About

Daniel Bradford - Headshot 3 WEB 10x8

Acting Teacher - Daniel Bradford

Daniel Bradford is an actor, director and head acting teacher of 'Mindful Acting'. He is also Artistic Director of critically acclaimed theatre and film production company Play With Fire Productions.

Dan's approach to teaching is one of unwavering compassion and commitment to the students he is working with.  As Sanford Meisner said, "That which hinders your task, is your task", and this is the approach he takes towards the natural psychological barriers that prevent actors from reaching their true potential, instead of shaming someone for not understanding immediately.  His perspective on acting and technique is that by integrating all other acting disciplines with the principles of Mindfulness, one can begin to truly understand what works and WHY it works for your individual mind. We can then discard the things that are unhelpful while investing further in the practical skills that lead to great acting and freedom in performance.

He regularly coaches people on not just how to get the most out of their acting, but also how to get the most out of their lives, through their relationship to acting.  He believes that the only way to lead a fully present and fulfilling life in acting is to develop a sustainable approach which takes your whole life and happiness into account, not just your external markers of career "success".

What is Mindful Acting?

At Mindful Acting, we don't just see wellbeing as something separate to acting to help with stress management, but as integral to the very craft of acting itself. We learn how to integrate mindfulness and actor training the same way voice and movement are integrated. Here we teach mindfulness as it was originally intended; not as a bandaid, but as a pathway to emotional, psychological, and physical freedom.

We believe under the right guidance and context, the experiential exercises developed by generations of actors and acting teachers can help people of all backgrounds to access their inherent presence, self-worth, creativity, vulnerability and authenticity. 

Scene Study (August)
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Practical Aesthetics

What is Practical Aesthetics?

Practical Aesthetics (PA) is an acting technique developed by the director and playwright David Mamet and actor William H Macy. It was developed as an antidote to the confusing, inaccessible and shame-inducing acting approaches, often promoted in mainstream actor training. Its goal is to provide a practical approach to acting. Its ethos is simple and effective and is an essential tool for anyone who feels they have never had a truly reliable and systematic technique from which to approach any and every script.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Online Now

Check availability and book your online or in-person acting class with our live booking calendar!

