Craft • Growth • Achievement
Personalised Coaching for Professional Actors, Drama School Applicants, and Performers Seeking to Deepen Their Craft.
Darker Face at the National theatre of Great Britain, directed by James Kerr
‘James inspires each individual to find their voice’
Hayley Attwell
‘As a pupil of his I thrived under his guidance’
Benedict Cumberbatch
‘As an actor, you are always looking for somebody into whose hands you can entrust yourself. James’ grasp of performance formed the foundation upon which I built my career’
David Oyelowo
About James Kerr
James Kerr is one of the UK’s most respected acting coaches, with decades of experience as a professional director and in actor training. His work with actors including Benedict Cumberbatch, Hayley Atwell and David Oyelowo, has led to a global reputation for training at the highest level.
James was Senior Acting Tutor at The London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA) from 2012 to 2019.
Actors trained by James Kerr include Ruth Wilson, Joe Quinn, Richard Armitage, Sam Claflin, Rosalind Eleazar and Rose Leslie.
Peter James CBE,FRSA,BA
Artistic Director: Liverpool Everyman (1964—70), the Young Vic (1971—73) , Sheffield Crucible (1974—81) and the Lyric, Hammersmith (1981—94).
‘James Kerr is a consummate theatre practitioner. His first-class direction and inspirational teaching both stem from his rigorous training as an actor. His extensive knowledge and experience have earned him many admirers among students and colleagues alike.
His work with young actors—many of exceptional talent—has been profoundly influential and enduring. James is a naturally caring individual. Serious and patient to a remarkable degree, he maintains the highest standards of discipline in his work and is satisfied only with excellence.
While he does not adhere to a single system, he draws selectively on many methods, tailoring his approach to the needs of each individual. This makes his work both personal and idiosyncratic, shaped uniquely for every actor he guides.’
AS A DIRECTOR AND WRITER
James began his career as an actor, working in theatre, television and film, before joining the National Theatre Studio as Director on Attachment.
He has directed plays at the National Theatre of Great Britain, the Royal Court, the Donmar Warehouse and in the West End, as well as in Dublin, Europe and New York. His productions have been nominated for awards including the Evening Standard Theatre Awards and Drama Desk Awards, and have won Best Production at the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards.
James recently founded Straw Cage Productions to develop new writing for theatre and film. The first projects have included a new UK/US collaboration based in London and Marfa, Texas. And a twenty-minute film starring Sheila Hancock and Tanya Reynolds which premiered at the Catalina Film Festival in 2025.
He has translated and adapted work by Sophocles, Aeschylus, Marivaux and Turgenev.
James Kerr in rehearsal at the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain.
‘James has a gentle yet formidable way of removing fear and insecurity from an actor and encourages you to be free and courageous. No second of working with James is wasted. You grow and change.’
Jonathan Ajayi: Alien: Earth, Vigil, Noughts + Crosses.
‘James is inspiring. I became free to be myself and stripped back unwanted nonsense in a way that nobody else has ever taught me. He has a love for storytelling which rubs off on everyone around him. He is a pure joy to be around and be guided by.’
Nadia Parkes: Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, Domina.
‘One of the dominant forces in British Theatre’
- The Guardian.
Second Skin, directed by James Kerr
Bespoke Acting Coaching for Emerging and Established Actors.
Available in Person (London) or Remotely.
'90 minutes of rage and rebellion’
- Variety.
David Oyelowo in Prometheus Bound, Classic Stage, New York City, directed by James Kerr
Whether preparing for auditions, returning to the craft, or developing ongoing work, each session will answer questions, offer support and renewed creative focus. All focused on the individual’s needs.
Initial Session
1 hour • £135
An introductory session for new clients — an opportunity to discuss goals, assess current strengths, and shape a plan for future work.
Drama School Entry
1 hour • £135
Personalised training for those applying to drama schools or conservatoires. 80% of applicants coached by James are recalled, with one in three subsequently securing offers. The sessions are target orientated, with a focus on monologue selection, and the core techniques to give you the best chance at every stage of the audition process.
Project Coaching
1 hour • £135
Coaching for working actors who want to focus on a single script or character in film, tv or theatre; also to support upcoming auditions (in-person or self-tape).
Actor Coaching and Training
1 hour • £135
Tailored coaching to support professional actors and graduates. Every session focuses on making sure the actor is giving themself the best chance of success. The focus is on refining the craft, strengthening the relationship with text, and building confidence.
Drama School Entry Testimonials
‘James provided solid support over a two-year period of preparation for drama school auditions, encouraging me to have patience, self-confidence and perseverance.’
RADA BA (Hons) 3 Year Professional Acting Course‘With his support and encouragement, my confidence increased dramatically over our period of working together.’
LAMDA BA (Hons) 3 Year Professional Acting Course‘James is the most insightful, perceptive, and intuitive tutor I have ever worked with.’
LAMDA BA (Hons) 3 Year Professional Acting Course
Presence at the Royal Court, directed by James Kerr
‘A Masterpiece’
- The Telegraph.
‘An Unforgettable Experience’
- The Guardian.
‘Expressionistic and Modern’
- The Financial Times, London.