Effective help and guidance for people who speak for a living
ACTING COACHING
Bespoke Acting Coaching to Support and Challenge
This coaching is for working actors, students, and aspiring performers who want to sharpen their craft and grow their confidence. Whether you're preparing for drama school, a casting, a role on stage or screen, or want to feel more in command of your choices- each session is practical, bespoke, and rooted in leading techniques from a range of practitioners.
I currently co-lead the Part Time Foundation Acting Course at ArtsEd, where I also used to co-run their Saturday School. I am a visiting Lecturer in Acting and Scene Study at BIMM's IC Theatre, oversee the Acting and Acting Through Song schemes of work at Be.Training in Kent where I am also lead acting and acting through song tutor, and have worked as a private acting and audition coach for the past 6 years. I have worked with students ranging in ages from 7-30+ and over the years the students I have tutored privately have gained places at top UK Drama Schools and Conservatoires such as East 15, ArtsEd, Rose Bruford, Performers College, Bird and LAMDA. As well as internationally at places like NYU Tisch. I have helped students get into vocational day school and 6th form training at institutions like ArtsEd's Day School and Sixth Form, Sylvia Young and the recently closed Italia Conti Day School, helped students receive top marks in their LAMDA exams, and assisted actors in preparing auditions for jobs landing in the West End and the Film/TV industry.Â
ACTING COACHING
Every actor is different. That’s why my coaching isn’t tied to rigid formats or modules. The packages below are tailored blocks of one-to-one coaching time that you can use for things like:
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Drama school audition preparation
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Monologue or scene coaching
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Working/preparing a self-tape
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Deepening your understanding of technique and honing your craft
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Approaching and working with text
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Mindset support and industry insights
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Whether you're preparing for drama school, an audition, a stage or screen role, or just want to hone your craft and feel more in command of your choices and process, my coaching is designed to meet you where you are and take you further. Inspired and informed by leading and sometimes contradictory practitioners like Uta Hagen, Stanislavski, Strasberg, Stella Adler, Mike Alfreds, Laban and Michael Chekhov, you can use my coaching to improve your understanding, ability and approach to acting.
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— My Approach —​​​​
I approach my work with passion and humour and strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment that will challenge you in the right ways to help you reach your full potential. I merge the craft and training of theatre and film acting with my professional experience as an actor, all underpinned by my Master's in Psychology. I trained in Acting at ArtsEd on their BA Acting Course as the Leverhulme Acting Scholar and graduated with a First. I currently lead the Part Time Acting Foundation Course at ArtsEd, a post which I've held for the last five years. I was previously the part-time resident acting tutor at Identity School of Acting (where John Boyega and Letitia Wright trained), as well as teaching and directing regularly at Drama Schools around the UK. I have helped many students gain places at top Drama Schools and Conservatoires in the UK and US such as: LAMDA, ArtsEd, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Bristol Old Vic, NYU Tisch, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Oxford School of Drama, University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts, GSA, Mountview, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and more. I have worked with many young students as well who have gained places at top performing arts day schools and sixth forms such as: ArtsEd Day School and 6th Form, Sylvia Young, Italia Conti and Tring Park. Previous clients have also gone on to land roles in the West End and leading Film & Television shows.
To find out more about my Acting, Writing, Directing and Coaching please use the button below:
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— Coaching Packages —​​​​
All sessions are one-to-one, 60 minutes, and held online.
Core Package
4 x 1-hour sessions​
Use however frequently/infrequently you want.
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A focused block of coaching to sharpen your tools, prepare for auditions, or develop your acting craft.
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Includes: ​​​
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Fully tailored one-to-one coaching
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Practical voice, text and performance techniques
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Bespoke feedback and guidance on selected material (monologues, scenes, or scripts).
Ideal for:
Building strong foundational technique; preparation for upcoming auditions or building clarity, confidence and technique in monologue or scene work*
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Price: £240​
Advanced Package
8 x 1-hour sessions​
Use however frequently/infrequently you want.
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Builds on the core work to offer more depth, consistency and momentum in your training or audition prep.
