Acting Classes in Manchester
Scene Study
A four-week-long, intensive scene study acting class with a maximum of 6 members. Students are paired up and each assigned a different scene for the month from a different published stage play, chosen for their specific casting. Guaranteed hour of 'up on your feet' individual exploration time per pair/trio in each class. This class runs in association with Play With Fire Productions.
Film Scene Study
A four-week-long, film scene study based acting class with a maximum of 8 members. This class will work specifically with high-quality film and television scripts to hone your craft of acting in front of a camera.
Students are paired up and each assigned 2-4 different scenes over the course of 4 weeks, chosen for their specific casting. You will receive a guaranteed hour of 'up on your feet' individual exploration time per pair/trio in each class.
Practical Aesthetics
Practical Aesthetics (PA) is a practical approach to acting, 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. It draws from the later writings of Stanislavsky, the works of Sanford Meisner, Joseph Campbell, Aristotle, William James, Carl Jung and philosophy of stoicism.
Meditation for actors
Join Dan for online drop-in guided meditation sessions every fortnight to discover how the wisdom of mindfulness can benefit our art and creative lives.
Sessions are 'pay what you can'. Please give whichever you can afford.
Mindful acting classes
Working as a group, students will explore the experience of acting through the lens of mindfulness and humanistic psychology to help break through personal barriers and blocks. It will examine the often-overlooked questions of what to do when we perform and how to integrate our acting into our life and our life into our acting, so that we can get the most out of both.
"I would go so far as to say that 'Scene Study' is absolutely necessary training for the professional actor. Dan uses his seemingly limitless knowledge and insight into practitioner theory, plays and the craft of acting to guide actors through a very personalised journey of discovery."
Nancy Monaghan
"If you are thinking about doing Scene Study stop thinking about it and just do it!!! Daniel's knowledge and passion for scripts and techniques is incredible and infectious. I would urge any actor, experienced or not, to do this course."
Francesca Heraghty
Matthew Heywood
2022-05-06
Verified
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.
Read more 
James Foulsham-Rogers
2022-04-20
Verified
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!
Read more 
Steve Brown
2022-03-30
Verified
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.
Read more 
Joel P
2022-03-03
Verified
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!
Read more 
Gurpreet Singh
2022-03-03
Verified
The film scene study class was a good stepping stone from scene study which is what I’d previously done with Dan. Learned so much more in terms of what I needed to bring to the scene in order to lift the text of the page.
Read more 
Katya Rogers
2022-02-28
Verified
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!
Read more 
Menyee Lai
2022-02-25
Verified
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.
Read more 
Angela Heenan
2022-02-20
Verified
Being taught my Dan in scene study class was really wonderful, he puts his heart and soul into teaching and noticing all that’s going on in class and the scenes and it shows. He teaches with passion and knows how to get the most out of the actors.
Really looking forward to doing more classes with Dan this year, as he like to work closely with the actors individual needs whatever level you may be in your career.
Read more 
J D
2022-01-26
Verified
Dan is an excellent communicator, a keen listener and holds the ability to analyse language, intention and behaviour in order to structure sessions in such a way as to generate an environment in which you can build upon whatever it is you feel would be beneficial. In my case, the combination of theatre and mindfulness is starting to lead to a very valuable set of discussions which I already feel are allowing me to be more self-reflexive and aware. In short, Dan is a fantastic life coach, mentor and advisor regarding all matters both on and off stage. I would very much recommend him; regardless of your current acting experience, situational posture or overall goals. I look forward to continuing the journey with Dan and Mindful Acting.
Read more 
Shalini Wijesinghe
2022-01-14
Verified
I am a full time model tapping in to acting and Dan has taken me on board and has helped me figure out what I could achieve and guide me along the way. Not forgetting the fact that Dan is an amazing teacher, he’s patient and helps you in each step of the way, I look forward to working along side Dan and learning every trick of the trade. Thanks Dan I can’t recommend him highly enough ☺️
Read more Matthew Heywood
2022-05-06
Verified
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.
