From Harry Potter Auditions to Professional Screen Acting
Online Classes for Young Actors
As an agent, director, and acting coach with over 30 years of experience, I have guided countless children through auditions for film and television, including opportunities like the Harry Potter series. My online screen acting workshops for children are designed to teach essential skills such as self tape training, audition techniques, and screen acting. These classes give young actors the confidence, professional skills, and industry insight they need to succeed, whether they are new to auditions or already represented by an agent.
One of my young students, who had been training with me for two years, was invited to submit a self-tape. Her performance was exceptional and led to an in-person audition. Out of around 100,000 applicants, she was selected for the next stage, an incredible achievement in such a competitive process. Although she did not get the final role, reaching that point was a huge success, and I have no doubt her name will be one to watch in the future.
Why Training Makes the Difference
What made her stand out was not luck but preparation. For two years, she worked every week on scripts, performance, breathing techniques, and self tapes. Her mother was fully involved, learning how to film auditions correctly, manage the technical side, and support her daughter through the process.
At the same time, I received calls from parents, often through other agents, asking for urgent help with last-minute auditions and self tapes. Many of these children had little or no training, and parents were understandably overwhelmed. Without the right guidance, it is almost impossible to deliver a strong self tape at short notice.
Casting directors make decisions within seconds. If a self tape does not look professional, from eyeline and framing to pacing and delivery, it is often dismissed. Children can easily read too fast, miss important pauses, or overact due to stage training. That is why breathing techniques, natural reactions, and screen acting skills are essential.
What I Bring as a Director and Teacher
Me
I know what casting directors are looking for because I have worked as a director and agent. Over the years, I have trained many young actors who have gone on to successful careers, including:
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Jessica Barden (The Lobster, Tamara Drewe, Hanna, Coronation Street)
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Colson Smith (Coronation Street)
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Amy Walsh (Emmerdale)
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Sam Jackson (Skins)
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Daniel Pearson (Vera, The Dumping Ground, Doctors)
My students have appeared in BAFTA nominated films, hit TV dramas, and long running soaps. This track record gives me a unique perspective, blending my experience as a teacher, agent, and filmmaker to give children the best chance at success.
A Note for Parents and Agents
I understand that many children already have agents, and I want to make it very clear: my online training is not about recruiting children away from their existing representation. I am happy to speak directly with an agent and, if needed, put a formal agreement in place to reassure everyone involved. My role is purely to train, prepare, and give children the professional skills they need to succeed, not to interfere with their current representation.
New Online Training for Children and Parents
To make this training more accessible, I am offering online workshops designed to prepare both children and parents for the demands of today’s industry. These classes are open to both agented and non agented children for the first time.
Here is what we cover:
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Self tape training – how to perform with confidence and record professionally
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Screen acting skills – reacting truthfully, blocking a scene, understanding camera angles, and adapting to script changes
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Building a strong CV – helping your child stand out to casting directors
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Showreel guidance – what works and what does not, and how to present your child’s best work
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Parent support – understanding scripts and giving the right guidance at home
📅 Workshops run Tuesday evenings:
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5:00pm – 6:00pm → Ages 9 to 12
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6:00pm – 7:00pm → Ages 13 to 18
👉 Places are limited. To book your child’s place, email me directly at alyson@northernfilmanddrama.com
Give Your Child the Best Chance
Talent is important, but talent alone is not enough. Preparation, training, and guidance from someone who knows the industry inside out can make all the difference.
If your child dreams of acting in film and television, now is the time to invest in their future.
📧 Book today: alyson@northernfilmanddrama.com or fill in the form