Founder of The Actors Yard coaches one-to-one Acting, Audition Technique and Career Mentoring, from Beginner to Advanced levels, Online.

Learn more about Dean

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I started acting as a young whippersnapper who just loved showing off! I think, if they're being honest, that's probably the truth for a lot of actors! I loved doing the school plays, being a part of a youth theatre, working with an amateur dramatics society, making short films with my friends on beaten up old camcorders. Playing pretend, whether it was silly or serious, just became a natural part of how I engaged with the world. I couldn't get away from it! So, it was inevitable that I would gravitate towards it as a career in some way. Doing a degree in drama and then a masters in acting really drove that passion to the next level for me and I went from just doing a thing that I loved to becoming an artist with creative standards, someone who strives for excellence in their work and finds endless joy and excitement finding the truth in make-believe. Since opening The Actors Yard in 2021 my goal has always been to help as many actors find that same joy and satisfaction in their work as I can, and support them in achieving new levels of excellence in their craft and their career. And it's that same energy that I bring to all my coaching clients too :)

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  I love actors who have the intelligence and intuition to be specific in their work and, in addition, have the courage to remain present and playful. Striking this balance is extremely hard because often these qualities seem at odds with each other - how can you be in control and let go at the same time?? Actors I think achieve this masterfully are Mark Rylance, Daniel-Day Lewis, Olivia Coleman, Viola Davis, the entire cast of The Godfather (I could list quite a few but that's enough for now!) To reach this level of excellence is absolutely achievable, but it does take hard work and the right guidance. I also think, as an actor, your artistic appreciation shouldn't be limited to your own craft. There are countless times when a song or a painting or an installation has had an effect on the work I make. I encourage everyone, not just my clients, to experience art wherever and however they can!

• What are the qualities and skill required to succeed in this area?

  The profession of being an actor is full of paradoxes. Probably the most important of which is having to be incredibly vulnerable onstage (or on camera), and yet completely invulnerable in the face of an extremely competitive and often unfair industry. Knowing how to take care of yourself, how to leave the work onstage, how to close the door behind you when you leave a casting office (metaphorically I mean... there's usually nothing special about the actual doors... sometimes they even close themselves!), these skills are ones that are often missed in training, and ones that I encourage all of my clients to prioritise. Look after yourself first! Other than that, loving what you do is a must! If you're doing it just to be famous, there are easier ways. If you're doing it because it's your calling to be an artist in this way then there's so much joy to be found in that journey!

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  Find someone to be accountable to. One of the hardest things about being a freelance creative is that very often you're working on your own, on your own schedule, to your own rhythm which is so susceptible to emotional currents. Having someone who you're accountable to, like an accountability partner, or better yet a coach, will not only make sure that you stay focussed on the project but also make sure you're getting the most out of the time that you're spending on it. Whether that's researching a role, prepping a self-tape, writing a script for yourself or even trying to move agents - having someone take that journey with you is absolutely invaluable!

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  I'm a die-hard creative. Whether I create through acting, or directing, or coaching, or devising, or writing, or making music, or recording a podcast, or shooting social media content, that's my purpose, that's my passion. For me, being on purpose feels like reaching your resonant frequency. Like, you know how if you go into a small room and you produce a certain tone the room kinda vibrates because you've found it's resonant frequency - it's like that! That's as close as I can get to describing it - like a resonant frequency. (Either that or "really cool" I don't know…)

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  To be honest, I'm just as proud of the first short film I directed at college when I was 18 as I am of the first time I booked a West End role. I'm just as proud of being in my first Edinburgh Fringe play as I am of the first part I played on a TV show. The first workshop at The Actors Yard, the first time one of my clients booked a series regular role, the first time one of my clients got into drama school - I've been a part of a lot of creative projects and endeavours over the years, and they've all given me so much joy in so many different ways!

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  Oh my goodness, every single day! If the work is organic, if it's true, if it's present, if it's playful it is ALWAYS surprising! It has to be, by definition! Getting my students and clients to that place of freedom and play is the number one goal for me. Making the space sacred and free from judgement so that we can reassure ourselves that mistakes and failure have no power over us - then we're in a position to be able to make really great work! And I LOVE when my clients find that in their craft!

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  Tailoring each experience, each journey, each goal, to suit each individual client. A good coach asks the right questions, and not only that, is sensitive to the answers. There are things that hold us all back - and they're different for everyone - being able to diagnose those inner and outer obstacles effectively and being able to develop a bespoke strategy to overcome them while providing care, support and accountability along the way - that's what I do best! And much like the job of acting itself, I love the process of coaching. It brings me so much joy to see my clients succeed and getting to celebrate their wins with them. Whether it's booking more recalls or booking their first tv job or getting into one of the top drama schools in the country - I love helping my clients achieve their goals! :)