Read more James Foulsham-Rogers
2022-04-20
Verified
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!
Read more Steve Brown
2022-03-30
Verified
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.
Read more Joel P
2022-03-03
Verified
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!
Read more Gurpreet Singh
2022-03-03
Verified
The film scene study class was a good stepping stone from scene study which is what I’d previously done with Dan. Learned so much more in terms of what I needed to bring to the scene in order to lift the text of the page.
Read more Katya Rogers
2022-02-28
Verified
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!
Read more Menyee Lai
2022-02-25
Verified
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.
Read more Angela Heenan
2022-02-20
Verified
Being taught my Dan in scene study class was really wonderful, he puts his heart and soul into teaching and noticing all that’s going on in class and the scenes and it shows. He teaches with passion and knows how to get the most out of the actors.
Really looking forward to doing more classes with Dan this year, as he like to work closely with the actors individual needs whatever level you may be in your career.
Read more J D
2022-01-26
Verified
Dan is an excellent communicator, a keen listener and holds the ability to analyse language, intention and behaviour in order to structure sessions in such a way as to generate an environment in which you can build upon whatever it is you feel would be beneficial. In my case, the combination of theatre and mindfulness is starting to lead to a very valuable set of discussions which I already feel are allowing me to be more self-reflexive and aware. In short, Dan is a fantastic life coach, mentor and advisor regarding all matters both on and off stage. I would very much recommend him; regardless of your current acting experience, situational posture or overall goals. I look forward to continuing the journey with Dan and Mindful Acting.
Read more Shalini Wijesinghe
2022-01-14
Verified
I am a full time model tapping in to acting and Dan has taken me on board and has helped me figure out what I could achieve and guide me along the way. Not forgetting the fact that Dan is an amazing teacher, he’s patient and helps you in each step of the way, I look forward to working along side Dan and learning every trick of the trade. Thanks Dan I can’t recommend him highly enough ☺️
Read more Matthew Heywood
2022-05-06
Verified
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.
Read more James Foulsham-Rogers
2022-04-20
Verified
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!
Read more Steve Brown
2022-03-30
Verified
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.
Read more Joel P
2022-03-03
Verified
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!
Read more Gurpreet Singh
2022-03-03
Verified
The film scene study class was a good stepping stone from scene study which is what I’d previously done with Dan. Learned so much more in terms of what I needed to bring to the scene in order to lift the text of the page.
Read more Katya Rogers
2022-02-28
Verified
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!
Read more Menyee Lai
2022-02-25
Verified
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.
Read more Angela Heenan
2022-02-20
Verified
Being taught my Dan in scene study class was really wonderful, he puts his heart and soul into teaching and noticing all that’s going on in class and the scenes and it shows. He teaches with passion and knows how to get the most out of the actors.
Really looking forward to doing more classes with Dan this year, as he like to work closely with the actors individual needs whatever level you may be in your career.
Read more J D
2022-01-26
Verified
Dan is an excellent communicator, a keen listener and holds the ability to analyse language, intention and behaviour in order to structure sessions in such a way as to generate an environment in which you can build upon whatever it is you feel would be beneficial. In my case, the combination of theatre and mindfulness is starting to lead to a very valuable set of discussions which I already feel are allowing me to be more self-reflexive and aware. In short, Dan is a fantastic life coach, mentor and advisor regarding all matters both on and off stage. I would very much recommend him; regardless of your current acting experience, situational posture or overall goals. I look forward to continuing the journey with Dan and Mindful Acting.
Read more Shalini Wijesinghe
2022-01-14
Verified
I am a full time model tapping in to acting and Dan has taken me on board and has helped me figure out what I could achieve and guide me along the way. Not forgetting the fact that Dan is an amazing teacher, he’s patient and helps you in each step of the way, I look forward to working along side Dan and learning every trick of the trade. Thanks Dan I can’t recommend him highly enough ☺️
Read more