Hey, you -- need some help being stage & set ready?
Slow down, do less, be more
The Art of Acting Masterclass, Clonakilty, Ireland
For actors who wish to bring more nuance, complexity and depth to their craft
Imagine...
- How would your acting evolve if you knew how to go deeper?
- How would your practice evolve if you knew how to integrate the here and now into your creative process?
- How would your relationship with the other actor evolve if you became more receptive?
- How would your relationships in your life and art transform if you felt empowered?
-
How would your ability to trust evolve if you became curious about integrating your discomfort?
What if you could navigate any circumstance creatively and with deeply empowered presence?
INTRODUCING...
4-Day Acting Masterclass with one of the world's leading acting, voice and empowerment coaches, Helena Walsh, who has over 30 years experience teaching in the film and theatre industries
The Art of Acting Masterclass
🗓️ July 22th to 25th 2025
12pm-6pm
📍The Studio
Spillars Lane,
Clonakilty,
Fee: €600 EUR
YES, I NEED THIS
Here's what to expect:
This unique opportunity brings actors together
to grow, evolve, challenge and transform
in the stunning scenery of Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland!
- Clonakilty is an idyllic setting to gather, explore, reflect & deepen your acting process. We will be surrounded by natural beauty and Helena's acting workshops will focus on moving through the spiral of intensity to complexity to simplicity.
- We will also deepen our relationship with ourselves through connection to each other and the environment around us. Hiking, optional sea swimming together, singing songs around a fire at one of Ireland's friendliest and cosiest pubs, "Shanleys Bar" at night will offer magical encounters with the natural world which will give us an experience of how life integrates art and art integrates life.
Discover and experience more layers, subtleties,
and nuance in your work as an actor- Workshop Overview
This 4-Day Intensive will give you skills to support you in working with anxiety, self doubt and your inner critic in relationship with yourself, others and your creative community so that you can really thrive in this demanding profession! - Building a Connection: Imagination and Body
You will explore how to build a relationship between your imagination and your body. This journey into the body is a tender, empathetic and compassionate one, seeking trust through unconditional positive regard from you towards yourself, others and the world around you - Unique Approach: A Fusion of Techniques
Helena's unique approach combines techniques from Organic Intelligence®, NeurosystemicsTM & Fitzmaurice Voicework® and many more, helping actors connect more deeply with themselves, their scene partner, and the given environment. - Exploring Stillness and Insight
You will explore moving into stillness and from there how to allow insight to emerge spontaneously through following a free flow conversation expressing from the given moment rather than about the given moment. - Preparing for Scene Work
Helena will cast you in a scene, of which you will be asked to read the film script or play several times so you have full familiarity with it. You will be asked to rehearse the scene with your scene partner via zoom/in person, as you wish, a few times before you attend the workshop. Do have the scene off book. You will also be given all scenes that we are going to work on in class so that you are aware of the material we are exploring. - Blending Fiction and Reality
We will oscillate between the fictional world of the script and the here and now of the actors' moment. We will create a space built on trust little by little so you can feel what it is like to include more of you in your creative process and embodiment of a character. This is a dance between the body and the imagination, priming the environment for one to inspire the other to open and experience one breath at a time. This is not a "space space". This is a space, where trust is built slowly over the days and instead of focussing on "safety", we are focussing on "orientation" and from there we will slowly build trust with the specific actors in the room. The content and the material, that we use in an acting class is challenging and uncomfortable often and we are working with how to go to these darker, more intense places in our acting and still be able to stay oriented and present. - Working with Body, Senses, and Imagination
We will work with the body, the senses and the imagination. You will be given tools on how to regulate your nervous system for an audition, being on set, in a rehearsal room and for your day to day life. - Moving from Intensity to Complexity
The work throughout the day is to bring you out of intensity and into complexity so you can feel what it is like to experience more layers, subtleties and nuance in your work as an actor and your experience as a human being. - A Path of Pleasure, Curiosity, and Compassion
Your humanity affects the humanity in the story, what you resonate with, the story resonates with, your difference is also present in the fabric of the story, prepare to slow down, do less and be more. This is a path paved by pleasure, curiosity, compassion, empathy and empowerment for all. When we explore bringing more compassion into our body, it can feel challenging as it is a real skill to build capacity to feel good and to feel loving and to feel accepting. Many of us are not used to experiencing pleasure and goodness in relationship to our life and careers and this is truly a skill that takes time and practice. - Progression of the Masterclass
Each day will start with collective work, moving into the body and exploring your world and the character's world, then into a relationship with another and finally the ensemble of actors present.
Places limited to only 12 participants!
Don't miss out on your chance to work with one of the most sought after acting, voice and empowerment coaches. - Workshop Overview
HERE'S WHAT'S INSIDE:
You're going to
love
these
Sunrise & Sunset Walks
We begin and end day with a walk together along one of Ireland's most beautiful and serene beaches, Inchydoney Beach.
Daily Acting Workshops
Inspired by Fitzmaurice Voicework®,
Organic Intelligence®, Neurosystemics™ and Helena’s Non-Dominant Approach to Acting.
