At Both Feet we are passionate about providing a safe space for emerging and professional actors to develop and nurture their craft. A space to remember how it feels to get out of their heads and into their entire being, to be bold, courageous and honest. 

Currently Both Feet is made up of Steph and Adam. Steph now lives in Wales and also runs Bodlondeb Studio & Retreat (and is mum of 2 small humans) and Adam is full time course leader at Leeds Conservatoire (and dad of one small human) - these changes in our lives have naturally had an impact on what we've been able to offer through Both Feet. 

We're now looking to add more wonderful, dynamic, generous, knowledgeable and exquisite teachers, coaches, trainers to join our team so we can provide a rich and regular training programme. 

If you work with professional actors and are based near Leeds and/or Manchester we would love to hear from you. The programme will be designed around the team and your specialism so we're flexible with bringing you in as a stand alone class or regular sessions. 

Perhaps you specialise in voice, movement, yoga, mindfulness, film/tv, mask, clowning, singing, Meisner or any other skill that actors would deeply benefit from. 

To apply fill in this very short form with your CV and a short video (no more than 5minutes) introducing yourself, your specialist skills, your passions, a proposal of what you could offer.

Deadline:
We'll be keen to hear from people on an ongoing basis but we are currently designing the first programme so the sooner we hear from you the sooner we can see if we're a good fit and build you in!

Any questions, get in touch: stephanie@both-feet.co.uk

​Yes! You heard that statement Both Feet changed my acting but, most importantly, myself and my attitude towards everything. But before I start raving on about Both Feet and how thankful I was for my scholarship, let me take you through my journey.

2018...I was leaving LIPA Sixth form. I had just had my first round of Drama School auditions. In all honesty, it wasn't a bad first try at 18. I got two recalls, three foundations courses offer. The only slight problem, I couldn't afford them. That was a hard pill to swallow. I left LIPA with no clue where my next place would be and was ready to go back to my bar work.

Then one night, while flicking through Facebook, I found Steph's post about a scholarship for a year's worth of Meisner training with Both Feet. I applied, not expecting anything. But to my absolute surprise and pleasure, I got the scholarship. I screamed on the bus when the email came through. I was super, super excited to start and booked onto the intro course. I was on my train to Manchester when it hit me (maybe a bit late). WHAT THE F*CK IS MEISNER.

I walked into my first class at 18 years old and super nervous. This curly-haired lady greeted me with the biggest and warmest smile, Steph. We all settled into class, and then we were invited to sit in these two chairs opposite each other and state what we see in the other actor. I rolled my eyes, thinking, what has this got to do with acting! Telling someone what they look like what is that going to achieve?! Then it was my turn to sit in the chair. I swaggered up, thinking, "I got this". I was looking at this person, and my mind went blank. Then the voice in my head started panicking, "DO SOMETHING". So I started "acting". Steph stopped the exercise then said, "Cut the bullshit". I was stunned, but she was right. I didn't have to do anything apart from just be, which for us actors is a terrifying thing.

I continued the intro weekend, and I am not going to lie, it was hard! Then something shifted in the group. On the second day, a pair of actors in front of my eyes were falling in love.  It looked effortless. They finished the exercise then said they just felt so connected. In my head, something clicked. I wanted to do that. To be in the scene so connected with another human and to work with ease, not effort.

After that, I did every class I could do. I was hooked. It was a challenging year I felt constantly pushed. Sometimes I got it, and things just made so much sense. Other days I was ready to walk out but what made me want to stay was because when I acted in Both Feet class, the work that I saw and created was the best work I had ever done in my life. To work with ease and truth. I even went back and did the intro course three times! Because there is always something new to learn.

Before I knew it, the dreaded drama school auditions came back, but instead of going into the room trying to guess what they wanted, through my training with Steph, I went and was me. For the first time, I was comfortable just being me. Because guess what, that is more than enough. And if you wouldn't believe it, I got into Drama School!

It would be daft not to share Emily's awesome business venture whilst we're here:
Your Little Theatre
A small business focused on bringing a little theatrical magic and new experiences directly into the homes of professional thespians, art-lovers and amateurs alike! 
We are based in Yorkshire, and part of our mission is to bring our customers into contact with new play texts, without increasing their carbon footprint, and while also uplifting other small businesses to create the perfect ‘ensemble’ of sustainable, enriching, and above all, enjoyable products. 
Our product ranges are all diverse and affordable, perfect for creativity on a budget. Whether you’re a student simply trying to survive a round of Drama School auditions, or  just seeking that perfect gift for the thespian in your life, Your Little Theatre has got you covered.

