Here's what our students and supporters think of Acting Coach Scotland

"I've never met Mark, or taken one of his acting classes. I have, however, read all of his articles. This guy knows what he's talking about. Many, many actors could be saved by taking a class with him. I've already emailed his website to every actor I know."

Elias Toufexis
(Actor - Smallville, Supernatural, The Five People You Meet In Heaven) 

"Mark's no-bullshit approach to this craft pushes actors in ways which they may have never experienced before. It helps the actor to explore different ranges of emotion which, without him/her realising, creates a moment in the play which is natural and truthful.  It's down to Mark's passion for the craft and all that I have learned from his teaching, that I now feel inspired to follow a career in acting. Thank you Mark."

Bobby Stewart (1st Year BA Acting - Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama)

"Having been coached both privately and as part of a larger ensemble by Mark Westbrook at Acting Coach Scotland; I can safely assure you that Mark knows the score.  Versatile to the abilities and needs of individuals, Mark offers expert coaching, both as part of a group as well as 'one-to-one' coaching, delivering skills and great discipline in his specialist acting techniques.  Very different from any drama classes, or acting school - Mark's approach, utilising Meisner and Mamet's teachings (predominately Practical Aesthetics) teaches the actor how to walk before they can run. With Scene Studies classes, Script Analysis, Repetition and 'As-If' training - you get your moneys worth, in a true approach to REAL acting. Philip Larkin (Writer/Actor)

"As a relative late starter to acting I don't have time for waffle and from my first lesson I knew Mark Westbrook doesn't deal in waffle. Mark's approach is to filter out all the non-practical, "if you don't do it this way you're not a real actor" padding from most acting courses and deliver what are the essential truths of acting. He provides invaluable tools, allowing actor to develop in a structured and progressive way while at the same time providing an engaging, relaxed and fun environment for the student to learn.  The technique is 'Practical Aesthetics' with the emphasis very much on the practical. And if you think this means it's easy, forget it. If you're not cutting it, you don't progress to the next level.  Not only have I progressed as an actor I've discovered a self belief and confidence that I'd lost and feel very much part of the ACS family. Bring on the auditions!!"   

Paul Aitken (Actor - Glasgow)  

After spending the past few years doing music I wanted to get back into acting and found Mark’s classes just what I needed to motivate me enough to do so.  Mark has excellent acting techniques that are straightforward and achieve the desired results.  He’s also the type of teacher you can count on, to give back good advice and help if you have any questions or are having any difficulties with a particular piece.  I left the classes feeling enthusiastic and excited and would definitely recommend them to anyone”  

Nicola Clark (Actor - Glasgow)

"Why didn't they tell me any of this at drama school!?!?"

Meli Bach (Actor - Glasgow/New Zealand)

"Mark, your voucher was the best Christmas present I've ever given. Alfie has just been offered the MA at Glasgow, plus the BA and another MA at Guidford!! Thanks so much, my hunch paid off, you were the man for the job!"  Kirsty Wellcoat

"Mark's direct and no-nonsense approach has brought clarity to my understanding of the principles of acting. It strips everything down to a small number of simple concepts which can then be used for any situation. His small classes are friendly, supportive and challenging, and he aims to get the best out of everyone. Mark is passionate about what he does, and it shows. I have learnt a lot in the few months I have studied with Mark, and have every confidence this progress will continue."

Mark Lisseman (Actor - Edinburgh)

"Being a complete beginner, I didnt know what to expect from Mark's acting classes in Glasgow.  My eyes have been completely opened to the world of acting and I have evolved my skills and confidence through Mark's teaching and passion for acting.  His knowledge and commitment to me as a student is very inspiring and also rewarding.  I have only been a student for a few months but I now feel empowered with confidence for auditions which was always my greatest fear."

Craig Walker (Actor - Glasgow)

"I have learned more in a few months with Mark than I have learned in years of other acting classes. It’s simple, it just makes sense, it’s one of those rare occasions in life when something just clicks and you think “this is how it’s done”. Mark has a genuine passion for acting, and with small and personal classes you can’t help but feel inspired after every class. I only wish I had discovered Mark’s classes years ago."

Carla Sansom 

"Mark's approach is simple, fun and, above all, MAKES SENSE! After only a few classes I felt I had acquired a set of dependable tools which I could apply to any acting situation. Most importantly, he showed me how to get my attention off myself and onto the other person in the scene. Reading his blog alone has helped me immensely, but I'd implore anyone who's serious about becoming a truthful actor to get along to one his classes."  Paul Comrie

"The ACS classes are like a breath of fresh air – such a great feeling to have finally found acting training that actually builds skills up step by step, instead of the chaotic mixture of pointless exercises that seems to make up the content of most acting classes out there. Many thanks for the blog posts and for the excellent training!" Alexa Ispas

“Mark Westbrook understands actors, he understands acting. He uses very simple techniques to help actors connect to the script, to each other and to the moment.”  Nick Field (Offshore, The First to Go, Holby City)

"There is no bullshit with Mark.  If you are prepared to put the work in and take constructive criticism, Mark will help you to become a more focused, disciplined and above all, a more truthful actor."  Simon McCay - Actor.

"Mark is a great teacher and the technique is a welcome change to the methods usually taught and practised in this country. It is good to learn something from the very first stages and progress slowly through the different exercises, putting all the building blocks in place instead of just skimming over things. Mark Westbrook is a valuable resource that I hope to continue learning from for a long time to come."

Brian Ferguson Actor, Glasgow (Black Watch/Drawer Boy/Snuff) 

"Mark's teaching is a breath of fresh air.  He displays a relaxed informality, providing a perfect platform to experience a truly inspiring acting technique" 

Sally Reid Actor, Scotland (The Wall/Antigone/Sunset Song)

"Last week's session on the Practical Aesthetics technique with Mark Westbrook was excellent. It's good news for actors at all levels living in Scotland that we have Mark, he’s a talented teacher who knows his subject." 