LIVE MUSIC
PUB SESSION
Each night we'll gather together in Helena's favourite Irish Pub, Shanleys Bar for some quality live music, sing songs and dancing together.
'Helena Walsh’s retreat was glorious and life changing. I love the community of actors she has curated and her teachings are inspiring and healing, on top of helping actors go to places inside ourselves we may never ever have gone to before.
Truly wonderful. I love and miss everyone that I met there.
I will be doing this more in the future. Hopefully at least once a year. It’s a nice way to live too, in a daily practice of being present which only enhances our work as actors'
Rosanna Arquette
Actress
The work with Helena is great. I can't really discripe how she does it or even what she does:) It's a bit like magic. But for me and all the others in the course I see a difference, that is not only happening in my art, but also in my life. So thank you Helena Walsh!
Michael Fritz-Schumacher
Actor
'A place where I felt free to grow and expand, immersed in an environment filled with human understanding. I'm deeply grateful for the space that these wonderful beings have created'
Sofia Tomasin
Actress
'Helenas work is truly one of a kind. Since working with her I have found a much deeper connection to my craft, a more resonant relationship to my emotions and body and an incredible sense of autonomy and safety in how I work
But Helenas work has not just been incredible for my career and craft but also my life as a whole. I have found a more profound sense of wonder and curiosity in my day to day life as well as a heightened gratitude and respect for the natural world around me.
Working with Helena has truly changed my life and I am eternally grateful and privileged to call her a teacher, mentor and friend.'
Shane O'Regan
Actor
'Do yourself a favor and work with Helena. As an actor, the skills I developed access to are remarkably invaluable, and as a human the peace and ease I found in my Self are transformative and life affirming. From day 1 I felt this overwhelming sense of relief that I’d finally found a practice and community that made me excited about acting and a career as a performer. It’s a community so full of care and support and well earned trust. I left the retreat open hearted and highly sensitized to the beauty of the world around me. And connected with life-long friends. Thank you Helena and everyone involved <3 more in the future for sure!'
Julia Mae Abrams
Actress
And just who will be teaching you The Art of Acting Masterclass?
Me! I'm Helena Walsh
Voice & Acting Coach | Human Empowerment & Resiliency Organic Intelligence® Consultant.
Helena Walsh is an internationally renowned voice and acting coach, human empowerment and resiliency consultant, and creative leader with over 30 years of experience empowering actors, leaders, and changemakers. As the founder of Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios, she has built a globally respected hub for transformation in voice, acting, and human potential—where art meets healing and performance meets presence.
At the heart of her work is The Creative Path™, a pioneering methodology that integrates artistic practice with nervous system intelligence, emotional resilience, and relational awareness. Drawing from Organic Intelligence®, Neurosystemics™, Fitzmaurice Voicework®, and Roy Hart Voice, Helena helps individuals unlock authentic expression, regulate under pressure, and create with boldness and joy.
Helena’s trauma-informed, life-centered approach redefines how performers prepare and thrive. Her unique synthesis of somatic science and creative exploration nurtures imagination, connection, and prosilience—the ability to grow through adversity with curiosity and compassion.
As co-founder of The Actor’s Practice with Benjamin Mathes (Crash Acting, LA), Helena supports artists in developing sustainable rituals for personal and professional growth. Together, they lead immersive retreats in Ireland and Greece, helping actors deepen their craft and live more consciously.
Helena’s work has established creative hubs in Dublin, London, and New York, fostering inclusive, values-driven communities where artists are encouraged to tell their own stories, reframe cultural narratives, and embody transformation—personally and collectively.
She is a certified Organic Intelligence® HEART™ Coach and Moderator, a Neurosystemics™ CARE Mentor, and an Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework®. Helena has also served as the European Director of the Fitzmaurice Institute and co-directed the international Freedom and Focus Conferences.
Through her holistic, integrative coaching, Helena empowers clients to connect, communicate, and create with authenticity, presence, and purpose—making her a sought-after mentor in the performing arts and beyond.
"Her work is extraordinary"
"Helena assisted me in opening up doors to my character’s history & helped to unlock elements to their story. Her work is extraordinary and drives you to build a world around your character through narrative and imagination. Her help and support is like no other. Highly recommend working with this master craftswoman.."
LAURENCE O' FUARAIN
ACTOR
I just came out of the Art of Acting Retreat with Helena, and I leave with my heart full of love and self discovery, and wishing every human could have the chance to live an experience like this. First of all, at a personal level, Helena´s retreat made me reframe my relationship with acting and completely changed the way I see my career, making me realise it is not a destination but that my artistry is something it IS ALREADY within me and its just a matter of enjoying the journey while staying connected to my inner self & artist, which has been incredibly healing. On the acting side, Helena's techniques have taught me the best acting tool I've ever learnt: my senses and my imagination, which has strengthen my confidence and has created a lot more depth in my acting. Finally, one of the biggest gifts of any of Helena's retreats and programs is the strong sense of community she encourages and creates, the most loving, caring and creative community I know in Ireland. I can't recommend enough to work with her and her team if you get the chance, it will definetly transform you as a person and your career. Thank you all!!!
