ACTORS ACADEMY
ONE YEAR TRAINING
HELSINKI
October 2024 - June 2025
This Training is FULL. Our next One Year Training will take place in the Fall 2025. The next Training will be launched during November. 2024
“Studying at AAF changed my life and career.” - Laura
“It goes straight into the list of the most powerful experiences of my life.” - Daniele
"This decision to study acting at Actors Academy has been one of the best decisions of my life.” - Netta
"The most important quality to any actor is their own authenticity and uniqueness and learning to trust that that is already interesting enough."
- Tom Sawyer
Actors Academy Finland proudly presents its 11th international Meisner Technique based, one-year part-time Actor's Training starting in October 2024. This top of the field comprehensive and holistic training gives you the tools to start booking acting jobs and working as a skilled and authentic actor enjoying their craft, or update and sharpen your current skills and career. As a vital bonus, you finish your training with a professional showreel, headshots, and voice reel in hand. London's top teachers, many industry professionals - and a group of eager actor students.
ARE YOU ONE OF THEM?
The exact training details and dates for the Fall 2025 Training will be launched to this page during November. Stay tuned.
THE TRAINING IN A NUTSHELL
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Starting October 2024, finishing June 2025.
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Part-time, running during evenings and weekends to enable you to work or study full time on the side.
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10 x Intensive three day Coaching Modules with talented acting coaches
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12 x 2,5h Evening Training Sessions between Modules with many visitors from professionals in the industry and other coaches. Some guests in our past One Year Trainings include i.e. Krista Kosonen, Laura Birn, Laura Malmivaara, Maria Ylipää, Ilkka Villi, Amira Khalifa, Iina Kuustonen, Joonas Saartamo, Armi Toivanen, Dome Karukoski, Reimo Sagor and talent agent Raakel Huikuri among many others.
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Final week for Rehearsals, On-set Filming, Showcase and Graduation.
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Meisner Technique core essentials (Repetition, Independent Activity, Emotional Preparation) and tools to connect with different scenes and roles
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Scene study, work and creation into final filmed scenes and Showcase
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Voice & Movement technique and essential tools
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Audition and Self-tape experience, technique and essential tools
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Screen Acting experience, technique and essential tools
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Voice Acting basics & tools
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Business in Acting know-how and tips
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Q&A Sessions with Industry Professionals
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Rehearsing & On-set Filming
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Professional Showreel for your own use
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Actor's Voice-reel
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Professional Headshots
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Final Day Showcase, Professional Casting Directors, Agents and Directors invited
WHAT DO YOU GET?
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A broad understanding and experience of the craft of acting
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You learn the Meisner technique's repetition practice and how to create an independent activity, emotional preparation & relationship, and how to set imaginary circumstances for scenes
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Strengthened capacity to really listen and connect with your acting partner
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Skills and tools to address different scenes and roles
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A sense of freedom in yourself and deeper emotional expression and understanding
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Strengthened acting instincts and capacity to take risks, stronger trust in a sense of truth and spontaneous moment-to-moment impulses
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More capacity to utilize 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
- A deeper connection to the enjoyment of the work and being on stage
- More spontaneity and confidence in improvised working and situations, audition or rehearsal processes
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Tools to release tension and restricting patterns in your body and mind, and how to access your natural voice and greater emotional freedom in the body
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Healthy and organic ways to let go of fear and pressure on stage and on a film set
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Scene working tools that are free from the constraints of 'ideas' or rigid concerns about 'text’
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Tools on working in a relaxed and truthful way in front of the camera, and the understanding of the technical adjustments required when filming
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Understanding and practice of Film and Television castings
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Understanding and practice of Self-taping, the technical skills and equipment needed
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Understanding of the Business of acting; how to prepare for auditions, approach an agent, book acting jobs.
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Understanding the jargon of the industry
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Guidance and support to set up your professional acting webpage
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Deeper understanding and tools to enhance the body-mind connection
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Tools for daily practices for a healthy and free mind & body
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Tools to train the mind to support overall wellness and empowerment to accomplish one's desired goals and personal growth
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The experience of acting in a film set with a professional film crew on two scenes
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A professional Showreel, Voice-reel and Headshots
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A final day open showcase experience with industry professionals in the audience
WHO IS IT FOR?
