also, every single person in the room was so open and ready to work together.

    I really hope I get to do this course again in the future and advance my skills even further! 

    It was worth every. single. penny. and more.”

  • Rhys

    (Brighton Actor)

    “I’ve been looking for a teacher like you for some time.  you're on beat, with a zeal and energy that is infectious and I really responded to your direct “no fluff” critique.

    You strike the balance and that’s not easy to do with creative people. 

    I’m super impressed by how much you know and your  authority to direct.

    Was a great experience and opened my eyes to so many levels of screen acting I didn’t know, whilst learning to transfer my acting skills for tv/film and building confidence. Most importantly, I had fun!”

  • Maya

    (Brighton Actor)

    "It’s so great to have such a well-organized, focused acting class in Brighton, led by someone who truly works hard to make sure every actor gets their time and money’s worth while growing as a performer. These classes are informative and easy to understand, yet still fun, leaving space for play and exploration. And to top it all off, you receive your footage back quickly and in fantastic quality, both in terms of sound and visuals. Sam really cares, and those are the best kinds of people to work with.

ABOUT SAM

Headshot of Sam Cartwright, actor and director, looking at the camera

Hello! My name is Sam Cartwright and I run The Screen Actors Workshop in Brighton. Don’t be fooled by my youthful looks, I’ve been directing adults three times my age for the best part of my adult life.

I am a professional actor with a wide and extensive knowledge of the acting industry. As an actor, I’ve has worked in both TV and Film on projects with Channel 4, Working Title Films, Focus Features and Radical Media. Commercially, I’ve has worked on projects with Jack Whitehall, Jess Glynne, Will Young and companies such as GoDaddy, BMW, The Hampshire Constabulary and the CEOP.

I teach Acting for Screen workshops regularly at drama schools and colleges, as well as my own private workshops. I’m also a professional photographer and videographer, specialising in actor’s headshots and actor’s showreels. My experience also extends to my work on film sets, for theatre companies in casting departments and tour management, assisting actor’s agents and I am also an award nominated writer and director.

Every actor at The Screen Acting Workshop gets an opportunity to perform and be directed in front of the camera, every week. Those who come more regularly are able to record takes over multiple weeks, until they’re ready to shoot a scene which is edited together. All scenes that we shoot are sent out to actors for their own personal use.

This is a scene by two actors who have been coming regularly to The Screen Actor’s Workshop for just under a year.

They did the scene below in just one take each.

Scene from class

What are you waiting for?

Head over to our booking page to secure your spot on one of our workshops.