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Includes everything in the Core, plus : ​​​
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Personalised warm-ups or prep resources
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Email check-ins for accountability or questions
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Optional monologue or self-tape feedback between sessions
Ideal for:
Drama school applicants wanting more consistent support and guidance; working actors wanting to build range and hone technique or students wanting more consistent help in strengthening their process and technique.*
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Price: £460​
Premium Package
12 x 1-hour sessions​
Use however frequently/infrequently you want.
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Comprehensive coaching for deeper, sustained support. Perfect for those balancing multiple goals or preparing for high-stakes projects/auditions.
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Includes everything in Advanced, plus: ​​​
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Priority booking & scheduling flexibility
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Two detailed self-tape/video reviews
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Option to combine sessions into 90-min blocks for intensive work or break sessions into 30-min blocks for preparation before auditions/filming self-tapes.
Ideal for:
Actors working toward drama school auditions, showcases or significant industry opportunities; those seeking longer-term, structured actor training or actors wanting to deepen their emotional connection.*
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Price: £660​
Stand Alone
1-hour sessions​
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Pay-as-you go sessions.
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A focused 1-hour session without a package commitment.
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Includes: ​​​
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Detailed insights and support
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​Bespoke feedback
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Practical voice, text and performance techniques.
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Guidance on selected material (monologues, scenes, or scripts).
Ideal for:
Those not wanting to commit to a package; last-minute prep or standalone support.*
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Price: £70/hr​
*NOTE:
'Ideal for' is only a guide. Please ensure you make your decision based on what you feel is the best fit for you, regardless of experience and training. If you are unsure, I will gladly advise on what I think may be more appropriate. Please just get in touch.
LAMDA, ArtsEd, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Bristol Old Vic, Mountview, NYU Tisch, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Oxford School of Drama, University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts, GSA, Performers, Rose Bruford, LIPA, Performers Preparation Academy, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, as well as roles in the West End and series' like Danny Boyle's Pistols.
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It is really important to me that money isn't a barrier when it comes to training and coaching. Therefore, if you are wanting to book one of my packages or extras but are not in a position to be able to pay part or all of the fee, please drop me an email at
This way we can make sure you are able to have your session with me regardless of your financial situation. ​​​
TESTEMONIALS
Virág Hanko -
2nd Year Drama School Student
"Just want to say a huge thank you for all your support throughout this process. Words cannot express how inspiring your passion and dedication to work is. The techniques I’ve learnt from you lead me to a breakthrough, which brought back the deep, deep joy that being on stage used to give me. I can confidently say that this was my favourite project I’ve done so far, and it was a privilege to have you direct this play. From now on, whenever I work on a piece of text, at the back of my mind I’ll always hear: ’Okay…but what are you DOING? Don’t just say lines with energy!' ’’
Connor Pearce -
Director, Writer and Filmmaker
"I've worked with James both in his capacity as a teacher/coach and as a dramaturg. As a coach, he completely renewed my confidence and love for performance. His generosity with his time is unmatched and his ability to help you navigate whatever's in front of you as an actor and as a person is everything you could hope for in an acting coach. He approaches his work as a dramaturg from the perspective of an actor, and so he's able to reach a shorthand with the actors he's working with to collaborate towards actionable goals. I struggle to think of anyone that connects with those under his tutelage or direction on a personal level that really produces the best out of them, better than James does."
Ioana Delia Blas -
Client who got into GSA and Trinity Laban
"James is a wonderful and caring teacher. Before starting my lessons with him, I felt like acting was my weakest strand of Musical Theatre. In only two months, I gained more confidence in my acting and actually enjoy working on monologues now. I have worked with James online since I am from Romania and currently I am preparing for auditions for Musical Theatre schools. What I like most about working with James is when we talk about the details and history behind the story and characters, digging deeper and finding the story hidden underneath and between the lines. That is when you truly understand what you are talking about and not just saying someone else’s words. I love working with James because he never makes you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, he puts a spin on everything, even basic ideas that turn into approaches that you may never even have considered. He has an unbelievably positive energy that fills the room (even during online sessions) and that gives you the energy to work to your full potential every time."
