Performance Class (The Acting Guild):
Take Your Acting Skills to the Next Level

If you’ve completed our Stage 1 and Stage 2 acting courses at ACS—or have equivalent training elsewhere—and you’re eager to keep the creative energy flowing, our 12-week Performance Class (a.k.a The Acting Guild) is the perfect next step. Led by professional directors Calum Moore and Jake Norton, you’ll experience what it’s like to be in a real rehearsal room, working collaboratively on a play or play extract while strengthening your core acting skills.

This was a great place to get coaching in the art of performing. The environment is friendly and approachable. Most importantly, the staff are extremely supportive. I was coached by a brilliant director, Calum Moore, who saw each actor’s style and tailored his direction accordingly.
— Zubair

Why Join Acting Coach Scotland’s Performance Class?

  • Professional Rehearsal Experience
    Work alongside a seasoned director in a dynamic environment that mirrors a professional rehearsal process. Over 12 weeks, you’ll learn, experiment, and grow—just like in a real theatre setting.

  • Core Skills Development
    Dive deeper into textual analysis, sharpen your ability to stay present and responsive on stage, and master the nuances of contemporary material.

  • Supportive Community
    One of the highlights for many of our students is the tight-knit community that forms during the course. Connect with fellow actors who share your passion, motivate each other, and celebrate each other’s milestones.

  • Genuine Week-to-Week Progress
    Watch your performance abilities flourish as you refine your craft each session. The steady pace of rehearsals means you’ll see real improvement from one week to the next.

  • Final Informal Showing
    At the end of the course, invite friends and family to a relaxed showing of the play or extract you’ve been working on. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share your hard work—and new skills—with loved ones.

Having joined ACS with no prior acting experience, I didn’t know what to expect. Now, having completed Stages 1, 2, 3 and Calum’s Acting Guild, I can honestly say it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Calum takes you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to act freely and giving you that extra boost to be the best you can be—and more.
— Rosie
Students taking a bow at the end of a performance

What to Expect Over 12 weeks from Performance Class at ACS

  • Collaborative Learning
    By working closely with your Director and your fellow actors, you’ll refine your creative instincts and learn how to adapt to a director’s feedback.

  • Contemporary Material
    Tackle modern scripts that help you stay current, relevant, and engaged with today’s theatre landscape.

  • Personalised Feedback
    Calum and Jake’s approach combines empathy and expertise, tailoring his guidance to help each performer reach their full potential.

  • Real-World Application
    Experience the structure and energy of a professional rehearsal process. Develop the discipline, focus, and confidence that come from committing to a full 12-week acting project.

Meet the Directors

Calum Moore
Calum Moore is a professional theatre director dedicated to guiding actors toward their highest potential. With an empathetic and collaborative approach, he creates a rehearsal room atmosphere that mirrors a real-world professional environment. Known for his expertise in textual analysis and character development, Calum empowers performers to remain present and responsive on stage. His passion for nurturing talent and fostering a supportive community ensures that every student feels encouraged to explore, take risks, and grow as an artist.

Jake Norton
Jake Norton brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to the ACS team. After earning a BA (Hons) in Drama from Liverpool John Moore’s University and training in physical theatre at Hope Street, Liverpool, he went on to accumulate over 70 credits in theatre, television, film, and radio—appearing in well-known shows such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, The Bill, and Hollyoaks. A fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) from Rose Bruford, Jake has lectured and directed at prestigious institutions including Liverpool John Moore’s University, The Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts, and The MGA Academy of Performing Arts. With his broad directing portfolio and commitment to actor development, Jake ensures that students receive top-tier guidance in a friendly, supportive setting.

I have been attending classes at ACS for 2 years and have enjoyed every one. Levels 1, 2, and 3 with Miranda, and more recently Acting Guild with Calum. Anyone interested in theatre will be delighted with the quality of the directors. I’m signing up for 2025 and looking forward to it.
— Douglas
Students acting in a play

How to Join

  • Prerequisites
    You must have completed Stage 1 & Stage 2 at ACS (or have equivalent acting experience).

  • Monologue Submission
    After signing up, please submit a short monologue of your choice—any genre, any length, or even your own work. This helps us understand your current level and how best to support your growth.

Calum Moore is a fantastic teacher who leads with empathy and gives great feedback. His methods and textual analysis breakdowns are incredibly useful for role preparation. I’m really grateful for all I’ve learned at ACS and 100% recommend Calum as a coach!
— Elly
Students working on a script