The Midlands Screen Acting School (abbreviated to MSAS and formerly named Acting Mechanics) is a drama school based in Stoke-on-Trent primarily offering education in the art of acting for screen.
| The Midlands Screen Acting School | |
| Former Name: | Acting Mechanics |
| Industry: | Acting, Film and Entertainment |
| Founded: |
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| Founder: |
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| Hq Location: | The Catalyst Building, Staffordshire University |
| Services: | Education and training in acting for screen |
| Website: | https://midlandsscreenactingschool.com/ |
In 2013, Academy Award winner, Rachel Shenton founded MSAS (then Acting Mechanics) alongside her first acting teacher and agent Amanda Andrews.[1] [2] The school specialises in delivering lessons focused on technique for screen acting as Shenton had always thought accessible education in this field has always been lacking when compared to its stage-based counterpart. Acting Mechanics was rebranded to The Midlands Screen Acting School in 2022.[3]
Classes are designed for up-and-coming actors who are looking to take the next step in their career, however, they do cater to a range of abilities.[4]
The school holds classes once a month at The Catalyst Building within Staffordshire University. There is also an online offering available.[5] [6]
The monthly classes come in a variety of different forms including a six-month long course for juniors and adults, a 12-month long course for juniors and adults as well as drop-in sessions. Online "career surgery" sessions are also offered to give people a chance to focus more on career development and achieving their own goals rather than the technique of acting as is taught in the other classes.[7]
On top of these regular offerings, a selection of one off classes and one-day courses are offered allowing for a deeper dive into specific techniques. These are often led by external industry professionals.
MSAS are a Spotlight accredited school which means, upon completion of two six-month courses or the twelve-month course, students aged eighteen and over are eligible for a full membership with Spotlight: The Home of Casting, which is the singular most used professional casting database in the UK acting industry.[8]
The schools sister company, MSAS Management, offers full agency representation to all students who have not secured this independently. This allows them to secure auditions for major projects.
Notable former industry guests have included BAFTA-Winning director Jordan Hogg, All Creatures Great and Small star Nicholas Ralph and Adrian Rawlins known for his portrayal of James Potter in the Harry Potter films.[9] [10] [11]