About us
Andrea Louise Watson
Founder of First Take Workshops
Welcome to First Take Workshops, a vibrant community of actors dedicated to honing their craft and chasing their dreams.
I'm an actress and screenwriter based in York, and I founded this supportive community in 2017 for actors who want to develop their skills and pursue their dreams.
Our workshops offer a nurturing space for actors at all stages of their journey.
To learn more about me go to
What we offer
We welcome all actors, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience. I believe everyone has something to learn. Our workshops offer a friendly and intimate setting, so each participant can get the individual attention they need.
Over the years, we've had the privilege of hosting industry professionals who share their expertise and insights with us. We've worked with:
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Ian Puleston-Davies and Reece Dinsdale (Actor/Director/Writers)
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Rick Laxton, Seth Mason, Olissa Rogers (Casting Directors)
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Ruth Carney, Ian Bevitt, and Jordan Hogg (Directors)
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Alex Priestley (Agent)
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Kate Smurthwaite (Comedian and Comedy Writer)
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Jane Thornton (Theatre Acting Instructor)
These talented individuals have enriched our workshops and provided our students with valuable knowledge and experience.
Our Community
First Take Workshops is more than just a place to take classes; it's a community where you can feel comfortable making mistakes and growing as an artist. Our students often talk about the supportive atmosphere and the confidence they gain from our sessions.
One of our students, Ray Castle, shared,
"First Take Workshops gave me the understanding that directors and casting directors are just as human and vulnerable as the rest of us. So there's nothing to be scared of! And the sessions have helped me get rid of my 'imposter syndrome.'"
I'm incredibly proud of all the actors and comedians who have been a part of our community and have gone on to achieve great things in their careers. We're committed to supporting each other's growth and development.
Join us
We keep our workshops small to ensure everyone gets personalised feedback and doesn't feel lost in the crowd.
Our sessions fill up quickly, but we regularly offer new ones so more people can benefit. To be the first to hear about our upcoming classes, join our mailing list and get exclusive early access 24 hours before we announce them on social media.
