Join master teachers Helena Walsh & Benjamin Mathes for an immersive three-week acting intensive in the heart of Dublin, Ireland

Slow down, do less, be more

The Actor's Practice:
The creative path to the integrated actor
Dublin, Ireland 

This one-of-a-kind training is designed for actors seeking to deepen their artistry through Helena & Ben's Non-Dominant Approach and integration of Organic Intelligence and Neurosystemics.

🗓 Dates: September 28 – October 17, 2025
🕙 Schedule: Monday to Friday, 10am–2pm
đź“Ť Location: Dublin, Ireland

What’s Included:
✔️ Daily in-person training with Helena Walsh
✔️ 5 Online Masterclasses with Benjamin Mathes
✔️ 3-Month access to The Creative Path online community dedicated to creating and sharing your work.

Now accepting applications for September 2025.

Yes, level up my acting

Imagine...

  • What if you were able to navigate any circumstance creatively and with deeply empowered presence, whether an audition, self tape or chemistry read, or a meeting with directors and producers on major film and TV series.

  •  How would your relationships on set, the other and in life evolve if you could feel more confident, unshakable, and inspired to be yourself.

  • Imagine the immeasurable difference in how much pleasure and curiosity you will be able to create in relation to your craft and life.

  • Imagine what you could create if you had an endless creative resource to tap into! 

  • What if you could create fully realised characters for stage and screen allowing the audience to feel the complexity of their own humanity through your embodiment of the story.

  • What if you could free yourself of your inner critic and give yourself permission to truly enjoy and find pleasure in the art of acting.

Why Ireland?

Dublin offers a unique meeting point between rich cultural heritage and the grounding power of the natural world. With its historic streets, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to some of Ireland’s most sacred and breathtaking landscapes, the city becomes more than just a backdrop—it becomes part of the process.

All of my retreats are rooted in natural environments. I work with actors to reconnect with a nature-centred, community-based way of being that allows them to rediscover their original voice within the collective. In a career where the actor is constantly adapting to external demands, the deeper question becomes: How do you hold onto your own way of being, seeing, and creating? That’s the core of the work.

Over the years, I’ve found that the most powerful way to regulate and restore actors—after a film, a series, or a run on stage—is through the natural world. Not in the high-intensity extremes many are used to, like skydiving or snowboarding, but in a quieter, more experiential relationship with nature that allows for reflection, healing, and creative renewal.

That’s why this Dublin intensive will include optional excursions to places like Glendalough, The Hill of Tara, and The Phoenix Park—one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital. These experiences aren’t just scenic; they’re integral. They invite a return to one’s natural nature within nature.

In many ways, the greatest resource in my life—and in this work—has been the natural world. There is nothing more powerful than nature to mirror back to you a sense of belonging.

INTRODUCING...

This is a 3-week intensive advanced actor training practice with two of the world's leading acting coaches, Helena Walsh & Benjamin Mathes

"Change the Environment, Embolden and Empower the Artist"
- HELENA WALSH

YES, I NEED THIS

 

The Actor’s Practice™ 3-Week Intensive
A Radical Reimagining of Acting and Creative Process

This immersive 3-week intensive is a compassionate and deeply transformative experience designed to elevate your acting practice to a whole new level. It offers a radical rethinking of traditional methodologies, centered around embodiment, imagination, nervous system regulation, and character integration.

How Helena works with you?  

  • "The Actor's Practice™: The Creative Path to the Integrated Actor" is Helena Walsh’s unique, holistic approach to acting that unites somatic awareness, emotional resilience, and creative freedom. Designed to help actors not just survive but to thrive in their life and art.  This method supports nervous system regulation, enabling actors to stay grounded, present, and expressive in highly pressurised environments. 

  • Through daily practices, actors awaken their sensory awareness and connect with breath, body, and imagination—unlocking a deeply rooted pathway into their acting and storytelling. Rather than pushing through emotion or technique, actors learn to integrate their creative mind and body and their inner and outer worlds, becoming more present to subtle impulses that lead to greater complexity in their acting. 

  • This work deepens relational intelligence, allowing for stronger ensemble connection and richer storytelling. It also nurtures personal growth, helping actors rebalance, restore and remember their purpose in their life and art and what is most meaningful at this stage in their career. 