Mindful Acting - Manchester
Mindful Acting - Manchester
89 Google reviews
Gurpreet Singh
Gurpreet Singh
2022-09-10
I’ve been to Dan’s classes before and this is my second lot of film scene study classes. Learning more about myself as an Actor and being pushed outside my comfort zone. Will be looking forward to doing more classes with Dan in the future.
P S-D
P S-D
2022-08-15
Dan’s classes are professional yet unpretentious. In each session I felt challenged and confident that the environment was a safe and supportive place. Scene study was a great opportunity to collaborate with a scene partner. I also valued the practise of receiving direction and applying it to my work effectively with Dan’s clear and encouraging guidance. I would recommend Mindful Acting to any newcomer or performer looking to refine their skills and I look forward to attending again myself in the future.
Miley Lee
Miley Lee
2022-07-22
amazing
millie newson
millie newson
2022-07-07
As a complete beginner with no previous education in acting I found these classes very comfortable and I was quickly able to let myself go and use Dans techniques to help me further my skills and passion for acting! Thanks Dan!
Matthew Heywood
Matthew Heywood
2022-05-06
Would highly recommend Mindful Acting to anyone. Daniel makes things simple and gives you time to work and observe to really take in and think about your practice.
James Foulsham-Rogers
James Foulsham-Rogers
2022-04-20
As well as being incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent, Daniel is kind and welcoming. I loved every minute of our sessions and have come out feeling very inspired. Daniel is amazing!
Steve Brown
Steve Brown
2022-03-30
Up to now I have had 3 one to one sessions with Dan and they have been amazing. I have always had a love for acting but at 62 I felt I had really missed the boat. Dan's sympathetic and encouraging training is building my confidence in so many ways. I am learning to memorise scripts and to delve into the characters and am even learning alot about myself. Dan is an expert in bringing the best out of people and he has filled me with a new found confidence in my acting ability. One of the best decisions I've made in a long time is to join Mindful Acting classes.
Joel P
Joel P
2022-03-03
Having recently completed Dan’s 4-week Film Scene Study course, I have absolutely no hesitation in offering a heartfelt recommendation to actors of all levels of experience. I signed up keen to sharpen my technique following the pandemic, and to reflect on my preparation and approach to acting for the camera. Within a lovely group of just 6, Dan created a warm, safe room in which to challenge me individually, and tailored his tutoring for each participant based on their specific needs and goals. I finished the course with renewed confidence in and clarity around my craft, thanks to Dan’s approach and great expertise. A wonderful four weeks!
Katya Rogers
Katya Rogers
2022-02-28
Diving in to this sort of stuff can be incredibly daunting, and Dan makes it relaxing and fun. Absolutely learning loads in a patient and welcoming environment. Can't wait to continue!
Menyee Lai
Menyee Lai
2022-02-25
Dan is an intuitive and insightful teacher. He makes sure to get the absolute best from you and doesn't let you off the hook in the most caring and supportive way. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Dan will guide your acting to what is authentic and unique to you. Can't recommend him enough. Good teachers are rare. Inspirational ones are rarer. Dan is both.
Mindful Acting - Manchester
Mindful Acting - Manchester
89 Google reviews
Gurpreet Singh
Gurpreet Singh
2022-09-10
I’ve been to Dan’s classes before and this is my second lot of film scene study classes. Learning more about myself as an Actor and being pushed outside my comfort zone. Will be looking forward to doing more classes with Dan in the future.
P S-D
P S-D
2022-08-15
Dan’s classes are professional yet unpretentious. In each session I felt challenged and confident that the environment was a safe and supportive place. Scene study was a great opportunity to collaborate with a scene partner. I also valued the practise of receiving direction and applying it to my work effectively with Dan’s clear and encouraging guidance. I would recommend Mindful Acting to any newcomer or performer looking to refine their skills and I look forward to attending again myself in the future.
Miley Lee
Miley Lee
2022-07-22
amazing
millie newson
millie newson
2022-07-07
As a complete beginner with no previous education in acting I found these classes very comfortable and I was quickly able to let myself go and use Dans techniques to help me further my skills and passion for acting! Thanks Dan!
Matthew Heywood
Matthew Heywood
2022-05-06
Would highly recommend Mindful Acting to anyone. Daniel makes things simple and gives you time to work and observe to really take in and think about your practice.
James Foulsham-Rogers
James Foulsham-Rogers
2022-04-20
As well as being incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent, Daniel is kind and welcoming. I loved every minute of our sessions and have come out feeling very inspired. Daniel is amazing!
Steve Brown
Steve Brown
2022-03-30
Up to now I have had 3 one to one sessions with Dan and they have been amazing. I have always had a love for acting but at 62 I felt I had really missed the boat. Dan's sympathetic and encouraging training is building my confidence in so many ways. I am learning to memorise scripts and to delve into the characters and am even learning alot about myself. Dan is an expert in bringing the best out of people and he has filled me with a new found confidence in my acting ability. One of the best decisions I've made in a long time is to join Mindful Acting classes.
Joel P
Joel P
2022-03-03
Having recently completed Dan’s 4-week Film Scene Study course, I have absolutely no hesitation in offering a heartfelt recommendation to actors of all levels of experience. I signed up keen to sharpen my technique following the pandemic, and to reflect on my preparation and approach to acting for the camera. Within a lovely group of just 6, Dan created a warm, safe room in which to challenge me individually, and tailored his tutoring for each participant based on their specific needs and goals. I finished the course with renewed confidence in and clarity around my craft, thanks to Dan’s approach and great expertise. A wonderful four weeks!
Katya Rogers
Katya Rogers
2022-02-28
Diving in to this sort of stuff can be incredibly daunting, and Dan makes it relaxing and fun. Absolutely learning loads in a patient and welcoming environment. Can't wait to continue!
Menyee Lai
Menyee Lai
2022-02-25
Dan is an intuitive and insightful teacher. He makes sure to get the absolute best from you and doesn't let you off the hook in the most caring and supportive way. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Dan will guide your acting to what is authentic and unique to you. Can't recommend him enough. Good teachers are rare. Inspirational ones are rarer. Dan is both.
Mindful Acting - Manchester
Mindful Acting - Manchester
89 Google reviews
Gurpreet Singh
Gurpreet Singh
2022-09-10
I’ve been to Dan’s classes before and this is my second lot of film scene study classes. Learning more about myself as an Actor and being pushed outside my comfort zone. Will be looking forward to doing more classes with Dan in the future.
P S-D
P S-D
2022-08-15
Dan’s classes are professional yet unpretentious. In each session I felt challenged and confident that the environment was a safe and supportive place. Scene study was a great opportunity to collaborate with a scene partner. I also valued the practise of receiving direction and applying it to my work effectively with Dan’s clear and encouraging guidance. I would recommend Mindful Acting to any newcomer or performer looking to refine their skills and I look forward to attending again myself in the future.
Miley Lee
Miley Lee
2022-07-22
amazing
millie newson
millie newson
2022-07-07
As a complete beginner with no previous education in acting I found these classes very comfortable and I was quickly able to let myself go and use Dans techniques to help me further my skills and passion for acting! Thanks Dan!
Matthew Heywood
Matthew Heywood
2022-05-06
Would highly recommend Mindful Acting to anyone. Daniel makes things simple and gives you time to work and observe to really take in and think about your practice.
James Foulsham-Rogers
James Foulsham-Rogers
2022-04-20
As well as being incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent, Daniel is kind and welcoming. I loved every minute of our sessions and have come out feeling very inspired. Daniel is amazing!
Steve Brown
Steve Brown
2022-03-30
Up to now I have had 3 one to one sessions with Dan and they have been amazing. I have always had a love for acting but at 62 I felt I had really missed the boat. Dan's sympathetic and encouraging training is building my confidence in so many ways. I am learning to memorise scripts and to delve into the characters and am even learning alot about myself. Dan is an expert in bringing the best out of people and he has filled me with a new found confidence in my acting ability. One of the best decisions I've made in a long time is to join Mindful Acting classes.
Joel P
Joel P
2022-03-03
Having recently completed Dan’s 4-week Film Scene Study course, I have absolutely no hesitation in offering a heartfelt recommendation to actors of all levels of experience. I signed up keen to sharpen my technique following the pandemic, and to reflect on my preparation and approach to acting for the camera. Within a lovely group of just 6, Dan created a warm, safe room in which to challenge me individually, and tailored his tutoring for each participant based on their specific needs and goals. I finished the course with renewed confidence in and clarity around my craft, thanks to Dan’s approach and great expertise. A wonderful four weeks!
Katya Rogers
Katya Rogers
2022-02-28
Diving in to this sort of stuff can be incredibly daunting, and Dan makes it relaxing and fun. Absolutely learning loads in a patient and welcoming environment. Can't wait to continue!
Menyee Lai
Menyee Lai
2022-02-25
Dan is an intuitive and insightful teacher. He makes sure to get the absolute best from you and doesn't let you off the hook in the most caring and supportive way. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Dan will guide your acting to what is authentic and unique to you. Can't recommend him enough. Good teachers are rare. Inspirational ones are rarer. Dan is both.