We've been a little quiet over the last six months because I have been busy, busy building Bodlondeb Studio & Retreat here in North Wales, in my garden. 

We open in a matter of days (9) and there is still a huge amount to do so I'll keep this short and sweet - I am deliriously tired!

It's really important to me that I make sure people who genuinely can't afford the training can come. Adam and I have run several year long and course specific scholarships to ensure our doors remain open to those who need it. 

I've been so busy with the build and choosing wood, paint and taps that I had missed some elements of launching the retreats that are deeply important to me and this is one of them. So I had a think. 

For this 9 night course specifically it costs me just under £200/person to have someone on site (not including my time, accommodation or paying off loans etc) so I couldn't offer a full scholarship as we don't have the funds to cover the rest but I could at least offer it at cost price, giving my time and accommodation as a gift. I reached out to some people in the industry to ask if they knew anyone who might be interested in the training and specifically those who wouldn't normally be able to access it. 

One very kind soul, writer, maker, director, VO artist Dermot Daly, offered to cover the cost of one place, as a gift to someone who would deeply benefit. Well that blew me away. 

"I’ve been lucky in the opportunities that I’ve had and continue to have and am fully aware that stories like mine are few and far between. If I can rebalance in some small way then I will. 

The idea of using a fee for a voiceover to gift training to someone is just beautiful and I know that what you do is awesome and brilliant."

So here we are, able to offer a fully funded place on our first ever Actor Training Retreat to a brilliant and deserving soul who is in a position to down tools and get to Wales on the 12th July!

We'll keep it simple. Email me on stephanie@both-feet.co.uk or fill in the contact form by Wed 7th July about why you'd like to come on the retreat and why we should offer you the scholarship.

12-21st July
Introduction to Meisner, 9 night retreat in North Wales
With the great outdoors to guide the training into your body

Here's Steph chatting about it https://fb.watch/6rY_ejvPNx/ 

A deeply immersive, experiential and tailored programme designed to deeply connect you to yourself, each other and your craft.
Includes:
- Accommodation
- Food package for arrival evening and first morning and kitchen basics ie tea, coffee, spices, oils etc (you can let us know food requirements on booking).
- 7 days training in The Meisner Technique from basic repetition and exploring the impulse to move all the way through to text analysis and scene work.
- A beautifully fused coaching experience from the acting studio into the wild and back again with Steph and our partner activity instructor.  
- Activities: Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Archery, White Water Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Foraging & Campfire,
NB we reserve the right to change or adapt the activities if necessary
- Food at the campfire and something foraged & handmade to take away ie teas, cordials muscle rub, salves, first aid ointment.
Full info: https://www.bodlondebretreat.co.uk/introduction-to-meisner

Arrive Open, Leave Changed

Money is tight. Headshots are important, an investment, your marketing material. Yet for some reason I see so many actors be unprepared when it comes to choosing photographers and attending their shoot.  Here are a few thoughts from me on making every penny count.

1. What do you need?
   A question I ask in the training room and rehearsal room a lot but it’s also relevant here. I do mean literally - are these your first headshots or are they top ups? What kind of pictures do you need? But I also mean what do you need to make you feel good, to get the best out of the session? I believe as an actor, knowing what you need is your best tool. 
2. Choose carefully
   Take your time and research properly, don’t be lazy. Find actors you know and look at their head shots. Are those pictures a true representation of them? Is there a good range? Are they over edited or are they real? If so, see who the photographer is. Just because someone gives you a recommendation, this doesn’t mean you should just book them. Everyone is different. 
3. Trust your gut
   A good headshot photographer will make you feel comfortable, and this should be reflected in their communication with you beforehand. If your gut is questioning your choice, listen to it. 
4. Before you go
   Don’t get carried away in the beauty salon. Of course if you want to do the usual, do it but remember these pictures need to be a true reflection of you. So going and getting a mega fake tan, inch long eyelash extensions and/or your nose pierced the morning of the shoot to make you feel more confident may not be the best plan. Same with clothes - if you're not used to wearing those shapewear knickers or that woolly jumper, now might not be the time to rush out and buy them - think carefully about what items you choose - you want to exist in front of the camera with as much ease as possible. 
5. Be ready
   What can you do with clothes, makeup and hair to give yourself as many basic options as possible? Of course you can’t do all options but what small changes can you make to encourage a casting directors imagination? Make sure you think about this before you go so you’re fully prepared. Beard/no beard. Slick back hair/free down hair. Glasses/no glasses. Hoodie/shirt. Be clever. Even the material of your clothes plays a part, soft clothes soften you, sharp clothes (like a stiff collar) harden you. 
6. Enjoy yourself
   I don’t actually know many actors who like getting in front of a camera so check in with yourself - what small things can you do to allow yourself to be open and to make it an enjoyable experience? Is it that you need to arrive early to grab a coffee? Smells can have a profound effect on our senses and state of mind, use it to your advantage with a spray of your favourite perfume or a few drops of lavender. Might music help, on your way there and/or during the shoot? Even though shoes won’t get seen in the picture, they can have a huge difference on how we feel so why not take a couple of options? Work with the photographer, don’t rely on them to do everything, they don’t know you like you do.
7. Be honest
   If I trust anything it’s that honesty reads better than bullshit. Once you get there if you’re feeling nervous, don’t hide it. Let it be a part of the moment. If you’re shooting different ‘looks’ don’t fake it, feel it - use preparation techniques you’ve tried and tested during your training or work.
8. Most importantly, you are who you are, you have what you have
   These pictures are a marketing tool for you. You are enough, just as you are: your colouring, size, shape, lines, curls, markings are all you. Celebrate it all. Be kind to yourself. Maybe it’s the bits you’re less fond of that’ll get you the role so let them be seen.