Tracey Apphia -
Parent of student who got into ArtsEd Day School and Italia Conti
"James helped my daughter with audition preparation for Performing Arts secondary schools. He was extremely knowledgeable and she really enjoyed her coaching and preparation. James put us both at ease from the beginning and her progress and confidence grew every week. Suffice to say that she was offered a place at both the schools she auditioned for! I would not hesitate to recommend James for his coaching skills."
Emily Phillips -
Parent of student who got into ArtsEd Day
"James has recently been giving my 10 year old daughter one on one tutorials in preparation for her auditions. He is patient, kind, encouraging and inspiring in equal measure and has, in only a few sessions, given my daughter both the confidence and skills to enhance her own natural ability.I cannot recommend him highly enough!"
Lily David -
Client who got into Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and LIPA
“Audition training with James has been a complete game changer for me. He is encouraging, kind, patient, enthusiastic, and everything you could want from a coach. He has empowered me to have confidence in my abilities and I’ve learnt valuable skills that will aid my future in acting. I’ve enjoyed every session and would recommend James in a heartbeat.”
Jack Penwell -
Now a student at Rose Bruford
"James's energy and commitment to his teaching and to the PTF Acting Course as a whole at ArtsEd was exemplary. I still utilise many of his lessons after I progressed into the Rose Bruford BA Acting Course - not many days go by on the course when I don't think about 'endgaming', or our heightened emotion lesson. I'd highly recommend him for anyone wanting a fresh and energetic perspective on acting training and for someone who genuinely cares about his students."
Ned O'Keefe -
Going on to study at Royal Welsh College or Music and Drama
"This again though comes down to you guys getting it spot on with the key areas we hit for the sessions, and the amount and content for this, as well as the quality of teaching. Your acting lessons were a personal highlight James, such a good teacher! I'm excited now to see what September brings and another shift in this, given the 9am-6pm days, 5 days a week, and how much more I can learn and develop."
Annie Woon-
Parent of student who got into ArtsEd Day School and Sylvia Young
"My 10 year old son Kiefer has been working with James Westphal since this summer. Thanks to the excellent teaching program and all the tailor made audition preparation, I now know how important it is to have a perfect coach to guide you how to act and help dig out all your passion in drama. Me and my husband can totally feel this from seeing the big change in our son Kiefer. We are very pleased to see the significant improvement on Kiefer’s performing skill, James is very sincere in thinking of fun and intensive ways to let Kiefer know how succeed. After months of regular training, we are very proud to see him getting more confident in acting. Thank you James for giving him such wonderful lessons. James is putting in his sincere efforts and talking a keen interest in teaching . The online lesson have far exceeded our expectation . I love James' dedication and how he ensures Kiefer will understand all the meaning behind each of his lines in his monologues, especially as we are based in Hongkong at this moment and have never worked on Shakespeare before . Last but not least I really want to say thank you to James for his great efforts."
Lynn Cosgrave -
Parent of student who got into ArtsEd Day School
"James really helped my son through his auditioning process, by building confidence, teaching excellent skills and enhancing his knowledge on his performance skills. A brilliant teacher, a true professional."
Charlotte Grace -
Past student on the PTF course at ArtsEd
"James was so dedicated when encouraging our class to portray our characters in truthful ways, every class had a new approach and different focus since he was passionate about ensuring he could reach everyone to allow us to discover new elements within our acting. I not only loved the masterclasses led by James, but they have also equipped me with skills that have drastically improved my knowledge and relationship with the craft. I feel lucky to have been taught by him and hope to do so again!'
Odysseas Chalntoupis - Client who got into NYU Tisch
"When I decided to audition for drama schools in the US, I knew I needed a coach who could provide not only technical guidance but also a supportive and personalised approach. James was my top choice, and he exceeded all my expectations. He has a natural ability to identify and amplify a student’s strengths while creating a tailored process to address areas for improvement. What truly impressed me was his respect for everyone’s physical and mental well-being. He consistently checked in during sessions, ensuring we approached challenging material from a place of relaxation. When I began preparing my monologues for auditions, James’s coaching was invaluable. James had an uncanny ability to recognise when I needed to let go or push further, offering the right advice or gentle nudge at the perfect moment. With his extensive experience as a tutor at Identity, ArtsEd, and as a working actor, he guided me toward plays with active, dynamic characters and language that I truly wanted to fight for. James’s approach to classical acting was equally effective. His practical philosophy allowed me to tackle challenging language efficiently, even within a tight timeframe. By the end of our sessions, I felt confident, prepared, and excited about the direction I had taken. I cannot recommend James enough. His combination of expertise, empathy, and practical guidance is unparalleled. Whether you’re preparing for auditions or looking to deepen your craft, James is the ideal coach to help you unlock your potential and work in a way that brings out your best."
