Masterclasses

in acting

with the Gonsalves Method

5 classes to take your acting to the next level

  • Introduction Programme

    BEGINNERS GROUP | ONLINE

    6-week course
    Learn the basics of the Gonsalves Method and its signature Five Conditions with committed, like-minded peers.

    Get in touch

  • Shakespeare Scene Study

    ADVANCED GROUP | ONLINE

    6-week course
    Express your unique voice through Shakespeare’s text and gain confidence in making his poetic language your own.

    Get in touch

  • Musical Theatre Scene Study

    ADVANCED GROUP | ONLINE

    6-week course
    Build authentic characters and truthful connection through acting, singing and dancing.

    Get in touch

  • Modern Play Scene Study

    ADVANCED GROUP | ONLINE

    6-week course
    Master line-learning and unlock the full potential of ‘acting is reacting’ to deliver life-like characters.

    Get in touch

  • Acting for Camera

    ADVANCED GROUP | ONLINE

    6-week course
    Create screen-piercing presence with immediately engaging performances take after take.

    Get in touch

  • Aileen's online courses are a revelation. It's surprising, but the platform works remarkably well. Her Gonsalves Method is clear and laser sharp. My work has improved immensely since learning her method - I cannot recommend her highly enough.

    Silas Carson | Phantom Menace, Waterloo Rd, Gold

  • Working with Aileen was a breath of fresh air. She is incredibly committed and passionate in her approach. Her Gonsalves Method is so effective.

    Bryony Hannah | Call the Midwife, Firebrand

  • Aileen is a treasure to our industry. Her passion to help people discover their potential is unrivalled. My time working with her has been fundamental to my career and in life.

    Zates Atour | The Witcher, Lord of the Rings, Young Wallander

  • Loved working with Aileen! It was refreshing, playful and felt more like working on an acting exercise rather than an audition tape!

    Pippa Nixon | Unforgotten, RSC As You Like It, King John

  • The Gonsalves Method allows me to quickly analyse and work out the blueprint of a scene to effectively deliver on a job. It's especially handy on tough shooting schedules, when there is no rehearsal time.

    Rameet Rauli | Ride, Find Me in Paris, Little English

  • Aileen is not only an acting coach, but a life coach too! She cares about you and your craft as an actor, equally. The Gonsalves Method makes you a more mindful person which has tremendous benefits for the actor. As an actor she gives you a simple, straightforward and effective methodology to follow so that you can be match ready for your auditions, rehearsals and performance.

    Seyan Sarvan | It’s a Sin, The Baby, Things We Never Said

  • Aileen’s classes are truly fantastic they really open up your mind to the simplistic yet very effective technique that Aileen has created. I would recommend a class of hers to anyone!

    Tayler Marshall | Casualty, Hollyoaks, Doctors

  • Aileen is a wonderful director and coach and, if you're lucky enough to work with her, will also become one of your greatest cheerleaders. This technique always keeps me on the edge of my seat… the work is consistently so truthful and alive.

    Lily Catalifo | The Waterhouse, Love Without Walls, Extraordinary

  • In discovering the truth, Aileen takes a remarkable approach. Her approach instills the idea that each individual is unique and provides the tools to achieve greatness within ourselves. Her guidance throughout my career has been invaluable to me.

    Stuart Vincent | EastEnders, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Kite Runner

HEAR FROM OUR ACTORS

“I can’t believe I’ve got as far as I’ve got without using what seems like the basic things that you told me.”

Sydney K Smith | The Play That Goes Wrong

“It's completely transferable to literally every single aspect in our life.”

Kevin | BA in Acting, Arts University Bournemouth

“It revolutionised the way that I think about acting.”

BA in Acting, University of Northampton

Meet your Coach

Inspired by the classic Meisner technique, I developed a new method of acting for the modern actor. I tested and refined it whilst working as Head of MA and BA courses in Acting at Arts Ed and Drama Studio, and in roles at RADA and other leading drama schools and universities. The Gonsalves Method is at the heart of my company, Butterfly Theatre, where it has been applied to Shakespeare, musicals and immersive theatre over hundreds of performances.

In addition to teaching, I have worked with the RSC for 25 years, acting and directing with Dame Judi Dench, Sir Simon Russell Beale, Dame Vanessa Redgrave and Cicely Berry CBE. These experiences laid the foundations for my 2021 book Shakespeare and Meisner (Bloomsbury Publishing), co-written with Dr Tracy Irish, which outlines the Gonsalves Method.

READ MORE →

Shakespeare and Meisner

This practical handbook is invaluable for anyone performing, teaching, studying or simply wanting a new way to enjoy Shakespeare. It provides an outline of Meisner’s work and legacy, a discussion of that legacy in the light of the enduring global popularity of Shakespeare, and a wealth of practical exercises drawn from Meisner’s techniques. This book explores how actors and students can use Meisner’s tools of ‘acting is reacting’ to discover the infinite freedom within the apparent constraints of Shakespeare's text.

BUY ON AMAZON →

What is the

Gonsalves

Method?

A simple, methodical step-by-step approach that hones intention and trains attention. It helps you prepare effectively to be present and guarantees increased authentic connection between you and your audience every time.

Aileen Gonsalves talks about truthful performances, authentic and connected, for the audience to feel something real.