Screen Acting Course in London for Adults 16+

Ages 16+ - West End, London - Secrets of Acting

An intensive, screen-only acting course for adults and students aged 16+, delivered across two progressive levels. Beginners start in Level 1 and build real camera technique from the ground up. Students who excel are invited into Level 2, our most advanced group. No stage work, no filler, just focused camera technique, self-tape mastery and honest feedback from teachers who work in the business.

Victoria Serra MX Masterclass teacher leading a class

WHAT OUR SCREEN ACTING COURSE IS

Intensive Screen Acting Course, Built to Get You Booking-Ready

Secrets of Acting is a dedicated weekend screen acting course in London, running every Sunday so students can train intensively while balancing work, study, auditions or other commitments. It covers camera technique, script and character work for film and TV, self-tape strategy and on-set craft, taught by teachers with real industry experience. There is no stage work here: every session is built around what it actually takes to perform for the camera and be considered for real castings. Complete beginners are welcome to start, and the training moves at a serious, professional pace from the first session.

Beginner Welcome

No previous acting experience needed to begin in Level 1, just a willingness to learn and work

Taught By Working Professionals

Teachers who understand what casting directors are looking for

Limited Places Each Term

This course fills quickly due to limited spaces ensuring we can give every student real attention

CATERING FOR BEGINNERS & ADVANCED STUDENTS

YOUR PATHWAY; THE TWO LEVELS

Secrets of Acting is structured across two progressive levels, so training always matches where a student is genuinely at. Everyone starts in Level 1, whatever their experience, and students who show strong technique, commitment and progress are invited up into Level 2, our smallest and most advanced group.

Level 1 – Foundation The front door for every student, including complete beginners. Core screen acting technique built from the ground up: camera confidence, the fundamentals of acting for screen (listening, reacting, intention and truthful performance), script and character work, scene study, voice and expression, and the foundations of self-tape craft.

Level 2 – Advanced By invitation only. Sharper, faster-paced work for students ready to go further: more demanding scene work, advanced self-tape and camera technique, audition craft, deeper character development and mock castings, with closer one-to-one feedback from our most experienced teachers.

There is no separate audition to progress. Advancement to Level 2 is based entirely on the effort, technique and progress a student shows in Level 1.

Teacher explaining on the musical theatre course

OUR STUDENT'S SUCCESS IN FILM & TV

MX Masterclass students have gone on to appear in major films, TV shows and commercials, including projects for Warner Bros, Netflix, the BBC, ITV and HBO. For our younger acting students, success often starts with confidence: the first time they speak clearly in front of a group, create a character, or feel brave enough to try something new on camera.

Our Emmys

Students call themselves "the Emmys," a supportive community built on Love, Respect & Positivity, with access to the Emmy Zone insider portal

Real Credits

MXM students have featured in productions including Wonder Woman, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Heartstopper., and many, many more!

Camera-Ready Skills

Regular on-camera practice and industry masterclasses build confidence for self-tapes and real auditions

HOW OUR ACTING TRAINING WORKS FOR ADULT PERFORMERS

ACTING TECHNIQUE FOR SCREEN

Students are introduced to the core principles of acting, including listening, reacting, intention, emotion, focus and truthful performance. The aim is to help beginners understand what acting actually involves beyond simply learning lines.

Voice & Expression

Students develop clearer speech, stronger expression and confident use of the voice, communicating meaning, emotion and intention through voice, body and facial expression.

SCENE WORK

Students work on scenes that build character relationships, objectives, timing and truthful reactions, learning to stay present and respond naturally rather than forcing a performance. Material grows more demanding as students progress toward Level 2.

Acting for Camera

A major part of the course is learning to perform for a lens. Students work on scenes recorded as they would be on set, developing framing awareness, stillness, subtlety, natural reaction and the ability to make being in front of a camera feel like second nature.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Students explore a character's thoughts, background, intentions, relationships and emotional life, making clearer, stronger choices that produce performances which feel connected and believable.

SELF-TAPE CRAFT

From foundations to technique: how to present yourself on camera, frame a shot, hold an eyeline, prepare a scene and deliver a truthful recorded audition, built specifically around what casting professionals respond to.

Audition Technique

Students develop the skills that support real auditions: material preparation, presentation, taking direction, making strong choices and understanding what casting panels are looking for, so they walk in with more clarity and confidence.

Industry Preparation

Students absorb the standards expected in professional environments: preparation, focus, discipline, responsiveness and the ability to take direction. The aim is to help performers understand not just how to perform, but how to work.

Students on our acting course
Michael working with one of our acting students

OUR FOUNDATION ACTING COURSE FOR ADULTS BREAKDOWN

Where Are We?

In The Heart of the West End, in the world-famous Old Diorama Arts Centre!

  • Advanced acting technique
  • Scene study
  • Character development
  • Screen acting techniques
  • Audition technique
  • Self-taping skills
  • Industry knowledge
  • Professional mindset

Technique Training

Practical exercises designed to strengthen each individual’s performance and acting skills.

Scene Work

Work on contemporary and classical material.

Screen Acting

Regular camera-based exercises and feedback.