Ginny Leigh-
Playwright and Dramaturg
"I am extremely grateful for James’ enthusiasm, insight, and unwavering support during my time at ArtsEd and beyond. After a belittling experience with another tutor, James completely transformed my confidence and curiosity. His classes were thoughtfully structured, with clear objectives and space for exploration - he helped me understand character from the inside out and encouraged creative risk-taking in a welcoming and supportive environment. His approach was both rigorous and nurturing, making every session feel purposeful and full of potential. Even after the course ended, James has remained an invaluable source of support and guidance. My training with James also sparked something unexpected: a deep interest in playwriting and dramaturgy. Exploring powerful, exhilarating, and emotionally rich texts during our sessions encouraged me to see theatre from a new perspective. Since then, I’ve developed an extensive writing portfolio in theatre, opera, and film, and freelance as a dramaturg and script reader for producing theatres and film companies. I’m incredibly thankful to James for the skills, knowledge, and inspiration he’s passed on. He has a remarkable ability to adapt to each student’s needs, helping them find a unique way into their character’s mind. His influence has been instrumental in shaping not just my craft, but also my creative path."
Tikki Cash -
Parent of student who got into ArtsEd Day School and Sylvia Young
"James was very enthusiastic and engaging. His direction was very clear and we felt very relaxed in his company. James is a highly skilled tutor, and he worked meticulously with my daughter on her audition piece and from the very start understood my daughter as a student and highlighted her strengths and worked on areas that she needed work on. We were delighted with my daughters progress and I would highly recommend James to anyone."
Haris Joal -
Going on to study at ESAC Film school
I was a very nervous actor before the PTF, I left out of my shell and comfortable on stage. James helped build theoretical knowledge into practical. Not only was he a great mentor but also a bubble of energy, bringing the life to each session, urging us to reach our fullest potential.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does booking work?
Use the 'Enquire for availability' buttons. These will take you through to a form submission page. You will then be able to pick the package/extras you are interested in. I will then get back in touch with my availability and information on payment. I will then follow up with a few questions to find out some more information so I can best tailor our sessions.
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It says your sessions are online, how come?
There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, I have found the majority of previous clients have enjoyed working online as it has allowed for more flexibility and reach. Secondly, it allows me to keep the cost of sessions down for you.
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But do you do acting coaching in-person?
Yes. If you are specifically looking for in-person sessions and you are booking a package, I can travel to where you are based or wherever you feel comfortable to work (dependent on your location within the UK- this can be discussed further if necessary).
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And the online sessions, how does this work?
These will almost always take place via a video conference call platform like Google Meet or Zoom.
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Where are you based?
I split my time between London and Hampshire.
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Do you offer coaching abroad?
Yes I do. If that is what you are after please click the 'Enquire for availability' button below and please state this in your submission form with preferred dates, times and we can discuss how this can work.
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I'm unsure what package to select- what do I do?
Don't worry. Just select the option 'Unsure' on the submission form after you click the 'Enquire for availability' button and we can discuss this in our communication.
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I'm very nervous, is this okay?
Not only is it okay, it's very normal. I am used to working with individuals that might be nervous and like to think I've got pretty good at helping people through it and making people feel at ease.
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I don't know if this will be right for me, can I still enquire?
Yes! Please make sure you still enquire. If you are really struggling, we can always hop on a 15 minute (free) discovery call to discuss. Once I have assessed your specific wants and needs, I can advise what I think will be most suitable/beneficial.
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What is your Cancelation/ Rescheduling Policy?
Please refer to the company T&C's.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Great question, feel free to take a look by clicking the button below.​​