introduction to acting for tv, film & theatre
This is a superb workshop for anyone who is interested about getting into the business. The course is a very friendly 2 days where you can understand more about all the different aspects of acting and whether it is right for you. Helen herself is very knowledgeable with great experience and manages to get across all the information you need in a professional yet enjoyable fashion. I would recommend this course to anyone wondering if they want to take acting into a more professional setting. It was great fun.
Adam Butler, Edinburgh
I really enjoyed every minute of the workshop. I learned so much in just 2 days. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Jade Milne, Dundee
Helen is great!! She makes you feel comfortable and you can express yourself where you might feel you're not doing it right, and Helen makes you put it right in a way for you to understand it!!! Brilliant. Thank you.
Amir Tabrizi, Edinburgh
The 2-day workshop was fantastic! The reason it worked so well for me was because you are learning and taking in information, but it's in a fun, informal, reassuring environment. At the end of the 2 days, I felt like I have had both a fun and enjoyable experience, but also have worked hard and learned so much.
In a word......."awesome"!
Ashley Whitehouse, Kirkcaldy
I attended a condensed 'intro to acting' course led by Helen when I was still in university and the experience was instrumental in me uprooting the path I was taking in life and focus on acting instead. Helen's classes are not for the faint of heart, your misconceptions will break and they'll break hard. I came out of my second class with her feeling slightly battered but with a much better sense of my strengths and what I needed to work on. I'm looking forward to my next class with Helen and know that her fair, honest feedback and her inate madness will take me to my next level as an actor.
Since the classes, I have appeared in several stage shows and films. Among others, I've portrayed Robbie Rotten in Lazytown Live, the lead character Adam in The World Over, a futuristic dealer in gritty sci-fi Neon Ghosts and a guardian angel in Threshold. From cartoony panto villains to understated filmic characters, Helen's teachings and support have stayed with me every step of the way.
Magnus Sinding, Edinburgh
Raw Talent’s workshops are to the point and tell you the nitty gritty. No flowery words, no dramatics or over the top drama speak, just plain hard facts backed up with techniques that you can understand and relate to in the real world. Does make you want to come back for more!
Lisa Moffat, Edinburgh
I very much enjoyed this workshop. I look forward to attending to more in the near future.
Johanna Shosha, Edinburgh
Brilliant workshop for anybody wanting to act.
Suren Rebba, Edinburgh
Helen Raw is outstanding. Does she know her stuff? Hell yes! After the 2 days of my Introduction to Acting for TV, Film & Theatre by Helen, it left me brimming with confidence. Helen Raw is a no nonsense, give it to you straight, person. Her reasoning truthful, her honesty brutal. But, this honesty however, is superb sage advice. Life is tough for an actor and Helen pulls no punches when explaining the nature of being one. But, from what I have learned in this workshop, I feel prepared to take it on.
Alastair McKay, Edinburgh
Everything is made so clear and I could actually see the technique that is taught working instantly in me and others. I came out of the class feeling very confident because I know that if I apply what I have learned, I will always give a truthful performance.
Emily Scott (nee Streete), Edinburgh
I had no idea whether I should even attempt to go into the acting profession but Helen, in her workshop, has given me the confidence, and basic know how, to 'go for it' if I want to.
Margaret Montoya, Edinburgh
I left the 2-day workshop feeling I wanted more which is a good thing as it being an introduction to this subject I got exactly what I was wanting out of it with a burning desire to get more. I found that Helen was excellent in putting the information across as there was a lot of info to take in. The class size was a great number as we got to get a lot of turns and see the procress take shape. I put in the survey that I would have liked more of certain subjects, that’s more or less because I really enjoyed it but as an introduction course it was a fine amount. As I said I left wanting more and now that I know what to expect I can pick a course that best suits me to enhance my ability. Thanks a bundle Helen, see you soon.
Marc Gibson, Dundee
Helen is great I really enjoyed every minute of the class, I learned so much just in 2 days. Made me realize this is what I want to do, now I just have to practice more. I will definitely recommend to other people. I love Raw Talent Training that much I am going back to take more classes.
Isha Margry, Edinburgh
Having began a 2yr HND In performance and acting last year, I felt that I learned more in those two days than I had the whole year! Helen Raw did NOT just tell me what to do or refer me to literature giving no direction...she told me exactly what was necessary to get the job done, she showed me HOW to go about tasks and she had a natural talent for explaining processes and formulas, in such a manner and fashion that I could do nothing other than absorb the information and take it all in. What I had been trying to do for a year unsuccessfully, Helen managed to provide me with the true understanding that I was lacking, and all in a two day workshop. I will have no hesitation in recommending this class to actors of ALL levels. Many thanks for what you have given me!
Clair Myychael, Motherwell
Excellent all-round course. Suits those with some experience as well as beginners. The filming audition was particularly helpful to me, but all of it was very informative and well-constructed. Totally exhausted afterwards, but very happy :))
Wendy Barrett, Edinburgh
Helen and Raw Talent are excellent. She has superb knowledge and a lovely style/manner, which puts you at your ease AND gets the info she is passing on to you, over in a professional and precise, but fun way. I would highly recommend Helen and Raw Talent to any aspiring actors wanting to develop and grow their skillset.