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Starting and Trained Actors looking for a top of the field international training
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Actors keen to learn the Meisner technique as well as deepening and sharpening their acting instincts, skills and enjoyment in the work
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Actors wanting to feel more comfortable and connected in their acting
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Actors in need of updated training, tools, showreel & headshots as well as a committed group to train with for the year
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Actors wanting to learn better mind-body tools to enjoy the work more, as well help them reach their career goals
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Actors wanting to prepare for drama school auditions or studies in Finland or abroad
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Actors aiming to start an international career
WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY?
“I've gotten so much good out of AAF. Studying there changed my life and career.” - Laura
"The One year training has been a big milestone in my life. I feel like I've really found a new level of freedom in my expression and in my whole being. I strongly feel the change in my bones that I trust myself much more than I used to. I'm more brave to show up as a messy human being. And that's valuable skill, not only in acting, but also in life too. I think it makes life richer and simply better. When it comes to Meisner technique I think the most crucial thing it has taught me is to understand what it is like to really listen to your acting partner with your whole being. I've realized what does it really mean, not only in my head, but most importantly in my body." - Anna-Mari
“"It’s been an intense, fun, tough, eye-opening, and mesmerizing eight-month ride with Actors Academy Finland. It goes straight into the list of the most powerful experiences. What a beautiful art. And journey, and people. Thank you!" - Daniele” - Daniele
"This decision to study acting at Actors Academy has been one of the best decisions of my life.” - Netta
“There are no words to describe this experience. It was truly a heaven on earth.” - Antra
“Studying at AAF has been life changing. Not only as an actor, but as an human being as well. Not only does the training give me tools to use as an actor, but I am also getting to know myself in a whole new way. I would recommend this training for actors, beginners and professionals, but also for just about anyone who is interested in getting to know more about the human psyche and well, themselves.” - Johanna
“I love it. I love the technique, I love our teachers, and I love my study group." - Rauno
I am baffled on how amazing and eye-opening this has been. It has taught me many things of myself, listening to intuition, living more truthfully and the perception on myself. The world has been a happier place after the training made me realise that everything starts with treating yourself nicely. It has been tough to be out of the comfort zone, but very rewarding as you learn all the time. I wish this was a 7 days a week school since it's a magical environment to be in." - Saara
"No doubt acting is an art form, but the vibes of this place helped me to open up to life also more spiritually. Nita has chosen her team well! All of them have their own magic; art is there to be shared, and all coaches created supportive and accepting space. To me the Actors Academy is a community that I want to be part of. I have been and will recommend with my full heart." - Laura
"The training itself is life-changing. I already had a degree in Acting before joining AAF, but nothing has ever rooted me into my craft as this has. What is special about this training is the mindset you're guided towards. Never before have I left a class with this level of trust - I trust my work and my craft. It sounds like a small thing, but what do I do with skill or talent or whatever one wants to call their work, if I can’t trust myself to use the tools I have and just do it. It truly is a gift to get the keys to doors like these." - Sini
"This is hard to summarise, but this year has taught me so much. Not only in terms of acting and all the tools and techniques learned, but it also feels that I’m finding a whole new perspective on life. Acting is such a comprehensive craft and it would be crazy to think it wouldn’t affect one’s mindset and presence in general, positively. Hand on my heart I can recommend AAF to everyone. To experienced actors and to people like me, who knew NOTHING about the craft of acting." - Jarno
"Looking back and comparing myself from day one to this day, the transformation is enormous. I've learned to understand the complexity of the craft and acknowledge that it's a lifetime of learning - something that makes it beautiful. To really believe that I can do this. I think that's been the biggest shift in me, and understanding that the work comes from within. Everything external is just an outcome of what has been built within. And to be honest, it has been so nice to invest in myself." - Sara
COACHES
All training weekend coaches are experienced top coaches and are fully committed to your growth and development as an actor. Tom Sawyer is the lead coach in the Training.
TOM SAWYER
Acting Coach
Meisner Technique: Repetition, Independent Activity, Emotional Preparation, Scene Work
NITA ARPIAINEN
Holistic Acting Coach, Course Facilitator
Meisner Technique
Mindset & Goal setting
Embodiment & Meditation
Cold Reading
BEN JOINER
Voice & Movement Expert
Body, Breath & Voice
Emotional Authenticity
Designated K. Linklater method teacher
JAMES LARKIN
Acting Coach, Director
Screen Acting
Actor's Craft
Business in Acting
DOMINIC KELLY
Acting Coach
Self-taping & Auditioning
Business in Acting
VISITING COACHES
Varying content on Week Sessions
Monologue Technique, Voice Acting Work etc.
