ONE YEAR TRAINING
SPRINGBOARD FOR YOUR ACTING CAREER
Actors Academy One Year Training is an international acting training brought to your doorstep. With London’s top teachers, you’ll dive deep into the Meisner technique, gather hands-on experience from the field, finishing the year with an industry-ready toolkit, including a professional showreel, headshots and voice reel, all produced by industry professionals.
This training truly offers a powerful springboard for your acting career. We warmly welcome beginners who are ready to take their first steps toward their dream, as well as actors already working in the industry who wish to broaden their perspective, deepen their craft and expand their professional toolkit.
THE TRAINING STRUCTURE
Our program is designed as a part-time training that fits alongside a full-time work or studies.
The structure allows you to develop your craft consistently while still maintaining your everyday commitments. Through a combination of immersive in-person modules and ongoing online sessions, the training builds step by step toward practical industry experience and a final professional showcase.
10 x WEEKEND MODULES
Ten intensive three-day weekend modules where you dive deep into the craft of acting. Each module focuses on specific techniques and topics, allowing you to develop your skills through practical exercises, scene work, and hands-on guidance.
12 x ONLINE SESSIONS
Regular online sessions keep your learning momentum strong between modules. You will work with visiting coaches and industry professionals who offer guidance, feedback, and insights into the professional world of acting.
FINAL WEEK
The final week brings everything together. You will rehearse and film on set, perform in a live showcase with an audience, record your voice reel, and receive professional headshots—leaving the program with high-quality materials and valuable industry experience.
THE TRAINING INCLUDES
ACTING CRAFT & TECHNIQUE
You will develop a strong foundation in the Meisner Technique, learning how to work truthfully and instinctively in the moment.
You will practice
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Repetition exercises
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Independent Activity
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Emotional Preparation
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Relationship and imaginary circumstances in scenes
Through this work you will strengthen your ability to
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Truly listen and connect with your acting partner
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Work spontaneously and instinctively
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Take emotional risks and trust truthful impulses
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Create clear objectives and wants that guide your performance with flow, ease and authenticity
You will also gain tools to approach different scenes, roles, and directorial requests with creativity and confidence.
MIND-BODY TOOLS FOR ACTORS
Acting is not only a craft but also a mind–body practice.
You will learn tools to
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Release tension and restrictive patterns in the body
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Access your natural voice and emotional expression
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Let go of fear and pressure on stage or on set
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Build a stronger body–mind connection
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Develop daily practices that support well-being, creativity, and resilience
This work helps you experience greater freedom, emotional range, and enjoyment in acting.
FILM & CAMERA TRAINING
You will develop the skills required to work confidently and authentically in front of the camera.
This includes
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Screen acting and scene work adapted for film and television
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Understanding technical adjustments required on camera
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Practicing film and TV casting situations
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Learning how to create professional self-tapes and the equipment needed
During the training you will also gain real filming experience working with a professional film crew.
TOOLS & GUIDANCE TO NAVIGATE THE INDUSTRY LIKE A PRO
The training also prepares you for the professional realities of the industry.
You will gain understanding of
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The business of acting
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How to approach agents and auditions
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The common jargon of the film and television industry
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How to create your professional acting webpage
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How to step into, or advance, your professional acting career
READY TOOLKIT TO ENTER THE INDUSTRY
By the end of the training you will have
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A professional showreel: two filmed scenes shot with a professional film crew and directed by a working feature film director
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A voice reel
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Professional headshots
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A final showcase performance for an audience that includes industry professionals
WHO IT'S FOR
Emerging Actors
For those at the beginning of their journey who want strong professional foundations.
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Starting actors looking for high-level international training
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Actors preparing for drama school auditions in Finland or abroad
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Actors who want to begin building an international career
Developing Actors
For actors who already have some experience and want to deepen their craft.
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Actors keen to learn the Meisner Technique
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Actors wanting to sharpen their instincts and skills
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Actors who want to feel more relaxed and truthful in their acting
Professional Actors
For actors wanting to refresh their tools and elevate their career.
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Actors needing updated showreel material and headshots
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Actors wanting stronger mind–body tools for performance
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Actors looking for a committed ensemble to train with for a year
OUR COACHES
Ashlie Walker
Acting, Meisner Technique, Independent Activity & Scene Work
Dominic Kelly
Acting, Meisner Technique, Independent Activity & Scene Work
Nita Arpiainen
Acting, Meisner Technique, Repetition & Actor's Mindset
Tim Kent
Director & Screen Acting
James Larkin
Director & Screen Acting
Aleksander Rucidlo
Voice Over Coach
VISITING GUESTS
Guests in our past One Year Trainings have included some of the industry's top professional actors and directors, e.g. Krista Kosonen, Laura Birn, Laura Malmivaara, Maria Ylipää, Ilkka Villi, Amira Khalifa, Minka Kuustonen, Joonas Saartamo, Armi Toivanen Reimo Sagor, Rea Lest, Zaida Bergroth, Selma Vilhunen, Dome Karukoski, as well as many top talent and casting agents.
BUILD A NETWORK & CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Throughout the training, you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with a variety of visiting coaches and industry professionals who step into the studio to share their experience and work with the group – from casting directors to agents, and other professionals who actively shape the industry.
These moments create a relaxed space to ask questions, exchange ideas, and get to know people who are actively working in the industry. By training and collaborating in the same room, you’re not only learning from them, but you’re also giving them the opportunity to see your work and get to know you as an actor and person.
IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Raakel Huikuri, Lisa Richards Nordic
“There was great openness, commitment, and courage. The characters had a wide range of nuances and approaches, which made them very engaging to watch. A beautifully cohesive and easy-to-follow whole!”
Pigga Filenius, Yellow Film & TV
“Actors Academy has a great energy around it. They’ve brought forward some excellent actors — I’ve cast many of them, and we’ve really enjoyed working with them.”
JOIN OUR NEXT INTRO SESSION
Are you curious about what the Meisner Technique really is, and why actors around the world swear by it?
Now is your chance to find out for yourself.
Join us for a dynamic and experiential evening that introduces you to one of the most transformative approaches to acting — a method that helps you respond truthfully, connect deeply, and bring authentic life to your work.
HELSINKI & ONLINE
Meisner Intro Session
with Ashlie Walker
OSLO & ONLINE
Meisner Intro Session
with Nita Arpiainen
Acting is a mind, body and soul craft, culminating in a deeper understanding of ourselves and the characters we play.
- Ashlie Walker
ALUMNI
We’re proud to have already trained 12 One Year Training groups, each made up of passionate, dedicated and open-hearted actors.
For many of our students, the journey doesn’t end when the program finishes. To support their continued growth, we created our Ambassador Program — an ongoing community where alumni can keep training, deepening their craft, and staying connected with fellow actors and the Actors Academy.
The One Year Training is often just the beginning of a longer artistic journey together.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
We’re proud to see our students step into international roles on some of the world’s most recognised streaming services.
Daniele Secondi OYT VOL 6
Dr. Martin Cooper
Accused (2026) / Netflix
"It’s been an intense, fun, tough, eye-opening, and mesmerising eight-month ride with Actors Academy Finland.
It goes straight into the list of the most powerful experiences. We laughed, cried, loved, and got mad at each other like you rarely get a chance to do under any other circumstances in life. What a beautiful art. And journey, and people. Thank you for all the training coaches, and thank you fellow actors for showing up bravely and open."
Henrikki Haavisto Showreel
Henrikki Haavisto OYT VOL 1
Rallye 82 (TBA) / HBO Max
WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY
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FAQ
WHAT IS THE ONE YEAR TRAINING AND HOW IS IT STRUCTURED?
The One Year Training is a part-time professional acting program designed to support your development alongside normal work or studies. The year is built from 10 intensive weekend modules, online evening sessions between modules, and a final intensive week focused on rehearsal, filming, and showcase taking place in Helsinki. The structure allows for deep, continuous training while integrating the work into your everyday life.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRAINING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ACTING SCHOOLS?
Our training is rooted in the Meisner Technique, with a strong focus on truthful, instinctive acting and real human connection. Alongside craft, we integrate mind–body tools and practical industry preparation. We’re an human and artist-led, international school with a personal approach where each actor is seen, supported, and challenged.
WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR? CAN BEGINNERS APPLY?
The training is open to both emerging and more experienced actors. Whether you’re just starting out your acting path or looking to deepen your craft and technique, what matters most is your curiosity, commitment, and willingness to step fully into the work. Our coaches are highly experienced in adapting the coaching to each actor’s individual level and capacity, so that everyone keeps on gaining real expansion and breakthroughs throughout the training journey.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES THE TRAINING REQUIRE? CAN I WORK ALONGSIDE IT?
Yes — the training is specifically designed to be done alongside normal work, studies and life commitments. It consists of weekend modules and evening sessions, allowing you to commit fully to the work without needing to pause your life.
WHAT WILL I ACTUALLY GAIN FROM THE TRAINING?
You’ll build a strong foundation in the Meisner Technique and develop your ability to work truthfully, impulsively, and with emotional depth. You’ll strengthen your listening, presence, and connection, while gaining tools for both scene work and on-camera acting. Many actors also experience increased confidence, creative freedom, and a clearer sense of themselves in the work as well as personal life.
WILL I GET MATERIAL FOR MY SHOWREEL AND EXPERIENCE ON CAMERA?
Yes. The training includes on-camera work with real industry professionals and a final filmed project, giving you professional material for your showreel. You’ll also gain practical experience working in front of the camera in a supportive environment.
HOW DOES THE TRAINING SUPPORT MY ACTING CAREER?
Alongside craft, we guide you in navigating the industry — from auditions and agents to self-taping, building your website and materials, and understanding your next steps. Our aim is not only to develop you as an actor, but to help you move forward with clarity and confidence in your career.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS LIKE?
The process is simple and personal. After submitting your application, selected applicants are invited to a short interview where we get to meet you and understand your intention, motivation and commitment for the program. It’s also a space for you to ask questions and see if the training feels right for you at this stage.
WHAT KIND OF GROUP ENVIRONMENT CAN I EXPECT?
You can expect a supportive, focused, and respectful environment where it feels safe to take risks and fully express yourself. We carefully curate each group to ensure everyone is aligned in their intentions, creating a deeply connected, open and committed atmosphere.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS TRAINING IS RIGHT FOR ME?
If you feel a pull towards going deeper in your work and self — towards more honesty, connection, and freedom in your acting and presence over all — this training is likely for you. You don’t need to have things figured out before starting. Often, your eager curiosity with real openness is the best sign and a good place to start your journey.
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