At Makers' House Hastings, we have quickly established ourself as a home away from home for some of the UK's most exciting creative artists.
We're now opening our doors to aspiring and experienced actors alike, with weekly evening Professional ActingTraining for adults of all experience levels.
Whether you're taking your first steps onto the stage, returning to acting, or looking to develop your professional skills; you can build confidence, creativity, and performance technique by joining our supportive, inspiring, professionally led community.
Join us for a single term or continue through our six-term training programme at your own pace.
Students who complete all six terms can qualify for Spotlight membership* - the industry's leading casting directory and an important gateway to professional acting opportunities.
*Contrary to what many acting schools advertise, Spotlight membership can never be guaranteed. Spotlight's internal membership process does not accredit or pre-approve any training venue or course. Each application is judged individually and, when a student completes 6 terms, Makers’ House will do all it can to support a student’s application.
What do our Students say?
‘I have attended many acting sessions and courses at Makers House Hastings and I have found every one of them, interesting, challenging, creative and inspiring.
Chris not only teaches with great insight, knowledge and talent but allows each individual to explore and express their own interpretation and passion.
I have benefitted enormously. Also laughter is encouraged.’
‘Speaking as a professional actress, I can’t speak highly enough of the brilliant direction and thought provoking experiences I’ve had with Chris.
His knowledge of every aspect of the theatre, acting, voice production, directing, writing, lighting, sound, design, wardrobe, etc. is astounding.
If you have an open mind, and are willing to learn, you can do no better anywhere.’
- Vicky O. - Karen Mann‘Like nothing I have been to before. Not only a look at the craft of acting but a journey into self discovery and understanding.
From day one I was treated like a professional and expected to behave like a professional.
The work is challenging, thought provoking and, most importantly, entirely rewarding.’
- Leylan H.Who is the training for?
Our training is open to adults and young performers above School Leaving Age.
No previous acting experience is required, and there are no auditions to join.
The training is suitable for:
Complete beginners who want to discover acting in a supportive environment
Adults returning to acting after time away from performance
Amateur performers looking to develop their craft
Performers wanting to build confidence, creativity and stage presence
Gap Year Students who wish to develop their skills with a view to joining the industry
Anyone who simply loves drama and wants to explore the joy of performance
Everyone is welcome. Our aim is to help each actor develop their own voice, unlock their creativity and grow in confidence, whatever their starting point.
What you'll Learn
Our training is designed to develop the complete actor — building technique, confidence, imagination and the ability to create truthful, compelling performances.
Whether your goal is professional training, personal development or simply the joy of acting, each class is designed to help you become a more confident, skilled and expressive performer.
Throughout the 6 terms, you will explore:
Scene Study – understanding text, exploring characters, relationships and objectives through practical scene work
Character Development – discovering how to create rich, believable and individual characters
Improvisation – developing spontaneity, imagination and the ability to respond in the moment
Voice and Speech – strengthening vocal technique, clarity, projection and expression
Movement – using the body with confidence, freedom and awareness
Classical Verse – exploring the language, rhythm and technique required to bring classical texts to life
Emotional Truth – finding honesty, connection and authenticity in your work
Camera Technique – learning the skills needed to perform naturally and effectively for screen
Listening and Reacting – developing the essential skills that make performances feel alive and truthful
Ensemble Work – collaborating creatively and building the trust required for great acting
Confidence in Performance – developing the courage, presence and freedom to perform at your best
Course Structure
Weekly Classes - available on either a Monday or Tuesday evening
2.5 hours per week - 25 hours per term
Our acting programme is designed as a flexible series of six progressive terms, with three terms each year.
There is no obligation to complete all six terms. Many students choose to join us for a single term to develop their confidence, explore acting or simply enjoy the experience. Others continue through multiple terms, steadily building their skills and technique.
Each term offers a complete and rewarding learning experience in its own right, while also forming part of a carefully structured programme for those who wish to continue their training, and each term is punctuated with public performances where you can share your work.
