ACTORS ACADEMY
ADVANCED TRAINING
HELSINKI
March - October 2025
This Training is NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS. Please apply by December 16th latest to be concidered.
Acting is a mind, body and soul craft, culminating in a deeper understanding of ourselves and the characters we play.
- Ashlie Walker
The Teaser for House of Choices, the previous Advanced Training's final perfomance, premiering in March 2023.
Actors Academy proudly presents Finland's second ever Meisner Technique based international Advanced actor training, starting in March 2025. This top of the field in-depth, intensive training gives you the opportunity to cultivate your full potential as an actor.
You will be challenged to find truthful and authentic routes to the full spectrum of your craft as an actor. Building upon your existing professionalism, we will work with performative skills and stagecraft including: Character work, Impediments, Ensemble, and Text analysis. Most of the work will be strongly rooted in the Meisner Technique and will be focused on empowering your individuality and self-initiative within the craft.
Throughout the Training, you will be actively applying these skills first hand within rehearsal, and the production process as a part of a live ensemble work led by a director. This enables you to progress and bring the character work into life in context of a performance and to experience the journey of creating a full arch of the character.
The Training will culminate with a live Showcase Performance including also filmed scenes in front of an invited audience of casting agents, directors, producers and other professionals in the field, after which you will also have two show runs open to the public.
Upon completion, you will have the advanced tools needed to meet the high demands of an evolving industry, as well as a developed personal edge; enabling you to not only thrive, but flourish as a professional actor with confidence, authenticity, and discipline.
Students who have completed our One Year Training as well as professional, trained or working actors, or those actors experienced with Meisner Technique training are eligible to apply for the Advanced Training.
To qualify for the Advanced Training, you will have to be comfortable and well-versed in Repetition, Independent Activity and Emotional Preparation. However, in case you are a professional actor but not familiar with the Meisner Technique - we will be offering a deep-dive into Meisner technique and the above topics through a four day workshop. The Meisner Technique Intensive Course will take place in January 6th - 9th, which will prepare you with all the core understanding and experience you will need to be familiar with for the Advanced Training.
We are now taking in applications. Eight intensive modules, over 160 class hours in duration of 8 months, tutoring and guidance from acting lead coach Ashlie Walker and Voice, Movement and text coach Ben Joiner.
WANT TO BE PART OF THIS ENSEBLE OF PASSIONATE ACTORS GROWING AND EXPANDING TOGETHER?
WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY?
"The One Year Training allows oneself to open the doors you never even knew were closed, however, the Advanced Training allows a deeper exploration into the whole world beyond those doors. It allows for all the pains, joys, traumas and sorrows unlocked to be molded into pure art, and therefore is a perfect sequel of the OYT. The opportunity to use the immense variety of tools and translate it into a stage production in a unique way that I had never experienced before was so amazing, and the skills gained are some that every actor needs in their toolbox. The coaches, Ashlie, Ben and Barbara, offer depth into the more technical aspects of theatre such as voice and movement, but still in a non-traditional, special and more human way. I will forever be grateful to AAF for teaching me what it is to truly connect and feel. Thank you for guiding me in break-throughs which I never thought possible." - Viva Olsson
My experience with Advanced Training was genuinely transformative. Each session struck the perfect balance of challenge and support, pushing me to dig deeper and discover new layers in my craft. This training has equipped me with insights and techniques that have reshaped my approach to the work. I recommend this for anyone serious about developing their skills." - Erina Giuseppe Francesco
"The Actors Academy Advanced Training was simply mind blowing. Stretching me in the best ways possible. I truly felt what is was to step into characters shoes and allow real feelings come through. In the begin of the training I was afraid if it would be too challenging for me to step into this role that was so different from myself in real life. And finally it became everyone’s favourite character when I got inside of her skin. And I loved the way the character enriched my personal life. How a character is teaching you something in life. How to be more of something or less of something. I too loved to see all of our students huge development and loved to be held through the experience in such a beautiful way. As the school and trainers at Actors Academy do. I loved that we did the showcase many times for a live audience. If was important and beautiful to really experience how it would be to do it in a real theatre. The experience really is one of the highlights in my life." - Raneli Ada Ruul
“What I enjoyed most in the Advanced Training was the passionate approach of our teachers, the inclusive methods, the feedback, and the group synergy that was created. All the coaches of the training were courageous and empathetic professionals in their field, and they created a very good atmosphere. What strongly changed in my life during the training was the philosophy of "Truthful living." I started to evaluate my life and activities with this eye and to courageously feel what I feel. I now dare to be more playful and charismatic in everything I do. The training gave me a lot of courage to my creative aspirations and after the Training I have done more bravely film gigs, but perhaps the most significant achievement is that I published a book, a collection of poems, and I also developed my own standup, where I read poetry, interject stories, and engage with the audience. The final performance of the Advanced Training was a very astonishing triumph; it still seems unbelievable that we did it in such a professional way. Thank you very much!" - Tiina Saar-Veelmaa
CURRICULUM
THE TRAINING IN A NUTSHELL
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Runs from March to October 2025
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The training is part-time. Classes will be mostly held during weekends and evenings so you can work or study full time on the side.