  • Sustainable and transformational, The Actor's Practice™ empowers actors to move beyond acting as “product” and into artistry rooted in presence, truth, and relationship.

     

    How Ben works with you?

  • The Non-Dominant Approach to Acting
    Created by Benjamin Mathes, The Non-Dominant Approach to Acting is an invitation to let go of control and return to presence. Rather than chasing results or managing outcomes, this approach asks the actor to listen more deeply—to the text, the body, the imagination, and to Creativity itself. It is a practice of unlearning performance habits, unlearning the need to prove, unlearning the belief that more effort means more truth.

    In its place, something quieter and more essential emerges. The work becomes less about performing and more about revealing; less about pushing, and more about allowing. It is through this gentle undoing that the actor rediscovers their creative instinct, reclaims their voice, and begins to trust the artistry that’s already within them.

    Through this approach, acting becomes not just a craft, but a path back to the actor themselves.
  • Scene Work
    With Ben, scene work becomes a space of discovery—where the goal isn’t performance, but the deepening of process. As such, scenes are not seen as an end in and of themselves but are used to further explore the Non-Dominant Approach to Acting and help to deepen the actor’s process. Often emerging out of Non-Dominate exercise-ritual work, scenes are assigned and used as the central exercise throughout the workshop.
  • Exercise Ritual
    As part of The Non-Dominant Approach, Ben has developed a series of “exercise rituals”—intentional, repeatable practices designed to open the actor to a deeper sense of presence, play, and belief. These rituals invite you to engage with story not just intellectually, but energetically and imaginatively—to honor both the creative structure and the mystical nature of story. In doing so, actors foster a more integrated relationship with character, one that is felt rather than forced, discovered rather than imposed. The result is a performance that is free, embodied, and alive.

This work is for actors ready to challenge conventions, rediscover their artistic power, and create deeper, more meaningful performances. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a dedicated student, this experience is designed to elevate your craft.

This 3-week deep dive intensive is an enjoyable, playful, transformative, empowering couple of weeks together. If this sounds like something that you would love, then come join us!

 

HERE'S WHAT'S INSIDE:

You're going to

love

 these

Acting Masterclasses

 Refine and deepen your craft with acting masterclasses
with Helena Walsh and Benjamin Mathes

3-Month Membership to The Creative Path

You will also have access to our Creative Path for self-study so that you can put the skills into practice on a daily basis.

Organic Intelligence sessions

Helena will give you the tools and techniques to feel more present, powerful and inspired so that you can persuade, move and really engage your audience.

ACCESS The Actor's Practice: The Art of Being Human
Apply now to join ➡

"Helena doesn't just work with the "actor" and the protective persona we build trying to carve out space for ourselves in this unpredictable industry. Helena asks you to dive deeper- to investigate and nurture your inner and pure artist. She encourages you to listen to your needs as a human being first. The intensive I did in Ireland was some of the most life changing, creatively challenging work I've ever done. The three weeks I spent in Dublin were just as impactful as my foundational training and years of scene Study and workshops. My cohort during the intensive were some of the most generous, beautiful human beings I've ever met and I walked away with a network of artists that feel like family. I'm so grateful I took a leap of faith and jumped into the unknown."

James Hightower
Actor | NCIS (2003), Samantha Who? (2007) and Third Watch

"To me, working with Helena has meant that I am officially thriving in something bigger than I have ever imagined. The three week intensive acting has been a reboot for my nervous system, something I so very needed for my creative process. This work is centred around the artist, which then allows productivity to flow."

Tarsha Kohli
Actress & Writer 

"Helena’s teaching is beyond just acting. It's a way of life. It's learning a new language - your body's. A language that will transform your relationship and richness to life and art, bit by bit. You start hearing, listening and trusting your body’s voice and intelligence. Moulding your foundation to an intimate relationship with the here and now.
You will be a different person after: more you. I would call this class the shakeable actor: cause more and more, moment by moment, I can shake with whatever comes my way."'

Oscar Skaggerberg
Actor | The Last Kingdom (2020)

Working with Helena has been the most transformative experience of my life. Over the course of ten weeks, I not only noticed a distinct positive change in my acting itself but also in my approach to the craft and the quality of my life as a whole. In working with Helena, I discovered a deep freedom in myself that directly translated to my scene work. I discovered nuance and ease within my performances that didn't seem previously possible. Helena helps release the fear that often accompanies our work as actors, from fear of doing it wrong to fear of rejection, and replaces it with a gorgeous curiosity that renewed my love for acting. I'm so grateful to have found this course. It's changed my life and my art forever"

Ronan Quinn Kelly
actor, "Passage" featured in Cannes Film Festival in 2017

Helena, through The Actor’s Practice, has reframed my whole approach to my craft, for the better! The work is truly transformational.