For those who wish to attain qualifications, from the second year onwards, students who would like to gain formal qualifications have the opportunity to work towards Trinity College London Acting examinations, progressing as far as Grade 8.
For Gap Year Students, or for those who wish to take their training further, there may be an option of expanding your training with us in order to study for a Trinity College London Diploma. The ATCL diploma is a globally recognised Level 4 qualification, equivalent to the first-year recital of an undergraduate degree or a UK Certificate of Higher Education.
Whether you join us for one term or complete the full programme, you'll receive the same high-quality training in a supportive, creative environment.
Course Dates
Monday Evening Course
7 September – 9 November, 7pm - 9.30pm
Tuesday Evening Course
8 September – 10 November, 7pm - 9.30pm
Each course consists of:
10 weekly evening classes
2.5 hours of training per week
25 hours of professional actor training per term
A maximum class size of 8 students
With small class sizes, every actor receives individual attention, practical feedback and the opportunity to fully engage in every session.
Students can join for a single term or continue through our full six-term programme.
Founding Student Rate
To celebrate the launch of Professional Actor Training at Makers' House Hastings, we are offering our first cohort of students an exclusive Founding Student rate of £395 per term.
This special rate will be honoured throughout the full six-term programme for students who choose to continue their training with us, recognising the important role our founding students will play in building the future of actor training at Makers' House.
Your term fee includes:
10 weekly evening classes
25 hours of professional actor training per term
Training with Makers' House founders Liz Mattey and Chris New
Access to a vibrant creative community
Opportunities to attend selected masterclasses, workshops and talks with visiting artists
Students can join for a single term or choose to continue through the full six-term programme, developing their skills progressively over time.
Paying in instalments — If you would like to spread the cost of a term, we now offer an instalment system. Just pay a 30% deposit at checkout, and you can pay the remaining balance in two monthly payments. Just tick the “Pay deposit” box at checkout.
Our Classes are
Our classes are designed to create the ideal environment for actors to explore, experiment and grow. We combine professional standards with a warm, encouraging atmosphere where everyone feels able to take creative risks.
You can expect classes that are:
Encouraging – helping you discover your strengths and develop confidence
Supportive – creating a safe space where you can explore and learn
Challenging – pushing you to develop your technique and reach your potential
Fun – because the best acting comes from curiosity, play and enjoyment
Creative – inspiring imagination, originality and personal expression
Inclusive – welcoming actors of all backgrounds, abilities and experience levels
Professional without being intimidating – offering high-quality actor training in a relaxed and approachable environment
Our classes are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 8 students per group, allowing every actor the space, attention and confidence to develop their skills.
At Makers' House, we believe actors do their best work when they feel both challenged and supported — encouraged to take risks, make discoveries and find their own unique voice.
Why train with us?
Makers' House has earned an outstanding reputation within the creative industries, attracting some of the UK's most respected artists, performers and makers. Training with us means becoming part of a vibrant creative community whose name is increasingly recognised for artistic excellence. Alongside your weekly classes, you'll have opportunities to attend exclusive masterclasses, workshops and talks with many of the exceptional artists who visit Makers' House.
The course is led by Makers’ House founders Liz Mattey and Chris New.
Chris trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and has performed leading roles on many of the UK’s foremost stages, and brings the highest standard of training and experience to his teaching.
Liz has spent more than twenty years training actors within the education system, many of whom are now among the bright new talents of the stage and screen.
Makers’ House Hastings recent production of TOP GIRLS at the Stables Theatre, and starred many of the actors we have trained.
Together, they have developed a teaching philosophy that combines professional rigour with encouragement, curiosity and play, helping every actor discover their own authentic voice, develop exceptional technique, and find genuine freedom and joy in performance.
Places are strictly limited for our September 2026 intake, if you have any questions, or would like to discuss whether the course is for you, then email here
Otherwise, click the button below to secure your place.