Jimmy Watson - The Actors Bothy/River City

 "Having just finished the step 1 class with Mark, i am delighted to say that working with him for the past 8 weeks has been highly fuflilling. He is extremely professional with a vast knowledge in Practical Aesthetics. Mark has pushed me outwith my boundaries and for the first time i feel like i am acting! Now with the basics of step 1 in hand, I am excited to say it has led me to take on step 2. Bring on the Repetition!!"  Ashleigh Keen 

"Mark’s classes are challenging and fun. He doesn’t let you off the hook when you need to be pushed, yet at the same time he is supportive and encouraging towards his students. His genuine love for what he does shows in the enthusiasm which he always brings to class. Studying with him has given me the courage to face my fears as an actor.

Megan Green, Actor.

"Studying with Mark has been a wonderful experience for me. He has the ability to breakdown the most complex acting concepts and make them understandable to even the most inexperienced actor. I leave every lesson with a wealth of information that I reexamine for weeks and months after a lesson.”    

Kyle Calderwood, Actor.

"In the few sessions that I have had with Mark I have been introduced to so much. His advice and guidance is top class and the way he explains the theory behind the practice is clear and interesting. Each session I have I come away wanting to go straight into the next one."

Sarah Kidner.

"Mark’s classes are relaxed and very enjoyable. The small number of people in each class ensures everyone gets personal attention and Mark’s patience and obvious passion for the technique make each class an exciting and inspirational experience.  I am feeling more inspired and excited about my craft than I have in a long time." 

Karli Evans, Actor.

"After classes with Mark I've got a basic proficiency in Practical Aesthetics, a technique I wish I'd learnt years ago. Classes are challenging, invigorating and highly practical for any actor."  Julia Jack, Actor.

"Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the 1 to 1 on Tuesday, and thanks again for your clear and helpful notes.  You've a real talent."  Mark Coleman - Actor, Director and Acting Coach.

"He knows when to leave an actor alone, but he's there with bells on to tell us what the fuck to do when we're drowning. He leads with common sense. In short, he's a fabulous coach and director."  Zosia Mamet (The Unit/Ab Fab)

"Mark teaches the most effective technique in the nicest way possible. He knows what he’s talking about, he doesn’t mess about and he gets you ACTING. It’s acting… it’s active… it’s getting what your character wants. I came out of every class thinking the same thing: “How did I ever act before?”   Joanne Thomson.

"Mark's teaching is very supportive and gets straight to the point, developing rapid progress in all participants. I've never left workshops with such a clear understanding of how the whole process works & the exercises have a given me a new confidence in understanding how to approach any scene." Ian Watt - Actor/Stand Up Comedian

"I have now taken two of Mark's courses, the Practical Aesthetics class and also the Audition Preparation class, both of which have enabled me to focus and build upon my acting skills. Mark's teaching style is laid back but straight to the point which means students learn to perform truthfully in the moment. The classes are really enjoyable and Mark's techniques open your eyes to what acting is all about. Thank you Mark"  Lauren Marshall - Acting Student

"This man taught me more than i could have hoped for. Eloquent yet straight talking, he manages to open an actors eyes to the truth of the moment and keep them there. Thanks Mark"  Ross William Wild Davidson - Actor, Glasgow.

"Thanks for the advice.  It really helped me capture aspects of the scene that I'd been missing: in understanding the character's motivations,  the way that Mamet framed the scene & monologue, and in my line delivery.  I did the scene on Tuesday in class and it went very well." - Steve Bartlett

"Mark challenges me to simplify my thinking when I'm finding a scene difficult. He has taught me that going after something simple and tangible in a scene is much more attainable - and it shows! Even if you have a lot of experience Mark can help rid you of bad habits and challenge you to achieve better results."  Emma Langford

"I have finally found what I have been looking for. I believe your website will help me more than any local teacher could. Thank you for doing this and PLEASE keep doing what you're doing!" Ethan Barnes

"Mark creates an environment in which the actor feels safe, so they're not afraid to fuck up"  Ceejay Watt - Actor, Glasgow.

"Mark Westbrook is an excellent, friendly tutor and teaches Practical Aesthetics in an easy to understand and exciting way" David Flood

"I cannot thank you enough" Mahmoud Osman.

"What Mark teaches is powerful. This is a fun practical class that will challenge you to be truthful and really act!"  

Neil Buchanan - Professional Sports Psychologist

 "Mark is a clear communicator about what the process is and what it involves, he has a real authenticity about how he passes on his ideas.   He's confident in his approach, but not at all intimidating.  This way of working seems to expose a natural route to performing.  It's beguiling why this isn't common practice. This just makes a lot of sense as an approach."  Molly Taylor (Actor, Writer, Theatre Maker, former Associate at the National Theatre of Scotland)

REVIEW OF MARK'S MOST RECENT PLAY:

"Impressive flair, competence and energy...real pace, passion and intelligence...sharp perceptions and memorable moments".   Joyce McMillan - The Scotsman - October 2008

 REVIEWS OF MARK'S WORK AS A DIRECTOR:

“Throat-catching…faces up to reality without flinching… intelligence at work” 
                                                                                                 The Herald

“Unpretentious… Superb… Distinctly Scottish… Unmissable”
                                                                                                The Scotsman ****

“Incredible vivacity…Magnetic”                             The Derry Sunday Journal

“Heart-warming… sparks of beauty in the darkest hours…a spirited, touching performance, simple but effective…poignant”                                                              

The Scotsman **** Pick of the Day/Critics Choice

"Quirky yet uncompromising"  Edinburgh Guide