Clara Harte
Actress and singer

‘I truly believe Helena is doing groundbreaking work in the field of training actors.  Helena was in the room for my very first audition and I've been working with her ever since'

Tony Doyle
Actor

'Helena is one of the most empowering teachers I've ever worked with and shows artists how to have a life-long creative career through practical techniques'

Johanna O' Brien
Actress

And just who will also be teaching you The Actor's Practice: The Art of Being Human?


Me! I'm Helena Walsh

Voice & Acting Coach | Human Empowerment & Resiliency Organic Intelligence® Consultant.

Helena Walsh is a passionate Entrepreneur, Researcher, and International Voice & Acting Coach, empowering actors to reach their full potential.

With 30+ years of experience, she prepares actors for major TV shows, drawing from practices like Organic Intelligence® and Fitzmaurice Voicework®. Her holistic approach fosters empowerment and collective growth by addressing the nervous system.

As a sought-after mentor, Helena guides actors in presence, communication, and resilience. With her deep understanding of the actor's journey, she equips them for success on and off the stage. Experience her coaching through a free consultation and unlock your acting excellence.

"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 | "The Witcher: Blood Origin" Netflix TV Series

And who else will also be teaching you The Actor's Practice: The Art of Being Human?


Me! I'm Benjamin Mathes

Acting coach and teacher | author | Founder of Urban Confessional: A Free Listening Movement

I have been an actor for over 20 years. On film, television, and stage I have worked with artists such as Academy Award winning director Clint Eastwood, Academy Award winning actor Alan Arkin, Sam Raimi, Bradley Cooper, Andy Garcia, Chris Rock, and Academy Award winning producer Brian Grazer. I received my MFA in Acting from the University of California-Irvine.

My acting studio, CRASH, inspires a guerrilla approach to acting driven by the idea that service is the context for artistic greatness. My students have been nominated or awarded Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Ovation Awards, and have appeared on Broadway, as guest stars and series regulars on television, and in major motion pictures. Further, my studio has helped raised thousands of dollars for charities worldwide.

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

Absolutely brilliant! Highly recommend this course! 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

The most brilliantly adaptive acting training imaginable, one of the greats.

Justin Ensor
Actor

Helena has taught me so much about my inner world. How to be human is truly the art of acting. She teaches how to access, identify and transform emotions into conscious expression.. Like painting a picture, an artist needs to know how to make a find the colours to mix them. Helena showed me how to find my colours…. Forever grateful….
Helena: “Move out of intensity and into complexity” 

Kathleen Weir
Script supervisor | "The Guard" 2011

Could not recommend this any higher. These two incredible people will change your life both as an artist and a human   

Shane O Regan
Actor 

Helena is a fantastic teacher, the best I have met. Her teaching will change your relationship to how you experience your life, to yourself and your profession. And she surrounds herself with a brilliantly unique, talented and like-hearted team. Could not recommend her and the studio highly enough.

Seán McManus
Actor

Helena fosters the actor's ability to be aware of and to be in the moment by cultivating one's natural curiosity and interest. Her feedback on scene work is forensic and always encouraging. The love she has for acting and actors is palpable. Working with Helena has been a marvellous experience.

Pádraic Mc Ginley
Actor

Helena's unique and grounding practice has helped me immensely as an actor. Her holistic approach is something I've not experience in any other training, and what's more I always see the growth in myself having been in her classes. I go back to her again and again. 

Rachel Walshe
Actress

YOU. CAN. DO. THIS.

This intensive is designed for actors, performers, and artists who are ready to challenge old habits, unlock deeper truths, and trust their instincts like never before. 

Slow down, do less & be more!

Whether you’re a professional actor or a dedicated student of the craft, this experience will transform your work and your relationship to performance.

