With self-taping and remote auditions now the norm in the performing arts industry, training opportunities available to actors have also shifted, with more focus on the digital space. There are a number of companies that offer ongoing online acting classes, allowing actors to learn from anywhere while connecting with industry professionals and fellow performers.
Whether you’re an early career actor hoping to build your experience or a more established performer looking to keep your skills sharp between jobs and auditions, online acting classes can be a flexible and affordable way to continue developing your craft.
Given their virtual nature, online acting classes tend to focus on helping actors to develop their screen acting, self-taping, and remote auditioning skills. Classes are hosted on video-conferencing platforms such as Zoom and generally involve scene study, with feedback from the coach focusing on refining participants’ acting, cold-reading, and auditioning prowess.
Most online acting classes are live – taking place in real time with an active tutor – but some companies offer prerecorded online lessons that students can watch in their own time. Given the importance of connecting and reacting when it comes to acting, live classes are likely to offer more opportunities for growth as a performer, although prerecorded classes may help to build a solid foundation in understanding different techniques.
What are some of the best online acting classes for UK performers? Here are six options worth considering.
JUMP TO
As the name suggests, the Actors Gym approaches actor training like physical fitness: Consistent practice leads to improved performance. The platform offers three levels of subscription for access to year-round weekly online acting classes taught by professional screen actors such as Asa Butterfield (Sex Education), Kevin McNally (Pirates of the Caribbean), and Bill Ward (Coronation Street, Emmerdale, After Life).
You’ll also have access to Q&A sessions with agents, producers, directors, and casting directors, plus fortnightly self-tape challenges with written feedback from working actors. Classes usually take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weeknights and cover a range of acting techniques, voice and accent work, scene study, actor confidence, and the casting process, making the Actors Gym a good choice for people who want to refine their skills alongside their learning.
Founded by award-winning casting director Peter Hunt in 2009, ActUpNorth launched the online branch of its professional actor training programme in 2020. In addition to working with regular tutors who are all professional working actors, students have the opportunity to collaborate with a range of industry professionals, including casting directors, agents, and directors.
ActUpNorth students have landed roles on shows such as Bridgerton, Stay Close, Line of Duty, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Doctor Who, Adolescence, and more. One of the biggest appeals of ActUpNorth for early career actors without prior formal training is that it’s a Spotlight-accredited training provider. That means after two years of training you are eligible to join the casting platform Spotlight. Classes take place weekly on Zoom across three terms at a variety of times during the week. They’re a very affordable option at £15 to £16.50 per two-hour class.
Founded by renowned acting coach Margie Haber, whose students have included Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, and Tiffany Haddish, the training offered here focuses on acting and auditioning organically, rather than technically. That approach encourages actors to focus on finding authentic connection and spontaneity in auditions and self-tapes, rather than getting stuck in your head, script analysis, or worrying about learning your lines.
Online classes are delivered live on Zoom and cater to actors at a range of experience levels, from beginners to working professionals. The studio is based in the US, but its online foundation and advanced classes take place on weekend mornings Pacific time, so they’re still a viable option in the UK, beginning at around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. With a focus on audition prep and self-taping, the classes are a strong choice for actors who want to skill up in a supportive environment with a dash of Hollywood glamour.
Agent and acting coach Mark Jermin heads up the team at MJ Virtuals, which offers a range of online classes for children, teens, and adults. Classes cover a wide range of skills, from scene study and improvisation to audition techniques and industry insights. Students also benefit from the chance to connect with casting directors and production companies, as well as opportunities in class to act against alumni who are now working professionally.
With a strong focus on career development and industry insights alongside building your confidence as an actor, the classes are a good option for younger performers just starting out and looking for regular training alongside industry-focused guidance.
Offering acting classes online for both beginners and people with more experience under their belt, the Online Actor focuses solely on acting for camera. Adult classes are taught by actor and coach Vas Saranga, whose screen credits include I Will Find You, The Handmaid’s Tale, You’re My Hero, and Orphan Black. They combine paired scene work, on-camera exercises, and practical coaching to develop each actor’s intuition, presence, listening, and ability to work naturally on camera.
Rather than students having to commit to a fixed class time over a multiweek term, the Online Actor offers classes on rotating days and times, which actors can book into using a credit system. That makes them a perfect choice for actors with unpredictable schedules looking for more flexibility.
The Reel Scene’s online acting course focuses heavily on screen acting, making it particularly relevant for performers who wish to pursue a career in TV and film. Running at various points throughout the year, it comprises 12 weeks of workshops that cover basic acting techniques, scene study, auditioning and self-taping, career development, and more. The Reel Scene pride themselves on offering industry-led courses taught by working actors, casting directors, and directors, and they also have a production company that makes award-winning films, so there are opportunities to turn the training into on-set experience and credits. Training with them also offers a potential pathway to representation by their connected agency, RS Talent.
Whichever online acting class you choose to pursue, consistency is key. Regular practice and professional feedback are at the heart of building your confidence as a performer and developing your acting skills. Once you find a class you gel with, keep going back to ensure that you feel prepared for future auditions and casting opportunities.