Since writing this blog we've actually started to run our own Headshot Days with me (Steph) coaching and James of Shift Focus behind the camera. Find out more HERE.

Gift someone our trainingIf you know a professional actor or someone who's seriously working to become an actor then this will be the perfect gift.

Plus you'll be supporting local, it's a win win!

We are one of the top actor training companies in the North of England who specialise in The Meisner Technique and the actor's well-being. 

​What they'll get:
We will send the voucher to the email address provided with any message you would like. You can specify what date and time you'd like it sending. We will CC you in so you know it's arrived safe and sound. 

To give you an idea of prices here's some of our offerings (follow the links for full info):

★ The Foundations, The Meisner Technique (Leeds or Manchester):
- Introduction to Meisner 2 Day - £95
- The Core 6 Day - £270
Over the 8 Days you will be introduced to all the exercises designed by Sanford Meisner which will take you through to working on a script.

★ 1 hour of 1:1 with Adam or Steph (on Zoom): £60
This can be whatever you want it to be. Audition prep, monologue work, text work, a chat about the industry. Literally anything. 

★ Free Writing: An Actor's Best Friend (online course) - £15
Usually runs once a month, dates added regularly

★ Headshot Day​ - £175
Dates added regularly. Only available to those who have started training with us.

More info and to order: 🎁 www.both-feet.co.uk/gift

Next one: 2nd November, 7-8.30pm
(Register below)

Maybe you've enjoyed some stillness and taken the opportunity to breathe,
and now you're reaching out.
Maybe you've felt really overwhelmed and have pulled away from your creativity or questioned who you are,
and now you're reaching out. 
Maybe you feel heavy in your heart or lost in your head,
so now you're reaching out. 
Maybe you've been frantically working to keep yourself and/or others afloat or your mind busy,
but now you're reaching out. 
Maybe you're feeling warm, lifted and supported,
And you're here to extend that out. 

Either way, join us. There'll be no pressure to be anything other than here.

CONNECT is simply a space for us to come together 
breathe,
talk,
listen,
be
and most importantly,
connect.
Not on a business level but on a personal one.
No frills. No money, no agenda. Just us in this positive space.
I'll guide you through, don't worry. 

If you are an Actor and/or Maker then this space is absolutely for you. 

Will there be moments of awkward Zoom etiquette? Of course there will! But it'll shift quickly if you let it. 

I am a firm believer that together we can rise the tide. So let's wrap our arms around each other.

Steph x

Fill in the registration form below to get the Zoom link :-)

​Theatre meets ZOOM: Live performances by the Both Feet community
Sunday 2nd August
7.30 - 9pm ("doors" open from 6.45pm)
@ Your Place, Zoom
FREE
You must register below to get the Zoom link!

​
(NB you will need to have a Zoom account, don't worry, it's super easy and free).
BOOKING CLOSES @ 7.15pm on Sunday

​​We miss the real-ness and the live-ness so we're having a lot of fun playing with how many theatre elements we can bring to this. We can't wait to share and connect with you (and your furry friends!) 

Line Up below

​Make an Evening of it
Many of us make an evening of it when we go to the theatre, so why don’t you do the same? Here’s a few suggestions:

• Get your glad rags on - even a spritz of perfume if you're feeling fancy!
• What does your pre show dinner look like? If you’re feeling wild, why don’t you change up the way you have your evening meal to embrace your theatre outing? Maybe you set up your table like you’re at your favourite restaurant - make sure you’re finished up in time for show time though! ;-)
• Ready your glass with your theatre tipple
• Turn off your phones!
• Snacks and toilet break for the short interval
• If you’re tech savvy you could even hook it up to the TV for a full experience!

