Amanda Brennan
Acting Coach • Producer • Director • Trainer
About Me
I am an acting coach with a specialism in screen acting and have worked freelance in film and television projects. My work has involved preparing actors for casting, the process and preparation period for roles, also on set coaching.
Over the last 20 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 a freelance acting coach and have worked in Theatre, Film and Television for over for thirty years. This has included preparing actors for projects, leading rehearsals, advising with casting and working on set along side directors.
As a lecturer I have taught extensively in the UK conservatoire sector at various colleges such as at the Arts Educational, Guilford school of Acting and RADA, and have led BA/MA programmes at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
My International work had included workshops for the
Catholic University in Santiago Chile, Chile Actores, Central University Bogota, NYC, collaborations with London Film School, NSFT, Sofia National Academy of Dramatic Art, The British Council, Focal, Filmakademie Stuttgart where I am the course leader for the International Screen Acting course.
I have been a Judge at film festivals, a specialist advisor at Universities,, Film Schools, publishing houses such as Routledge and Methuen and 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.
"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, Stardus
Genius, Ripley, The Outfitt.
" 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,Flux Gormet, Our Hero Balthazar, The Prophecy
" 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,Bridgerton, Mr Burton.