Taya Campbell Over

As a drama-school trained actor with a rich history in theatre studies, I bring a blend of practical, theoretical and personal to all my lessons. My teaching and directing styles are very similar - tailored entirely towards the individual. Acting is really all about being present, and truthful, and no two people can find the precise same way to that state. Equally, everyone’s academic brain functions differently too, and I will always experiment with different tools, tactics and approaches to help things make sense in your brain best.

My primary goal is to make sure my students are comfortable, because when we feel safe and present, we can do our best, most connected work. I grew up in the yoga teaching community, so mindfulness and self-care throughout work is always important to me too, especially for any students working towards stressful exams or pressing deadlines. I know firsthand how intimidating exams and auditions can be, but as the person who now runs auditions, I am well equipped to dismantle all the horror stories and demystify the whole experience.

I also have a keen personal interest in many areas of the GCSE and A Level syllabus, particularly in classical theatre and Shakespeare. I like to think my passion for the stories beneath that dense language, and appreciation for the beauty hidden in the language itself, will get rid of any apprehension about it. My practical actor training means I know how to help you stop over-intellectualising the work, and start simply understanding it. Alternatively, if you’re a great practical performer but find the theory baffles you, I am a great translator between the written and the physical, and can find ways to connect everything back to your frame of reference.

I love learning through games, through play, through instinct, through trial and error. I will never be disappointed or frustrated with you - mistakes are exactly how we learn and grow, and I will consistently encourage you to be silly, make mistakes, and take the bold swings.