Note: the larger the screen the better. Your experience may be lessened if viewed on a phone but you will still be able to access the performance, don't worry!


We’d love to see any photos of you embracing any of these suggestions or any of your own theatre rituals! Use the hashtag #bothfeetLIVE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


Arrive early to have drinks with friends
In Zoom I (the host) have the power to allocate people to Break Out Rooms. If you would like to hang out with other people before the show starts, you can let me know in advance HERE - or you can let me know if you’re up for being put in a room with a few strangers! I will put you back in the same rooms for the interval.


And please don’t worry - if you don’t want to socialise before the show just arrive any time and keep your video off.


A note from Steph:
These last few months have been hard but they've also presented many of us a chance to reflect, discover and develop as people and as creatives. I have been carefully designing courses to help actors (and me as a director!) to fully embrace technology, to find the fun with it and to trust it’s still possible to connect with scene partners and whoever is watching too, even with miles between us.

It has been a new challenge gracefully accepted by those I've been working with. Through playing, exploring, discovering and jumping, we have come to see that working in your home alongside family, housemates, children, pets, neighbours and washing machines (!) is different - but very much doable. More than doable.

Both Feet LIVE is a way for us to connect with you. You, the audience, are the heart of live theatre and we’ve deeply missed you.

See you on Sunday we hope.
Steph x​


​Promo Vid with thanks to James @ Shift Focus

Missing live theatre? Us too.

Theatre meets ZOOM: Live performances by the Both Feet community

Sunday 28th June
7.30 - 9pm ("doors" open from 7pm)
@ Your Place, Zoom
FREE
RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW
(NB you will need to have a Zoom account, don't worry, it's super easy and free).

We miss the real-ness and the live-ness so we're having a lot of fun playing with how many theatre elements we can bring to this. We can't wait to share and connect with you.

​Make an Evening of it
Many of us make an evening of it when we go to the theatre, so why don’t you do the same? Here’s a few suggestions:

• Get your glad rags on - even a spritz of perfume if you're feeling fancy!
• What does your pre show dinner look like? If you’re feeling wild, why don’t you change up the way you have your evening meal to embrace your theatre outing? Maybe you set up your table like you’re at your favourite restaurant - make sure you’re finished up in time for show time though! ;-) 
• Ready your glass with your theatre tipple
• Turn off your phones!
• Snacks and toilet break for the short interval
• If you’re tech savvy you could even hook it up to the TV for a full experience!

Note: the larger the screen the better. Your experience may be lessened if viewed on a phone but you will still be able to access the performance, don't worry!

We’d love to see any photos of you embracing any of these suggestions or any of your own theatre rituals! Use the hashtag #bothfeetLIVE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Arrive early to have drinks with friends
In Zoom I (the host) have the power to allocate people to Break Out Rooms. If you would like to hang out with other people before the show starts, you can let me know in advance HERE - or you can let me know if you’re up for being put in a room with a few strangers! I will put you back in the same rooms for the interval.

And please don’t worry - if you don’t want to socialise before the show just arrive any time and keep your video off.

A note from Steph:
These last few months have been hard but they've also presented many of us a chance to reflect, discover and develop as people and as creatives. I have been carefully designing courses to help actors (and me as a director!) to fully embrace technology, to find the fun with it and to trust it’s still possible to connect with scene partners and whoever is watching too, even with miles between us.

It has been a new challenge gracefully accepted by those I've been working with. Through playing, exploring, discovering and jumping, we have come to see that working in your home alongside family, housemates, children, pets, neighbours and washing machines (!) is different - but very much doable. More than doable.

Both Feet LIVE is a way for us to connect with you. You, the audience, are the heart of live theatre and we’ve missed you, deeply missed you. 

See you on Sunday we hope. 

Steph x​

​Promo Vid with thanks to James @ Shift Focus

​I have been quiet on this because I couldn't find the words even though I needed to speak. So I'm just going to keep this really simple. 

Over the last few weeks I have done a lot of thinking about, and listening to, and reflecting on, the Black Lives Matter movement. 

My heart is heavy for many people whom I know, and many people I don't. 

What Adam and I want to say is that our space is safe.

I won't say everyone is treated the same, because no one is the same, we all need different things but we do, and will, open our arms to everything that you are and everything that you bring with you. 

Many of us want more understanding, empathy and action and we want to learn and be educated so if there's something you think we can do better or to open our arms wider, we're all ears. 

Steph (and by proxy, Adam)
xxx