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What to Expect at Your First Acting Workshop, and Why Every Aspiring Actor Should Join One

acting workshop
https://www.italiaconti.com/?p=14337

Whether you’re getting involved in the arts for the first time or you’re returning to performing after a break, an acting workshop is the perfect way to get started.

Acting workshops help you boost confidence, build skills, and connect with like-minded performers who are on the same journey. But, if you’ve never been to one before, what should you expect at your first acting workshop?

A Supportive, Practical Environment

An acting workshop is a hands-on learning experience that’s focused on helping performers explore techniques, discover their strengths, and grow in a safe and creative environment of like-minded peers.

Whether for a few hours or a few days, the workshop will usually be structured to include warm-ups, group exercises, improv, text work, and performance coaching.

The goal of an acting workshop isn’t to leave perfect, but to leave better than you were before. You’ll work closely with tutors or facilitators who will guide you through activities that are designed to stretch your imagination, improve your focus, and develop your voice and body as storytelling tools. Most of all, the workshop is a chance to play, explore, express, and take creative risks without the pressure of an audition or full production on your shoulders.

What You’ll Learn

In your first acting workshop, you can expect to:

  • Learn practical tools for character development
  • Build confidence in voice, movement, and expression
  • Learn how to analyse scripts and explore subtext
  • Develop better focus, listening, and stage awareness
  • Receive constructive feedback to help you improve

Workshops are also a great way to get a feel for different acting methods, from Stanislavski to Meisner, and find what resonates with you. You’ll often work collaboratively with others, learning how to give and receive energy in scenes, a vital skill in both theatre and screen work.

Italia Conti Acting Workshops

If you want to explore acting alongside other key performance skills, Italia Conti’s Back 2 Musical Theatre course is a great fit. This two-day intensive course (next running on the 3rd and 5th September 2025) is designed for anyone aged 15+ who wants to reconnect with musical theatre or prepare for future training and auditions.

The programme includes a range of practical sessions, from acting workshops and vocal development to stretching, fitness, ballet, jazz and contemporary dance. Whether you’re returning to study or building a foundation for further training, this immersive course will help you grow as a well-rounded performer.

Led by expert tutors from Italia Conti, you’ll not only develop your technical ability but also gain insight into what makes a compelling, confident performer in the industry today.

Are Acting Workshops Worth It?

Every aspiring actor, whether they’re a complete beginner or an experienced performer, can benefit from attending an acting workshop. It’s a chance to test the waters, develop new skills, grow in confidence, and collaborate with other industry connections.

An acting workshop is a brilliant experience for any performer.

  • “I have just graduated from Liverpool Theatre School with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. I wanted to do the BA Hons (Top Up) in Professional Arts Practice course to further develop my skills for the industry. It is the perfect balance between academic writing and creativity. I already have seen improvements, both in my academic and performing work, and I now really value the ability to critically reflect on past experiences in order to improve my current skills.”

    - Sarah Collinge – Musical Theatre Performer Current Student, Class of July 2024
  • “I have found that my first term at Italia Conti has been better than I could’ve imagined. I am working with driven, passionate, likeminded people within all different realms of the performing arts industry. I find that the course is very tailored to each individual and the content is broad enough to apply to everyone but specific enough to challenge each person within their abilities. I find the course to be a place where I can collaborate and interact with people who I’d never had met otherwise. I only look forward to what the next few months of the course bring and feel more motivated than ever.”

    - Kate Drummond – Actor Current Student, Class of July 2024
  • Current Student, Class of July 2024
    “The course is allowing me to reflect on my past practice, current position, and future endeavours. I really enjoy how flexible the course is, with regards to being able to tailor my studies to my own practice, enabling me to maximise the benefits of this on my future career. I expect my professional development to be impacted exponentially and I am excited to continue!”

    - Amy-Jo Sumner – Musical Theatre Performer
  • “Italia Conti’s BA Top up course was the one for me! Creating a business in under 9 months has been a massive accomplishment! The course really helps shape your future, enables you to meet professional contacts to support your research, and gives you lots of time to understand the area of the industry you want to specialise in.”

    - Rachel Ward – Performing Arts Tutor Graduate, BA Top up Class of Sept 2022
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