Foundations of Acting
with William Sutton
The class will get you up and active, working to experience that “loose but precise “ spirit that all talented performers live by.
As well, we’ll prepare you to understand how to go to work on script for stage or film, and then begin to match that understanding with the experience of getting right up to exercise. You’ll learn by doing, and that includes going right to work to try yourself out by patiently but surely preparing a scene and monologue for presentation.
We’ll take you through your first solid steps into understanding the art of acting for the stage and for film. We’ll work patiently and with some fun to introduce you to a very practical-usable-playable acting wisdom practiced by some of the best actors working today.
The goal of the class is for you to begin to get a clear idea of the short, playable list of essential actor techniques which just happen to be the very same tools used by both beginner and very experienced actors.
As an added bonus, a goal for the end of the class cycle we will present prepared scenes and/or monologues in our final class. Friends may be invited. Wine will be consumed.
Tutor: William Sutton
William Sutton acted and acts in theatres, in film and TV, on green screen, on location, for seminars, through corporate role-plays, at readings, upon diverse improv & comedy podia, gives Sonnet workshops in schools and universities, and even directed a one-act play. He is a theatre animal and a dedicated self-study student, always circling the ideas incorporating what it takes to give a good performance, whether improvised or rehearsed.
He mastered Shakespearean English by learning and memorizing all the Sonnets of Shakespeare. Sutton attended the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford on Avon to quench his desire to learn more. He joined the Passion in Practice ensemble of Ben Crystal in 2010 and toured with them until 2018. His passion for Shakespeare has only grown over the 30+ years studying and working with his words. By extension any other writer worth their salt.
He also loves the study of accents and dialects; and uses the International Phonetic Alphabet where necessary. Writers write and actors interpret and resurrect what they write. The connecting factor is words in ink becoming puffs of sound and air in speech. There’s where the adventure begins.
His classes can be bitter, salty, sweet, sour, or savoury. Something for every ones taste. Umami, don’t believe me, ask around.
This class is open to beginners — no previous experience needed.
To join this class: fill in the application form and pay the course fee below — payment confirms your place. Questions first? Contact us, we’re happy to help.
Foundations of Acting with William Sutton
Dates: Saturdays, October 24 – December 19, 2026 (incl. Saturday November 14).
Duration: 9 sessions.
Times: 11 AM – 2 PM.
Location: Studio 163, W.G. Plein, Amsterdam.
Fee: €495
Level: Beginner — no experience needed.


