BUDDING actors in Llanelli are to get the chance to sharpen their skills at a new series of workshops starting at Ffwrnes Theatre on Friday (October 11).
The ‘Actors’ Practice’ is being organised by one of Llanelli’s most celebrated actors, Simon Nehan.
Simon recently earned rave reviews for his performance in the title role of Sweeney Todd in Llanelli Youth Theatre’s production of the Stephen Sondheim musical masterpiece.
Simon, 48, is a professional actor with 25 years’ experience in theatre, television and film. He’s also an audition panellist at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.
Simon explained: “The actors’ studio in the Ffwrnes will see classes designed for people who want to audition for drama school or any enthusiastic local performers who want to sharpen their acting techniques.
“In the future, I’m hoping to get arts funding for it to help all students in Carmarthenshire who are interested in performing arts achieve their goal of moving into the arts professionally.
“Initially it will be a five-class course concentrating on drama school auditions. It will run at Ffwrnes on Fridays between 5pm and 7pm.
“There is already a fair bit of interest in the classes and I only want to take on 12/14 students to ensure as much detailed attention to each individual. Those interested should contact me on simonnehan@live.co.uk or call me on 07973 593658.”
Simon trained at the RWCMD. He was an associate artist at Terry Hands’ Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Some of his many credits there include Under Milk Wood, Bruised, Rape of the Fair Country and Memory.
Simon has worked in theatres from Milford Haven to London and from Mold to New York.
He recently portrayed the legendary Llanelli Scarlets and British and Irish Lions rugby coach Carwyn James in the critically acclaimed one-man show ‘Carwyn’.
In television and film he has appeared with some of the biggest names in the industry – Eddie Redmayne, Claire Danes, Kelly Reilly, and Zac Efron.
Simon has now embarked on a career as an acting coach and educator. He was Head of Acting at The Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts and now works as a freelancer practitioner around many of the colleges in Wales, as well as an acting tutor with Hijinx Theatre Company.
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