David Threlfall
"To be honest - I was unsure what I would find when Amanda first asked me to take a session at ATS. The actors always arrive prepared, whatever I ask of them and are responsive to robust criticism and suggestions. Importantly, there is an easy atmosphere of collective endeavour and openness in dissecting and investigating the work, in which we all learn. Nothing flimsy or showbiz about the place. I have gladly returned to take other sessions. It has a very solid, if small core, which should it develop and expand numbers and spaces, would allow more actors to improve their craft. A brave and admirable commitment in these times. I am more than happy to offer continued support."
Ray Winstone
"When I visited the Workshops at ATS, I thought they were the best grounding any student could wish for and so professionally run. I was so impressed that I came back and taught some workshops myself and sent my daughter Lois the very next term! My youngest, Ellie, currently attends."
Dame Sheila Hancock
“I have been a patron of the Artists Theatre School for many years and during this time, the high standard of teaching has not faltered.
The unique approach of being taught by working professionals is reflected in the high standard of performance in the shows that they present and the material chosen is always exciting, displaying the unique talent of each individual.
They are a joyous occasion!"
Beatie Edney
"Amanda Redman has created an amazing school, where the students are committed, inventive, brave and hardworking. They are doing what they love and it shows. Their classes are full of joy - I always have the best time with the students here. Amanda is being of practical help giving back to the profession in which she excels."
Philip Glenister
"Workshops are meant to inspire students but if anything the students at ATS inspired ME!
They are talented, energetic and focused.
RADA eat your heart out!"
Our patrons & friends
Nimmi Harasgama
"I had the pleasure of working with Amanda during the rehearsals of her student shows, and it was an incredibly enriching experience. Amanda is a remarkable collaborator who genuinely values and listens to others' ideas. She empowered me to step into a directorial role, something I had always shied away from.
Working with the actors at ATS was a delight. Their passion and commitment to delivering their best performances were evident, clearly a testament to Amanda's influence and guidance."
Training at ATS is an experience I will remember and cherish for many years to come.
The instruction I received from Amanda, her team and the fellow actors I had the privilege of working with prepared me for full-time drama school in a way I doubt I could have found anywhere else, and I suspect was a large part of my being accepted to study at Central School of Speech & Drama. ATS instils in its actors a professionalism that I have not encountered elsewhere since and is a huge credit to the operation Amanda is running. If you are serious about acting, I cannot think of a better place to push your understanding of your own capabilities and commitment to the craft.
Charlie McRoberts
I joined ATS in 2016. I hadn't been to drama school, but trained as a teenager at a local dance and theatre school. ATS looked like just the right challenge after being out of training for a long time and thankfully after a successful audition I was set to receive the best acting training I could have asked for. The guest teachers were brilliant and the rehearsal process and skilled direction from Amanda was invaluable. I travelled in each week from Dorset and have two children and a full time job. Yes it was tiring, but trust me it was worth it. I couldn't recommend this course anymore, it's not just a group of actors, it becomes your family!
Becky Hollands
ATS was a very positive and formative experience for me. I learned so much in a short space of time and had the pleasure of working with some truly incredible people. The standard of teaching is uncommonly high, and the productions are amazing. Amanda Redman is a fabulous director. Her passion and dedication is so inspiring and makes the school such a great place to be.
Layla Shirley
I am so grateful for my years at ATS; during this time I not only grew as an actor but also in confidence as a person. I would encourage anyone with a dream to act to audition for ATS. You may be starting out, or have years of experience - ATS will enhance your craft. The course offers the opportunity to learn from established actors who bring years of working in theatre, television and film to the classes. You learn and explore how to approach a script, whether it be modern or Shakespeare and the many ways to discover a character. The course is varied and exciting in its approach and is both challenging and rewarding. Specialists in voice and movement are on par with the main drama schools. What makes the school different is that fellow students care about each other and form a strong ensemble. Amanda Redman's dedication to the school means you have the opportunity to be directed by her, and this passion which is shared by all ensures plays are a professional standard.
Angela Schlegel
As a young man looking for an entry point into the arts - I had energy, passion, a sprinkle of talent - but lacked process, technique or even a keen and honest eye to guide me. I found it all here: rigour, professionalism, variety, fun, accountability, challenges & best of all the inevitable friendships. It was (and in many ways) remains one of the most consequential periods of my life.
I could not have found a more superior stepping stone than ATS, and I credit their teaching & wisdom as a defining moment in my career development.
Later, when I entered the industry, I found I had a certain edge - more structure, higher standards, discipline, a network & the confidence that I might actually book work! - and guess what? I did (not always) but I did! Thank you!
Laurence Spellman
ATS was where I first started really. It never felt like a "stage school" that was there to take my money and churn me out, but a family where your development was cared for. As well as professional discipline, I learnt skills that have laid the acting foundations I have today. I owe a lot to Amanda who encouraged me to be a professional actor really early on. Without her support and unmatched generosity I'm not sure I'd be able to be the actor I am today.
