Learn from the Best…

We are a collection of expert coaches, award winning directors, experienced performers and creative writers.

We are passionate about helping you achieve your own part in life.

Clare Cairns

HONS / BA / UKA / HNC / FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF ACTING OUT

AS FEATURED IN FORBES - BEST SELLING AUTHOR - CREATOR OF THE PRESSURE SYSTEM - UKA ASSOCIATE TEACHER - PROFESSIONAL DEVISION MEMBER TMI -ACCREDITED YOGA AUSTRALIA MEDITATION FACILITATOR - REIKI LEVEL ONE PRACTITIONER.

Award-winning, highly experienced Acting, Directing and Public Speaking Coach. Trained and worked in Europe, America and Australia with a variety of high profile actors, writers, directors and speakers including Emma Callander, Zinnie Harris, The Tabacco Factor Theatre, Zendeh Theatre Company, Dominic Hill, Ian Robertson, Michael Hart, Lisa Spirling, Cressida Brown, Lynn MacDonald Mclean, Liz Harley, Meribeth Dayme and Orla O'Loughlin. Clare has coached thousands of clients all over the UK, including Professional Actors, CEOs, Senior Managers, Doctors, Politicians and Sport Professionals and has trained 100s of organisations from the NHS and Social Servicing Councils to Elite Private Schools and World Class Universities. In 2020 she became a best selling author with her book “Public Speaking Without Fear”.

www.clarecairns.com

Calum Fleming

HNC / HND/ BA (Hons) / BTEC L3 / BADC

Head of Professional Acting Course, Expert in Acing, Devising, Public Speaking and Vocal Coaching

Calum trained in London at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has worked as a professional actor for many years. Established in Edinburgh, London and New York City, he is highly experienced with a passion for coaching acting, vocal health and audition technique.

 

Paul Bianchi

BFA / Expert in Acting, Directing, Stunt Training, Writing and More

Paul Bianchi is an award-winning LA Star. A writer, screenwriter, filmmaker, and performer who spent the past fifteen years in Hollywood honing his craft. Paul has been a mainstage performer for the illustrious Second City comedy theater and appeared in commercials, film, and television. After relocating to Edinburgh, Paul continues to work on and consult for film and television from abroad as well as coach here, at Acting Out Drama School.

Jake Norton

BA  / HONS / BA / HONS

Expert in Acting, Writing, Devising and Public Speaking Coaching

Jake Norton is a British Actor and Lecturer with extensive experience of both professional acting, writing and directing. His television credits include Coronation Street, Emmerdale, The Bill, and Hollyoaks. He has also worked throughout the UK, Sweden, Mexico and Zambia with many acclaimed theatre companies. For the last 15 years or so, Jake found his passion also lay in sharing his knowledge and experience with others and turned his attention to lecturing at some of the top drama schools in the UK. He is also a successful writer as well as the co-founder of the Horror ensemble theatre group ‘Ullaloom Theatre Company’.

Scott Kyle

Outlander Actor, Professional Performer and Director

Award-wining Scottish Actor, Scott is best known for his roles as Ross in Outlander, Clancy in The Angels' Share and Corporal Stu Pearson in the film Kilo Two Bravo.

As well as having a wealth of professional experience on big and small sets coupled with an immense knowledge in the television and screen areas of performing, Scott has extensive directing and coaching experience on stage, including artistic director roles and facilitating many workshops and courses.

Scott is a professional working actor and director as well as a dedicated coach who is happy to share his knowledge. He’s approachable with a great sense of humour and a positive outlook. His classes are both fun and professional.

Rhona MacKay Acting Coach

Rhona MacKay

BA  / HONS

Rhona has worked extensively within the creative sector as an actor, writer, director and creative designer all over the world including London, Sweden, South Africa and New Zealand. Recently turning her attention to coaching within the creative industries, Rhona has a passion for coaching Screen and Theatre Acting.

Expert in Dialects, Languages & Accents

Dani Morse-Kopp

BA / MSc

A trained linguist with a focus on the phonology of English accents, Dani is now using her passion for dialects and languages to teach the actors and non-actors of Edinburgh how to speak with different accents.

She’s led workshops with a variety of acting groups including Edinburgh People’s Theatre, Bedlam Theatre, and Aulos Productions. Dani also has extensive experience collaborating in 1-on-1 sessions with actors who come from a variety of backgrounds and native accents (Scotland, Ireland, USA, Spain, Bosnia, Italy etc.) and coached them on many different target accents such as Northern Irish, RP, Glaswegian, Australian, General American and many more. Her linguistic background allows her to research any accent in depth and teach it with technical expertise. 

Steph Wynne

BA HONS / HND / HNC

Steph Wynne, a graduate from Queen Margaret University, brings her passion for acting and teaching to our drama school. With a background in theatre making and a specialisation in physical and experimental theatre, Steph's approach is dynamic and innovative. Her dedication to nurturing budding actors of all ages, particularly children and beginner adults, shines through her work as a full-time drama workshop facilitator. Steph infuses her classes with creativity and encourages students to explore their potential on stage in a happy and safe way.

Ryan Scott

MSc, PGDip, FdSc, GSEB AI

Student Performance and Well-Being Coach

Expert Hypnotherapist for Performers and Speakers Founder of Crystal Clear Wellness, Ryan is a fully qualified Hypnotherapist and Meditation Coach with over 15 years experience coaching and mentoring clients from all over the world including the UK, Europe, Australia and America.

He has trained and worked closely with a number of world class organisations such as the PGA, The Monroe Institute, Yoga Australia, Positive Coaching Scotland, Scottish Golf, UK Coaching, Scottish Athletics, Sport Scotland, British Army, Disability Scotland, Special Olympics, University of Birmingham, Calm Blue Therapies, Acting Out Drama School and Public Speaking Consultancy.

Alan Cameron

Expert in Directing, Acting & Script-Writing

Having worked with award winning theatre companies like 7.84, the Byre Theatre, Eden Court Theatre as well as establishing his own companies like the Orkney Youth Theatre and the Untied TIE Company in Glasgow, Alan has a wealth of knowledge and experience in both the performing arts industry and theatre and community education. A former HNC acting lecturer at Edinburgh College for over 10 years, he not only comes with a strong creative performing background but also a strong academic foundation.

Steven McDonald

BA Hons, LLB, DipLP, Notary Public, ATCL.

Expert in Directing, Acting, Voice & Public Speaking

Performing Arts Professional from Edinburgh, qualified in Speech & Drama, Performing Arts and Directing and Devising, Steven has been coaching, training, performing and mentoring for over 30 years.

As a trained lawyer and experienced businessman, Steven also has a special interest in providing performing artists with “business of acting” advice.

Heather Brown

UKA ACTING   - Expert in Acting, Voice Over and Public Speaking Training

Heather trained with Acting Out Drama School and became a professional performer, securing contracts with the BBC for TV and Radio work, as well as starring in theatrical roles with award-winning theatre companies. As a successful actor and voice over artist with a passion for coaching, Heather has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Performing Arts.

Jennifer Lau

BMUS(HONS) / AmusTCL / ATCL (Recital) / LLCM / LLCM (TD)

Expert in Singing Training, Vocal Technique and Breath Training. 

Award winning artist and musical director. Trained and worked with world leading professionals including Margaret Field, Julian Pike, Andrew Greenwood, Stephen Barlow and Jeffrey Skidmore (OBE) and Connie Talbot. Performed in and Directed  world famous productions with elite theatre companies including the CBSO choir, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Silvia Young Theatre School.