CLASS TIME TABLE
The training consists of 10 intensive three-day training Modules, and 12 x 2,5h weeknight online classes between the Modules, finalising with a final week with rehearsals on set, showreel filming, headshot shoot, voice reel recording plus a final rehearsal, showcase and graduation in June 2025.
Example teaching hours for the Modules are:
WEEKEND MODULES
Friday 16:30 - 21:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 16:45
Sunday: 9:30 - 16:15
*Please note that due to possible flight schedules and restricted availability etc., some weekend Module schedules will be slightly diffferent. Students will be informed about specific Module times and schedule changes always as early as possible.
1/ MODULE
4 - 6 OCTOBER 2024
NITA ARPIAINEN
Meisner Technique, Repetition, Actor's Mindset
2/ MODULE
25 - 27 OCTOBER 2024
NITA ARPIANEN
Meisner Technique, Repetition
3/ MODULE
8 - 10 NOVEMBER 2024
BEN JOINER
Voice & Movement
4/ MODULE
6 - 8 DECEMBER 2024
TOM SAWYER
Meisner Technique, Independent Activity
5/ MODULE
17 - 19 JANUARY 2025
BEN JOINER
Voice & Movement 2
6/ MODULE
31 JANUARY - 2 FEBRUARY 2025
TOM SAWYER
Meisner Technique, Scene Work
7/ MODULE
28 FEBRUARY - 2 MARCH 2025
DOMINIC KELLY
Self-Tape & Auditioning, Business in Acting
8/ MODULE
28 - 30 MARCH 2025
TOM SAWYER
Meisner Technique, Scene Work
9/ MODULE
18 - 20 APRIL 2025
JAMES LARKIN
Screen acting
10/ MODULE
16 - 17 MAY 2025
TOM SAWYER
Meisner Technique, Scene Work
BETWEEN MODULE CLASSES
TIME 17:00 - 19:30
12 x 2,5H WEEKNIGHT ONLINE CLASSES WITH NITA ARPIANEN AND OTHER VISITING TEACHERS:
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Meditation, Mindset & Goal setting
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Bodyawareness, Breath & Movement
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Repetition Workouts
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Monologue rehearsals
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Q&A Sessions with Industry Professionals
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Voice Reel Coaching
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Professional Headshot Coaching
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Actor's Website & Social Media Tutoring
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Preparation work with director
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And much more...
CLASS DATES
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16th October 2024
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20th November 2024
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11th December 2024
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22nd January 2025
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12th February 2025
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26th February 2025
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5th March 2025
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26th March 2025
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16th April 2025
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7th May 2025
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28th May 2025
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25th June 2025
FINAL WEEK
REHEARSALS: JUNE 5
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Showreel & Scene Rehearsals with Director
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On set: Showreel Filming with Professional Director & Film Crew
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Show case rehearsals with Tom Sawyer
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Showcasing Final Scenes with Tom Sawyer, casting directors & directors invited, open to family & friends
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Graduation: certificates & drinks
FILMING: JUNE 6 - 8
SHOWCASE & GRADUATION: JUNE 10
REHEARSALS: JUNE 9
*All rights to changes reserved.
*In the case of a teacher being unavailable for health or other serious reasons, AAF will always substitute said teacher with one of equal professional credit.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Application is open for this Training. The application will close when the right students have been selected and the training group is full.
You can apply by filling up the application form from the link below and emailing us a form of clear 'headshot' of yourself. You do not need previous acting experience to apply but are expected to be seriously committed to the training as well as your growth as an actor. After being accepted into the training, you will receive an email to set up a video interview. After being accepted into the Training you will be requested to confirm your enrolment by paying the deposit and choosing your desired payment option for the final payment.
Please note:
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You must be minimum 17 years of age to apply
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You must understand and speak basic English to partake in the training
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Students are expected to be committed to learning through the whole program
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To graduate from the training and receive a certificate you must attend minimum of 80% of training and rehearsal classes
TUITION & PAYMENT OPTIONS
The tuition for the training is 7.450 euros, incl. VAT 25,5%.
Payment:
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Pay a deposit of 1500€ after you have been accepted into the training to confirm your place in the Training
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Pay training in full by October 1st, 2024 or ask for part payment possibilities
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Payment options to choose from: credit card, direct bank transfer, mobile pay or part-payment via outside part-payment providers (Jousto, Alisa Pankki, OP Lasku) for ie. 200€ per month