ACTING CLASSES

Classes, workshops and coaching for professional actors and those who aspire to be.

Welcome to Des Fleming Acting. I’ve been an actor and theatre maker since 1992. My teaching is heavily influenced by Uta Hagen*, Larry Moss and Ivana Chubbuck*. Collectively they have nurtured numerous stars of stage and screen, and have long been associated with acting excellence. Like these renowned teachers, I believe regular work on your skills is key to unlocking your talent and achieving mastery in technique.

*I’ve completed teacher training at HB Studio, New York and Ivana Chubbuck Studio, Los Angeles.

THE ART OF AUDITIONING FOR SCREEN

This weekly online class is for actors who want to develop their screen audition technique. The aim is to help you create stand-out auditions and self-tapes that are active, believable and connected. 

We focus on auditioning with freedom and joy – how to make choices that ensure you act from the gut rather than the head. The class is built on two ideas; the art of screen acting is the moment-to-moment response to the other, and auditioning is about creating not competing. 

Key aspects of the work we will do together will include finding specificity in your choices built on the information in the script and breakdown; bringing spontaneity and immediacy to your performance; and acting from impulse rather than a pre-planned set of responses. 

We’ll also dedicate time to creating a repertoire of character types unique to you. This will enhance your cast-ability and allow you to approach any genre with confidence. Great characters are not invented on the spot, they are developed through practise over time. 

Open to actors with industry experience or professional training.

Online. Max 8 participants.

Starts: Wednesday 9 October 2024 
Where: Zoom
Duration: 8 weekly classes, 6pm to 9pm
Application deadline: 27 September 2024
Fee: £390

WEEKLY SCENE STUDY

This in-person Acting Class offers actors a fully immersive experience in preparing a role. The aim of this class is virtuosity in the work. It provides actors an ongoing opportunity to engage with, and develop their craft. 

The class has three guiding principles – exploration, preparation and play. My view is that these principles provides the surest path to freedom for an actor. By applying them to what I call the ‘pillars of performance’, a powerful transformation can occur.

Actors work in pairs on two scenes specially selected for you. We use a structured rehearsal process to tap into your imagination and creativity. The goal is to unlock your individuality and humanity, thereby empowering you to be fully in service of your characters.

Open to actors with industry experience or professional training.

Starts: Tuesday 7 January 2025
Where: Theatre Deli, London
Duration: 8 weekly classes, 1pm to 5pm
Application deadline: 17 December 2024
Fee: £395

COACHING

I offer 1:1 coaching for auditions, self-tapes and preparing a role.

Every Audition is an opportunity to create connection; to build a relationship with a particular casting director, or creative. It’s not just about the role you’re auditioning for, it’s an investment in your future career. Your goal in the audition is not to prove you’re a great actor. Your goal is to embody the material, and bring a character to life in the most truthful way possible. That’s how you stand out.

Self-tapes can be stressful. Being relaxed and able to focus solely on your character’s experience is crucial. That’s why I spend time analysing the material in advance so I can offer direction that connects you to the life of the scene. My aim is to create a performance that cuts through to the unique audience that will be watching your tape.

You’ve got the Role – congratulations! Now for the fun part: working with the material to create a truly memorable, fully embodied character. So, how do you excavate the script to unlock the treasures it contains? How do you build a backstory that inspires bold choices? How do you ignite your imagination? I’ll help you do this using a detailed process that focuses on creating layers and truthfulness in your performance.

Private coaching starts at £60 per hour. Online or in-person.