Industry Masterclasses

Audition skills, self-tapes and career guidance from our regular coaches and guest teachers including acting directors, directors, agents and other screen actors!

VIP Guest Masterclasses

Up-to-the-minute advice, tips and techniques from our guest teachers including casting directors, directors, agents and other screen actors!

[insert info here]

Scholarship places are limited and are awarded based on a student’s audition

THE MXM CULTURE

Become Part of the Family

When you train at MXM you become part of a driven, supportive creative community. Training at a professional pace can be challenging, but being surrounded by like-minded performers creates a positive space to take creative risks, receive honest feedback and grow. Students train alongside others who share their focus on screen acting, storytelling and real progress, and get access to the Emmy Zone, an insider portal of useful MXM info.

LOVE – We take care of each other. We celebrate our successes and support our ‘failures’ – although Michael doesn’t believe there is such a thing as failure in performance.

RESPECT – We respect each other. Both the teachers and the students share an equal respect. There is no pecking order – we are all there to learn from the best and the teachers value how much they also learn from our students. Teachers act as mentors to guide students gently in their training. There’s no shouting in our studios!

POSITIVITY – We remain as positive as we can in our training, taking the lessons learned from each week no matter how big or small. The glass is always half full at MXM!

STUDENTS WORKING IN CLASS
STUDENTS WORKING IN CLASS
STUDENTS WORKING IN CLASS
STUDENTS WORKING IN CLASS

WHAT OUR EMMYS & PARENTS SAY ABOUT MX MASTERCLASS

We asked our Emmys & parents what they think about MXM.

Imogen GurneyStar of Netflix’s Safe and BBC’s Back To Life
"Another insane day at MX Masterclass, singing for the incredible Mike Jibson!!!!"
Lottie-Mae O’Kill
"Love it more and more every week!"
Lois ChapmanTikTok influencer
"I’m so glad I found MXM!”
PinaMother of Sophia Pettit - Laurence Olivier Award winner
"Thank you so much for giving Sophia this amazing opportunity, she is so grateful.”
Phoebe Bryantproducer at Lambert Jackson
"If you are debating it definitely audition!!"
Shani CantorStar of Kiss Me Kate and My Fair Lady
"If you’re ever wondering if it’s worth training with MX Masterclass… IT 100% IS!!!”
Rosie RileyMXM Student
"Such an amazing school with amazing opportunities!"
Christiana HartsiotisMXM Student
"Thx for all the knowledge you pass on to us!"
Emily BradyMXM Student
“This is why Sunday is my favourite day!"
Madelaine GrayMXM Student
"Forever grateful for the wonderful training and opportunities!"
Alice PearlMXM Student
"I'm learning so much and I love it!”
Alisha CampbellMXM Student
"I have learnt so much in 3 hours!"
Charlie Sherrard QCParent of Emma Sherrard
“So proud of our baby girl and all that she’s achieving."
Katherine BowmanMXM Student
"It’s been the best year of my life!"
Jane BiggsParent of Ruby Biggs
“...she has gone from strength to strength and it’s the highlight of her week!
Isabel MarshMXM Student
"Was so much fun getting to perform with Luke Bayer!"
Katie InceMXM Student
"The training and support has enabled me to progress and believe in my abilities.”

MEET THE TEAM

Taught by Professionals

Our teachers bring real acting and industry experience into every class, helping children develop genuine skills in a warm, encouraging environment, with no shouting, ever.

Michael D Xavier leading a class

QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED ABOUT OUR FOUNDATION ACTING COURSE FOR ADULTS

These are questions asked by both parents and students looking to join our secrets of acting foundation course.

Is this a stage or a screen acting course?

Screen only. Secrets of Acting is entirely focused on screen acting for film, TV and commercials, with no stage work.

No. Every student starts in Level 1, which is designed to take complete beginners from the ground up. What we look for is potential, focus and a genuine willingness to learn and work.

There is no separate audition. Students are invited up to Level 2 based on the effort, technique and progress they show in Level 1.

Yes. Self-tape craft and audition technique are built into the course, from foundations in Level 1 through to advanced, casting-ready work in Level 2.

Adults and students aged 16+ who are serious about screen acting and ready to train at a professional pace, from complete beginners through to more experienced performers.

Working industry professionals who understand what casting directors are looking for and give direct, honest feedback.

Yes. Many beginners feel nervous when they start acting. The course is designed to be supportive, encouraging and practical, helping students build confidence gradually.

No. Some students join because they want to pursue acting professionally, while others join to build confidence, improve communication or explore something creative. The course is suitable for both.

Comfortable clothing they can move freely in

Yes. Students can register for a taster day before committing to the full course.

FIND US IN THE WEST END

Our Secrets of Acting Foundation course takes place in the heart of London, in the world-famous Old Diorama Arts Centre.

Old Diorama Arts Centre
201 Drummond Street
London
NW1 3FE

GRAB YOUR FREE GUIDE FROM MXM

Why Not Try Our Taster Day?

Sample the magic of MX Masterclass

MUSICAL THEATRE (9-25) 3-hour masterclass

MX ACTING (9-15) 2-hour masterclass

SECRETS OF ACTING (16+) 2-hour masterclass

MX MINIS (5-8) 75-min masterclass