Amanda Brennan
Acting Coach • Producer • Director • Trainer
About Me
I am an acting coach with a specialism in screen acting and have worked freelance on film and television projects. My work has involved preparing actors for casting, process and preparation for roles and on set coaching.
Over the last 15 years I have developed an approach to screen acting which is rooted in the body.
Refine existing skills
I work with people to
Explore and experiment to discover imaginative options
Build confidence and autonomy for the actor
Experience
I am an acting coach, working in all areas of the industry. I am also a Principal Lecturer at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama where I run the one year MA in Acting for Screen. Previous to this I was the Director of Studies at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. I have taught widely in the UK and Internationally including: Catholic University in Santiago Chile, Chile Actores, University of Bogota, Central University in Bogota, NYC, collaborations with London Film School, NSFT, Arts Educational, Sofia National Academy of Dramatic Art. British Council.
I have been a Judge at film festivals. Specialist advisor at Universities, Conservatoires, Film Schools, publishing houses such as Routledge and Methuen.
I have delivered presentations at conferences including TAPRA, Elia, Shanghai School of performing Arts.
As a producer my films have screened at Sundance, London Film Festival, Tribeca, Encounters, Slam dance, Raindance, Liverpool, Monaco, Dublin, Galway, Underwire.
Accolades include: Best Ensemble Cast (Monaco 2017) - Best Short film (Raindance 2018) - Best Script (Monaco 2018)
"Amanda’s approach is brilliant. Combining physical techniques with intellectual rigour to bring you to a place of grounded and relaxed creativity. She’s been a great help to me."
Riz Ahmed
Projects
Testimonials
" Amanda's fantastic and detailed work with me in preparing roles has landed me great parts in films and given me invaluable help to realise those parts fully on screen. Her pioneering work uses, amongst other things, her training in Qigong to work in shaping the rhythm, energy, movement and focus of a character. I love working with her and brainstorming ideas - she is a brilliantly inspiring teacher. "
Johnny Flynn
Clouds of Sils Maria, The Dig, Emma, Stardust
" I’ve been working with Amanda since I was 11 and she continues to be an important part of my journey as an actor. She has helped me prepare for the roles she supports me in the development of my craft. What really appreciate is her attention to the specifics of a script, her eye for nuance is second to none She specifically guides me throughout my preparation process, and with integrating the character in to my whole body. I cannot imagine approaching a film without her encouragement and expertise. "
Asa Butterfield
Hugo, Enders Game, X + Y,
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar children, Greed, Sex Education
" Amanda's approach to actor coaching is not your average "quick fix" approach in prepping an actor for an audition or a role. It is a holistic approach that trains actors to really fine tune their working process, to approach the job of an actor in the same way an athlete or ballerina must, training the body and psyche to be responsive, ready and alert. The skills, exercises and sense of discipline that I have obtained from Amanda have stood me in good stead to face grueling shooting schedules and competitive casting processes. Her guidance and advice have been invaluable and she is someone who I know will be a constant source of support throughout my career. "
Hannah New
Black Sails, Maleficent, El tiempo entre Costuras, Under the Bed, Trust