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8 x Intensive 3 - 4 day Coaching Modules
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8 x Online Sessions
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One day of Filming
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Live Stage Production to finish the Training with three show runs
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One additional freely chosen 2-day workshop to support the student's needs and progress
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Spoon River Monologue Work, Impediments (external and internal ), Voice and Movement Work, Linklater Voice Method, Feldenkrais Method, Character work, Text Analysis
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Rehearsal Process, Ensemble work, Performance and character arc drawing on the core essentials of Meisner Technique: Repetition, Independent Activity, Emotional Preparation
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A mixed media Performance Showcase of a live theatre production with invited guests: Professional Casting Directors, Agents, Producers, Cinematographers, Directors, as well as other industry professionals
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Three show runs of the Performance Showcase open for the public and industry professionals
WHAT DO YOU GET?
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An advanced and broadened understanding of your craft, cultivating an edge upon your skills as an individual performer
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An Opportunity to level-up your craft
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You will develop advanced understanding of the Meisner technique and how to draw upon the skills of repetition practice, independent activity, emotional preparation, relationship and imaginary circumstances for scenes
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A security within your deeper emotional expression, and with an understanding of, and a readiness to follow your truthful impulses through character work and impediments
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An understanding on how your mind, beliefs and patterns play a huge role in your enjoyment, freedom and success in your craft and career - and support on making the needed changes for break-throughs
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The skills of text analysis, building a character and creating a character arc
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Strengthened capacity to fully listen to and connect with your acting partner and ensemble
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Reinforced acting instincts and the confidence to take risks, trust in spontaneity, improvisation, and moment-to-moment reactions
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An enhanced capacity to utilise your imagination in different scenes and roles or requests from directors
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Ability to create clear objectives or wants that help guide you organically and instinctively through scenes
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Scene working tools that are free from the constraints of 'ideas' or rigid concerns about 'text’
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The opportunity to actively apply and test your learned skills in the rehearsal process, and performance of a professional production
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The experience of being in an ensemble and going-through the rehearsal process together
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Professional Screen Acting
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Live Multimedia Performance Showcase experience with industry professionals in the audience and two show runs of the performance
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Receive the professionally shot and edited scenes for your own use (e.g. as part of your actor showreel) after the training
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Receive a video recording of your live performance
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An opportunity to invite industry professionals, friends and family to watch your performance
WHO IS IT FOR?
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Actors Academy's One Year Training Alumni and professional actors looking for a top of the field international training
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Actors keen to deepen their artistry and craft through Meisner technique
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Actors wanting to feel more relaxed and connected in their acting
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Actors ready for a professional training setting and a committed group to train with
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Actors wanting to invest in their craft, growth and up-leveling
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Actors wanting to start an international career
TRAINING COACHES & TUTORS
ASHLIE WALKER
Ashlie is a sough-after teacher based in London. She is the Actors Academy Advanced Training lead coach and fully committed to your growth and development as an actor. A wealth of experience as a professional actress for 20 years and extensive training in the Meisner Technique, Ashlie is a highly respected international teacher, tutor and personal coach. As a tutor, she especially focuses on unlocking the actors' instinct for truth, elevated by dramatic choices in performance. She guides actors to deepen their understanding of the craft, experience emotional freedom, build their actors' faith and, perhaps most importantly, to take risks. Alongside teaching, Ashlie has numerous directing credits and holds a Bsc (Hons) in Psychology and Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, both of which expand her capacity to work with and empower her actors on and off stage. As a personal transformation coach, Ashlie guides those living in fear, anxiety and stress to discover a life of freedom, purpose and joy. Ashlie's soul calling is to guide others back to love and into their light.
BEN JOINER
Ben is a highly experienced vocal and movement coach and an actor. He trained as a dancer in the early nineties, touring internationally with various ballet and modern dance companies before retraining as an actor in 2000. Since then he has worked extensively in theatre, film and television. He coaches on the MA in Voice Studies at The Royal Central School of Speech of Drama and is one of approximately 200 vocal coaches worldwide trained by Kristin Linklater to teach her method Freeing the Natural Voice, as well as a Feldenkrais Method practitioner. In addition to being with the Actors Academy Finland since the beginning, he has experience coaching at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, The Oxford School of Drama, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, Arts Educational Schools, The Actor’s Temple, plus numerous theatre companies, independent groups, and individual and corporate clients.
NITA ARPIAINEN
Nita Arpiainen is an actor, acting coach, yoga teacher, holistic coach, EFT Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, and the founder of Actors Academy Finland. In her previous careers, she has been a professional snowboarder and also worked as a TV presenter and producer.