David Mumeni
It's never too late to realise your dreams. I started at the Artists Theatre School in my mid thirties. They gave me the confidence, drive and, most importantly, the belief to succeed and realise my dream of becoming a professional actor. I owe all my success to Amanda Redman MBE and all the incredible teachers who work at this amazing school. You get one life - do what you love!
Dean Kilbey
I was with ATS for five years, I had my audition on my twentieth birthday and I still remember it so clearly. I had never been so seen as an actress or as person until I met Amanda. She has not only taught me the foundations of acting which I use in every single project and which helped me gain places at the Bristol Old Vic and LAMDA, she helped me develop as a person. I owe her and ATS more than they’ll ever know. It’s a family and something truly special, you’d be incredibly lucky to be a part of this school, there is no end to what you will learn with Amanda and the incredible teachers.
To become part of ATS is also to become part of a life long network of creative, kind albeit slightly crazy, beautiful people!
Elysia Showan
I spent a year at ATS and would recommend it to anyone wanting to develop their acting skills. ATS holds a unique and special place in British drama training. Week in and week out its students get access to training and insight from industry professionals at the top of their game. At the heart of it all is Amanda Redman, British acting royalty who, unlike anyone else in her position, gives all of her spare time to teaching the next generation, not a privileged few, but anyone who has the aptitude and commitment.
Paul Sangam
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Joining ATS many years ago was the best decision I have ever made. It is a truly unique course for any actor who wants to develop under the guidance and knowledge of the best in the industry. To be directed by the incredible Amanda Redman is an opportunity you cannot get elsewhere and to actually become part of a family of actors and not just an 'acting company' is a very rare experience. If you really give everything you have and throw yourself into learning as much as you can, it's nothing in comparison to what you get back. My advice to anyone considering auditioning: JUST DO IT!
Emma Duke
I joined ATS as a ‘’mature” student and have been made to feel very welcome by Amanda and her team. Due to professional and family commitments, I have not been able to pursue my interest in developing acting skills until recently. Amanda’s passion and dedication to the school is inspiring.
I travel from Manchester each week, but it’s well worth the effort; I feel I have learnt a tremendous amount already. Amanda really encourages us to think beyond the scripted words and connect with the truth of the characters we are creating. It’s a challenging and rewarding experience.
Jane Parker
Our alumni
I auditioned for ATS after years away from acting. I had a lot of anxiety, bad habits and had lost my confidence.
ATS is a family, I felt so much a part of something.
Being directed by Amanda Redman was nerve wracking at first but she helped me to lose bad habits, rebuild confidence, and more than anything, believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
I can’t thank ATS enough for the incredible experience, direction and support I received whilst being there.
Janine Obagi
ATS is not just a school, it's a family. It provides you with an environment where you are not afraid to try new things and was always the absolute highlight of my week. Where else would you get the opportunity to learn from such accomplished teachers and be directed by the incredible Amanda Redman? After being a student at ATS for 6 years, I completely transformed as an actress: I was continuously learning and being pushed out of my comfort zone, which drew the best performance out of me. The success of ATS lies with Amanda's commitment and passion for passing on her own skills, making it a one of a kind training. Everything I know today I owe to Amanda and ATS.
Suzy Davenport
ATS is a unique opportunity to learn new skills and refine existing ones under the mentorship and direction of Amanda Redman and through masterclasses run by a host of industry experts. The training and rehearsals are delivered in a highly focussed and professional setting, raising my levels of performance and giving me the opportunity to take on challenging roles with the confidence in delivering authentic performances.
Graeme Sanders
I immensely enjoyed my time at Artists Theatre School. I joined just after the pandemic and my three years there gave me the perfect opportunity to reignite my passion for acting after years of feeling creatively bereft.
The experience and dedication of Amanda and her industry colleagues, the performance opportunities and the network of brilliant fellow creatives are just some of the highlights that ATS has to offer. I thoroughly recommend finding out more if you are an actor looking to take your experience and craft to the next level.
Rory Hobson
Going to ATS will without a doubt make you a better actor. The level of professionalism that you will gain here is quite extraordinary, and that’s before you even hit show week! Everyone who is a part of the school is there to help you and bring out your best, this isn’t always an easy task, but it will be transformative. ATS has shaped how I approach all creative endeavours and has given me the confidence and knowledge to take up space and proudly produce my own work.
You will make friends for life here, and have a community that you can come back to for help if/when you should need it.
Siana Cooper
I’ve only spent one year with ATS so far, but even in this short time I have learnt so much. During the first term of masterclasses, I was able to talk directly with agents, casting directors, and working actors. This created a solid foundational understanding of both the craft and industry for me to build on during more focused rehearsals for our upcoming production
I feel lucky to have had ATS as my start in the acting world. The resources and connections available, and at the low yearly cost...there’s nowhere else like ATS.
Jacob Marshall