This is more than an acting workshop—it’s an artistic awakening. Are you ready to surrender to something bigger than yourself?
Get Started now ➡

Let's Talk Modules

The breakdown
 The Creative Path™ 

The Creative Path™ is Helena Walsh’s unique, holistic approach to acting that unites somatic awareness, emotional resilience, and creative freedom. Designed to help actors thrive in high-pressure environments, this method supports nervous system regulation, enabling performers to stay grounded, present, and expressive—even under stress.

Through daily practices, actors awaken their sensory awareness and connect with breath, body, and imagination—unlocking authentic, embodied performances. Rather than pushing through emotion or technique, actors learn to meet their inner experiences as creative fuel.

This work deepens relational intelligence, allowing for stronger ensemble connection and richer storytelling. It also nurtures personal growth, helping actors explore their values, rewrite limiting narratives, and create with purpose.

Sustainable and transformational, The Creative Path™ empowers actors to move beyond performance as “product” and into artistry rooted in presence, truth, and connection.

 

 

Working with Helena

Voice, Acting & Embodiment Masterclasses | Dublin, Ireland 

You meet with Helena Monday thru Friday 10am-2pm in Castleknock, Dublin 15, Ireland 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.

 

1:1 Organic Intelligence sessions with Helena

Nervous System Regulation |
Dublin, Ireland

Organic Intelligence® (OI) is a framework that teaches individuals to regulate their nervous system in order to promote optimal functioning and well-being. For actors, OI can be especially important for a few reasons:

  1. Emotional Regulation: Acting can be an emotionally demanding profession, and you may need to tap into intense emotions in order to convincingly portray a character. However, this can also lead to burnout, exhaustion, or emotional dysregulation. OI can help you to learn how to regulate your emotions in a healthy way, so that you can perform at your best without being overwhelmed.

  2. Presence: A great actor is able to fully inhabit a character and bring them to life on stage or screen. This requires a high degree of present-moment awareness and mindfulness. OI can help you to develop these skills, allowing you to stay fully engaged in the moment and bring a greater sense of authenticity to your performances.

  3. Resilience: Acting is a competitive field, and you may face rejection, criticism, or other setbacks in your career. OI can help you to build resilience and maintain a positive outlook, so that you can bounce back from these challenges and continue to pursue your goals.

 

 

Neurosystemics™

Helena Walsh brings the principles of Neurosystemics™—a mindfulness-based, somatically grounded approach—into her work with actors to cultivate presence, emotional resilience, and relational depth. This methodology supports performers in regulating their nervous systems and navigating the complex internal and external systems they live and create within.

Through this work, actors become more attuned to their own emotional landscapes and more capable of engaging with the emotions of others, both on and off stage. This is especially vital in scenes involving tension, vulnerability, or high stakes.

A cornerstone of Helena’s approach is her work in conflict resolution and relational repair. Whether in group settings or one-on-one, she helps actors build the capacity to stay present through conflict, allowing rupture and repair to become transformational rather than disruptive. This practice directly informs performance—teaching actors how to stay with emotional truth long enough to reach depth, complexity, and authenticity.

In Resiliency Circles, a group-based application of Neurosystemics, actors step into a trusted space where they can explore real relational dynamics, voice difference, and engage with their nervous system in connection. This space is both a haven and a training ground for authentic interaction, emotional honesty, and creative courage.

Helena’s work is deeply informed by her one-on-one work with clients managing stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. These real-world experiences shape her documentary-like approach—paying close attention to the nuanced, unfiltered human experience.

This informs how she trains actors: with precision, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping them create fully realized, layered characters rooted in truth.

 

Working with Ben

Acting Masterclasses

Part One: Presence/Body/Image/Block Integration

We begin using principles of Organic Intelligence, Fitzmaurice Voicework, and unique techniques developed at Crash Acting to center the actor in their bodies and deepen their work on script and character.

Part Two: Skill Development

Text Analysis, Creative Analysis, Cold Reading, Career Strategy, Audition Technique are example skills we cover. 

Part Three: Performance

Scenes are scheduled and actors work in a traditional scene study format. Receiving deep and lasting instruction from Ben, each actor is challenged with lessons designed to shape and deepen their practice.

Part Four: Return

We return to presence and stability as we reflect on the class and exit with intention for deeper practice, clarity of homework assignments, and purpose of artistry.

I'm ready to join

I'M IN

Still Got Questions?

 

MY LAST PIECE OF ADVICE

In practice, we open space for story to happen. 

Being in 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 safety 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.