ONE YEAR TRAINING
FROM TRAINING ROOM TO THE FILM SET IN ONE YEAR
Master technique, screen performance, and professional tools — and graduate with showreel, voice reel, and industry showcase.
APPLICATIONS OPEN TO
One Year Training
HELSINKI | MARCH 2027 | APPLICATIONS OPEN
A one-year journey from the training room to the film set. Deep Meisner training with London's top coaches, real on-camera experience, and an industry-ready toolkit to launch your career.
From weekend intensives to a final production week with a professional crew, you'll build your craft, shoot your showreel, and walk away with a real foundation for your acting career.
Part-time, meant to fit alongside work or other studies.
One Year Training
OSLO | FALL 2027 | APPLICATIONS OPEN
The One Year Training is coming to Oslo. After twelve groups in Helsinki, we're expanding across the Nordics, bringing deep Meisner training, top international coaches, and real industry preparation to Norway.
We're gathering a group of committed aspiring actors, and applicants will be the first to hear about all program details.
Part-time, meant to fit alongside work or other studies.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ENTER THE INDUSTRY — IN ONE YEAR.
CRAFT & TECHNIQUE
Deep Meisner training with London's leading coaches — truthful, instinctive acting built from the ground up over a full year.
SCREEN EXPERIENCE
Real on-camera work with a professional film crew, directed by a working feature film director. Not a simulation — an actual set.
INDUSTRY READINESS
Agents, auditions, self-taping, branding, networking — you leave knowing how the industry works and how to move inside it.
WHAT YOU LEAVE WITH
PROFESSIONAL SHOWREEL
Two filmed scenes, shot with a professional crew and directed by a working feature film director.
VOICE REEL
Recorded during final week with professional guidance.
HEADSHOTS
Shot by an industry photographer — ready to use for submissions and your actor profile.
LIVE INDUSTRY SHOWCASE
Perform in front of invited industry professionals — casting directors, agents and others.
"The One Year Training has been a big milestone in my life. I feel like I've found a new level of freedom in my expression and in my whole being. I trust myself much more than I used to and I'm braver to show up as a messy human being — which is valuable not only in acting but in life too."
— Anna-Mari | One Year Training vol. 10
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 helps you build a strong foundation 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.
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
THE MEISNER TECHNIQUE
"To live truthfully under imaginary circumstances."
— Sanford Meisner
Most actors, when they begin, are almost entirely focused on themselves — Am I doing this right? Is this emotional enough? That self-consciousness is the enemy of truth. Meisner's solution was radical in its simplicity: stop looking inward, and turn fully toward your scene partner. What do you actually see? What does that make you feel, right now, in this specific moment?
The result is performance that feels spontaneous, alive, and deeply human. The camera doesn't want performance — it wants behaviour. And that's exactly what Meisner-trained actors learn to deliver.
IMPULSE AND TRUTH
Replacing manufactured emotion with spontaneous, honest response. Following what is real rather than what is rehearsed.
GENUINE CONNECTION
Learning to truly see your scene partner — and let what you see actually affect you, rather than what you planned to feel.
PRESENCE
The stillness and aliveness that makes a performance magnetic on screen — not doing more, but meaning it completely.
"It's been an intense, mesmerising ride. We laughed, cried, loved, and got mad at each other like you rarely get a chance to do. What a beautiful art, journey, and people."
Daniele | One Year Training Graduate
"With the Meisner technique things clicked and I was able to connect with my emotions truly organically. The validation and trust I got during the training helped me try auditioning as myself, without masks. I got into Helsinki Theatre University after seven tries."
Malla | One Year Training Graduate
"It's like unlocking loads of feelings and learning how to use them in acting without hurting yourself. I feel more flexible and trust myself more."
Laura | One Year Training Graduate
"I've studied acting for a long time, but only now realised what 'real' acting actually is. I've gotten more confident, found where I need to grow, and the teachers gave me very personal coaching."
Tanja | One Year Training & Advanced Lab Graduate
UPCOMING MEISNER EVENTS
Are you curious about what the Meisner Technique really is, and why actors around the world swear by it?
Whether you're curious about the technique or ready to dive deep, we invite you to experience this shift firsthand. Join us for an evening to observe or a weekend to fully immerse yourself.
"Acting is a mind, body and soul craft, culminating in a deeper understanding of ourselves and the characters we play."
- Ashlie Walker
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 PRODUCTIONS
Everything you've built culminates here. 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
KEEP YOUR MOMENTUM
ADVANCED ACTOR'S LAB
For many of our graduates, the next chapter is the Advanced Actor's Lab. It is a continuation of intensive, high-level training designed for actors ready to deepen their craft, expand their range, and step forward with professional momentum.
In the Advanced Lab, you will:
Deepen your emotional range and nuance
Bringing more intentionality and specificity to complex characters, refining your instincts at an advanced level.
Develop your artistic voice with clarity
Understanding what makes you unique as an actor and learning to bring that authenticity consistently to your work.
Build fresh professional materials with your advanced craft
Filming a scene with a feature director and a professional crew, filming new material that showcases the dept you've developed.
Define your positioning and personal brand
Moving beyond "an actor" to having a clear sense of who you are, what you're known for and how to market yourself authentically in a crowded industry. Gain real industry perspective by having 1-1 meeting with a casting director.
APPLY TO THE ADVANCED LAB DURING THE ONE YEAR TRAINING
Apply during your One Year Training to secure your spot in the Advanced Lab. Transition directly into the next level without losing the momentum, intensity, and ensemble energy you've built. Keep going while the work is alive in you.
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
Deborah Garvey
Voice & Movement, Body, Breath & Voice, Emotional Authenticity
Tim Kent
Director & Screen Acting
James Larkin
Director & Screen Acting
Aleksander Rucidlo
Voice Over Coach
Other visiting coaches
Varying Topics on Week Session
IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Throughout the training, you'll connect with visiting actors, film and casting directors, agents, and industry professionals who share their experience, insider tips, and work with the group.
These moments create space to ask questions, exchange ideas, and build relationships with people actively working in the industry.
Receive direct guidance on navigating the industry from working professionals, while simultaneously showcasing your skills as an actor through training and collaboration in the same room.
PREVIOUS VISITING ACTORS & INDUSTRY PROS
Krista Kosonen, Laura Birn, Laura Malmivaara, Dome Karukoski, Maria Ylipää, Ilkka Villi, Amira Khalifa, Minka Kuustonen, Joonas Saartamo, Armi Toivanen, Reimo Sagor, Rea Lest, Zaida Bergroth, Selma Vilhunen, Tatu Sinisalo...
PREVIOUS SHOWREEL DIRECTORS
Selma Vilhunen
Academy Award–nominated director, known for Little Wing and the Oscar-nominated short Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?
Pamela Tola
Actress and director behind Ladies of Steel, Finland's highest-grossing homegrown film of 2020 and a Jussi and European Film Award nominee.
Miia Tervo
Award-winning director whose debut feature Aurora swept seven Jussi Awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
Marika Harjusaari
Director, writer and actress known for acclaimed short films and the feminist horror series The Mire.
Reetta Aalto
Director of the acclaimed feature debut Laughing Matters, exploring Finland's emerging stand-up comedy scene.
Samuli Valkama
Director whose latest feature, The Kidnapping of a President, premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
WORDS FROM AGENCIES
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!”
ANSKU SINISALO | HELSINKI CASTING
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.”
HEINI RYYNÄNEN | AURA COLLECTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
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 STORIES
More alumni stories coming soon...
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.