Nita's deep passion and curiosity for acting, learning and personal growth is the underlying motivation for AAF to come alive. The vision for AAF was formed while Nita attended numerous acting schools and workshops in London at the Actors Temple, Giles Forman Acting Studio, City Academy and the Actors Studio to name a few, ultimately falling profoundly in love with the Meisner Technique, and it making a powerful and lasting impact on the way she viewed acting. Nita has been passionately studying and working with the Meisner Technique since 2015.
Nita has created and designed the Actors Academy's Trainings as the optimal courses for varied level acting students who share a readiness and authentic desire to dive into the work with depth and and expand both professionally as personally. The One Year and the Advanced Trainings both combine the expertise Nita and the other coaches have gathered around the world in a very empowering way.
CLASS TIME TABLE
The training consists of seven intensive 3-day training Modules, eight 2-hour online sessions between Modules, and a Final four-day Module that finalises to a live Showcase Performance and two show runs open to the public, and the graduation in October 2025.
The exact teaching hours during Modules will vary.
WEEKEND MODULE EXAMPLE TIME-TABLE:
Friday: 16:30 - 21:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
Sunday: 9:00 - 15:00
*Please note that due to possible flight changes and restricted availability, some weekend Modules might run from Saturday to Sunday, e.g. 9:00-18:00. Students are recommended to keep their schedule flexible during the Module weekend. Students will be informed about any changes in schedule as early as possible.
1/ MODULE
7 - 9 MARCH 2025
ASHLIE WALKER
Meisner Technique
2/ MODULE
21 - 23 MARCH 2025
ASHLIE WALKER
Meisner Technique, Scene Work
3/ MODULE
25 - 27 APRIL 2025
BEN JOINER
Voice, Movement & Text work
4/ MODULE
9 - 11 MAY 2025
ASHLIE WALKER
Meisner Technique, Scene Work
5/ MODULE
13 - 15 JUNE 2025
BEN JOINER
Voice & Movement, Text work
6/ MODULE
15 - 17 AUGUST 2025
BEN JOINER
Voice & Movement, Text work
7/ MODULE
12 - 14 SEPTEMBER 2025
ASHLIE WALKER
Meisner Technique, Scene Work, Rehearsals for FIlming
ONLINE CLASSES
8 x 2H WEEKNIGHT ONLINE CLASSES WITH COURSE COACHES AND OTHER VISITING TEACHERS - 5-7pm:
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12th March 2025
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1st April 2025
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15th April 2025
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20th May 2025
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24th June 2025
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5th August 2025
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26th August 2025
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23rd September 2025
FILMING DAY
A FULL DAY OF FILMING
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16th May 2025
FINAL MODULE & PERFORMANCE RUNS
REHEARSALS: OCTOBER 2
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Showcase Rehearsals
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On location: Tech Run on location, rehearsals and 1st Dress Run
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2nd Dress Run
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Showcase Opening Night with and invited audience, open to family & friends
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Ensemble warm-up, Open Performance
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Graduation: certificates & celebration
REHEARSALS, TECH & DRESS RUN: OCTOBER 3
OPEN PERFORMANCES: OCTOBER 5
OPENING NIGHT: OCTOBER 4
*All rights to schedule changes reserved.
*In the case of a teacher being unavailable for health or other serious reasons, AAF will always substitute the teacher with one of equal professional capacity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications are now open.
To apply, please fill out the application form linked below and email us a clear headshot. If you are not an Actors Academy One Year Training alumnus, we will contact you after reviewing your application. This step is to confirm that you have sufficient experience with the Meisner Technique to join the program. Should you need further preparation, we will offer an intensive crash-course Meisner Technique workshop, running from January 6th - 9th and February 24th - 25th (not included in the tuition), to equip you with the necessary understanding and experience to participate in the Advanced Training.
Please note, you are expected to approach the training with a highly professional attitude and a strong commitment to both the program and your growth as an actor.
Once accepted into the Training, you will be asked to confirm your enrolment by paying the deposit and selecting your preferred payment option for the remaining balance.
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Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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A strong understanding of English is required.
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Applicants must either be professional actors, trained actors, or alumni of Actors Academy’s One Year Training.
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If you do not yet have a solid foundation in the Meisner Technique, you will be asked to participate in a four-day intensive Meisner Technique Workshop to ensure you’re prepared for the Advanced Training.
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A serious commitment to focused study and regular attendance throughout the program is expected.
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To graduate and receive a certificate, students must attend at least 90% of the training and rehearsal sessions.
TUITION & PAYMENT OPTIONS
The tuition for the Advanced Training is 6.250 euros, incl. VAT 25,5%.
Payment:
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Pay a deposit of 1.500€ after you have been accepted into the training to confirm your place in the Training
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Pay training in full by February10th 2025 or ask for part payment possibilities
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Payment options to choose from via our tuition payment link: credit card, direct bank transfer, mobile pay or part payments for ie. 200€ per month via an outside part-payment/ consumer loan provider (OP Laina or Alisa - please pre-check your eligibility directly from them. If you are an Estonian resident, you might be eligible to pay the tuition payment in part payments via ESTO part-payment company.)