February 2025

Workshop Updates

Manchester

Screen Director Stephen Gallacher (McDonald & Dodds, Fifteen-Love, London Kills) joined George in Manchester for a TV scene study. Actors tackled scripts from The West Wing and took part in screen technique exercises. Friend of CMA Sam Bottomley (playing the lead in California Schemin' - James McAvoy's first feature as director)  popped in to see us too - thanks Sam!

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In case you missed it…March will be our first ever American Accent intensive weekend across both cities. George and Rosemary Berkonwill be leading the sessions in Manchester. Actors will be split into two groups and take part in vocal specific sessions with Rosemary and acting technique classes with George. Invitations with full details have been sent out - let us know if you haven’t received yours.

*8th/9th March 2025 - FINAL SPACES REMAINING*

Book Here

London

Sheraz Ahmed CDG (Happy Valley, Ackley Bridge, Time) joined us in London alongside myself, George, Jude and Gurjeet Singh. Actors tackled scripts from TV shows Sheraz has cast and shared their work before receiving direction and feedback. We kept you all busy this month - business and script preparation, improvisation for screen, Laban-Malmgren character analysis classes AND our usual circuit training made up the rest of the weekend. You can watch the highlight reel here.

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As above…March in London will also be an American Accent Intensive weekend. Vocal specialist Megan Burns and myself will be leading - check those invitations for full details and let us know if you have any questions before booking on.

*15th/16th March 2025 -  FINAL SPACES REMAINING*

Book Here

My Ideas

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The best stories reveal the beautifully complex nature of human beings.

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Follow your creative impulse. Read plays. If something grabs you, excites you…put it on yourself. Find a way.

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The only people you truly need to make a show are actors.

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Acting Insights

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Tim Ferris on the perils of fame:

“The point is this: you don’t need to do anything wrong to get death threats, rape threats, etc. You just need a big enough audience.”

Source: https://tim.blog/2020/02/02/reasons-to-not-become-famous/

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Ed Harris on auditioning:

“Treat every audition as a three-minute play.”

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Christopher Plummer on never retiring:

“We want to drop dead onstage. That would be a nice theatrical way to go.”

CMA Actor Spotlight

Kendra Brown makes her professional screen debut in the new series of Boarders (BBC). Go Kendra!!

CMA Manchester regulars Eve Phillips (assistant director), Samir Arrian and Marucia Ferreira have just finished a run of new work The Engagement Party at the Oldham Coliseum. My sister Zee played the singer in the live band! Well done team.

London regular Lexie Penhaligon can be seen in upcoming play Ragged Claws at the Barons Court Theatre 11th-15th March. CMA group trip anyone?! Get your tickets here.

Joe Michael-Ward (CMA Manchester regular) landed his first professional screen job in Snapdragon’s new commercial. Watch him do his thing here.

Please do keep us updated with what you are up to - we would love to shout about your work in the newsletter!

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Thanks for reading,

— Majid