Alessandra Herredia
Actress
Helena Walsh is an absolute magician of a coach and teacher. I have been on a retreat with her in Ireland, as well as doing The Actor's Practice online, and both of those have been life-changing experiences to say the least. I am forever grateful to what she has brought me, not only as an actor, but also as a human being. Couldn't recommend her more!
Catherine Dauphin
Actress
The night before the retreat I was very nervous. I thought I’d be finding myself way out my depth but it is a testament to Helena’s teaching practises and intuition that my fears were allayed and have continued to diminish since the very first day. I still have my reservations about my acting abilities but she has instilled a little more peace, confidence and self love within my clutherfudged mind, body & soul. In a world full of egos, hate & greed I found Helena, Christina & Rachel to be trusty rays of warm sunshine. Can’t wait to see them again in future.
James Lye
Actor
The most brilliantly adaptive acting training imaginable, one of the greats.
Justin Ensor
Actor
I've been working with Helena since we met in acting school a number of years ago. She's like a wizard that can see and bring out things in you that you might never thought possible without her. Helena has genuinely helped me be a better, happier and more balanced actor and human. Couldn't recommend her and the team enough
Jason Daly
Actor
Working with Helena was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has transformed my approach to acting, and since working with her I've seen huge self-growth - both as an actor and on a personal level. I'm excited to continue working with Helena and to see where her work and support takes me next.
Aine Flanagan
Actress
Helena’s teachings and support will guide you through a journey of discovery and exploration of the humanity in not only you as the artist, but also in you as yourself. You’ll feel more empowered and fearless as she brings light into the unknown ahead of your artistry’s journey. I’ve been studying with her for a while and all I can say now is that, reading a script, working on character and telling stories have become so nuanced, so humane and magical. So, I can’t recommend her enough. She’s a badass coach and human being!.
Matheus Tonon
Actor
Let's Talk Clonakilty
The breakdown
The Empowered Self: personal growth & development
Nervous system regulation 1:1's
using Organic Intelligence®
During the workshop, Helena will be working with you using Organic Intelligence (OI) which takes a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Actors can particularly benefit from this approach as they need to be in tune with their emotions and surroundings.
Orientation practice is a crucial aspect of OI that helps individuals become more present and aware of their bodily sensations, especially useful for actors who need to be fully engaged in their surroundings. These sessions help you develop crucial skills, such as adaptability, listening, self-regulation, responsiveness, clarity, social engagement, boundary-setting, well-being, and empowerment.
Empowering
The Collective
Group resiliency circles
Neurosystemics™ Resiliency Circles are a valuable tool for actors as they create a space for collective empowerment. In these circles, individuals are encouraged to support and uplift one another, which strengthens the group as a whole. By building a relational field of acceptance, empathy, trust, and vulnerability, individuals in the circle can find enough trust to share their struggles, hopes, and aspirations. This creates a strong foundation of connection and understanding that can enhance group resiliency.
Giving everyone in the group a voice and the space to speak is a crucial component of Neurosystemics™ Resiliency Circles. This enables individuals to share their perspectives, experiences, and insights, leading to more open communication and a deeper sense of community. By doing so, it can lead to greater diversity, equality, and inclusion in the performing arts culture, as everyone's voices are equally valued and respected.
Creative Flow
Daily voice, acting and embodiment masterclasses
You meet with Helena daily for voice, body, character integration work and nervous system regulation work. The work is inspired by Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Organic Intelligence® and Neurosystemics™ and works from the principles of stability, support, pleasure and play. It is a journey into alignment of imagination body and breath, working with the fight / flight / freeze mechanisms that ignite in the actor’s nervous system when working with creative impulse. We will explore the subtle nuances in our rich vulnerability so that the experience of your character is more embodied and alive.
Outcomes
The actor has worked consistently in practice and process and now recognises their own and another actors' boundaries as an important part of trust, equality and skilled listening.
Trust, acceptance and empathy have been established as the code of ethics within the way the actors communicate with each other.
You will feel a great sense of liberation and freedom of expression and innovation and creativity is flourishing and boundless.
The Art of Acting
4-day Masterclass, Clonakilty, Ireland
Move away from result and move into process.
Still Got Questions?
What are the logistics?
How do I get there?
HOW MUCH IT COSTS?
WHAT IS FITZMAURICE VOICEWORK?
What is Organic Intelligence®?
What is Neurosystemics?
CANCELATION POLICY
MY LAST PIECE OF ADVICE
In practice, we open space for stories to happen.
Being in a story requires experiencing it, which is very different to analysing it. For stories to emerge imbued with complexity, you need to offer your body the initial conditions of fostering trust and pleasure - so then you can risk and discover and surrender to the unknown. Trusting your embodied imagination reveals the story to you - so you and the audience are constantly surprised. We practice until it happens.