Duncan James, Glasgow
I found the 2-day workshop for film and TV acting very useful. It has given me the understanding of the techniques required to build my acting skills. Helen was warm and friendly and there was a good learning atmosphere.
Alan Morrison, Glasgow
This was a fantastic inspiring yet realistic introduction to acting from a very enthusiastic teacher Helen! i left it feeling motivated and full of confidence in my abilities, and raring to go into the acting world and take it all on! I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a beginners insight into the industry and a good starting block.
Eleanor Gibson, Glasgow
The workshop was a great insight into the REAL world of acting. It helped me a lot with my confidence and I really enjoyed it. It's both exciting and challenging - it's amazing what you can learn in 2 days! I'd definitely recommend it to anyone regardless of their level of experience.
Jenni Ogilvie, Perth
An excellent introduction to the art of acting. As a complete novice, I had no idea of what I was letting myself in for and was more than a little nervous. I needn't have been. It was a brilliant two days - I left feeling challenged, encouraged, enthused and informed. I will probably never be a professional actor but finished the course having more insight into what it takes to be one and the hard work involved. The course really whetted my appetite - now I want to do more!
Megan Appleton, Dundee
Workshop was excellent. I have been going to stage school for 10 years and I learned things in the 2 day workshop that I've never learned before. The improvisation was so much fun!·
Rachel Hall, Perth
Fantastic two days! I learned a lot more than expected. Great teaching skills - highly recommended!
Lorraine Carrigan, Edinburgh
I loved the improvisation day and the overall quality of the introduction course. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone wanting to find out where to start and what to expect in life as an actor!
Jasmin Egner, Edinburgh
I felt invigorated each evening walking back after the course. What a wonderful introduction to acting and I would most certainly recommend this course to all of my friends, actor or non actor. Incredible for ones self confidence and inner happiness and satisfaction.
Anna Freemantle, Edinburgh
I can't believe I learnt so much in just a few hours. The session with Helen was extremely informative with plenty of time for practice and individual feedback. Helen was really supportive and we all made leaps of progress in the session! A real confidence boost - Thank you!
Liz Strange, Edinburgh
The energy and commitment of the tutors is astounding.
Simon Messer, Edinburgh
An intense and illuminating day. I came home and immediately got out the camcorder and have continued to practice & film my monologues. Very inspirational with a wealth of solid practical stuff.
Deborah Whyte, Edinburgh
I found Helen extremely knowledgeable and uplifting. The course wasn't over crowded which meant Helen could give individual feedback. After the course had finished I felt that I could still contact Helen to ask any questions as she was very helpful and supportive.
Sheryl Gribben, Edinburgh
The workshop was a wonderful experience. Helen shared with us an incredible amount of information in so little time, provided constructive criticism and much enthusiasm. I definitely feel much more informed about the industry and ways to approach acting in general. I got way more out of the course than I could have hoped for at the time I was registering!
Eleni Tsami, Edinburgh
Very inspiring, great fun, helpful performance critiques and provided an opportunity to meet other actors.
Moira MacKenzie, Falkirk
Well worth the time. Relaxed and friendly teaching style, but also very focussed when we get on the floor.
John McColl, Edinburgh
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
The three attributes best suit her talents however I would choose 'High Integrity' also.
Helen's work helped identify my weakness but helped me overcome them and build my confidence. Now I'm looking to audition for student films to explore this talent.
I'd like to work with Helen again.
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
As recommended on Linkedin
Tony Bilton, London
One word to describe Helen...brilliant! I had no acting experience prior to meeting Helen so I had intensive 1-1 coaching to help me with my monologue for an audition I had coming up. She helped to really understand the piece, how to perform it and how to break it down. She guided me through what an audition would be like and what to expect. I learned so much from her so that when I went for my audtion to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts I was really well prepared and I got offered a place on their 4 week Intensive Acting Summer School in June 2009. I can't thank Helen enough as I would never have been offered a place if it wasn't for her.
Aileen Keith, Edinburgh
An informative, fun and honest way to develop your acting technique. I would thoroughly recommend this class to all actors interested in professional performance.
Shona Miller, Glasgow
I attended the Introduction to TV, Film and Theatre workshop. I found I was hooked from day one. I couldn't wait to leave work every evening and attend the class. Helen is a great role model with a true passion for what she does. Helen has a wealth of knowlage in the acting, theatre and film industry and was very good at imparting her knowlege with the group. I'd definitely recommend her classes and will be attending more myself.
Pamela Gladstone, Edinburgh
Just wanted to say thank you once again for the excellent class! Upon signing up for it, I had no idea what to expect but I'm so glad I did. I had tremendous fun, learned more than I thought my brain was capable of and did things I never thought I'd be caught dead doing. You're a superb teacher and I admire your enthusiasm towards the people you teach and I'm very glad to see you're in this business for the right reasons. I am definintely interested in taking more classes and learning more about the industry. Your class has encouraged me to learn more about acting so I will be checking your web site and whatever else I can get my hands on. Thank you for everything Helen!
Damon Lee, Edinburgh
Highly Recommended. The 2-day workshops give an honest view on what being in the acting industry is really like and how much work it would take to act professionally and full time.
Steph Morris, Edinburgh
Before I met Helen I didn’t actually know what acting was. I thought it was just “overacting”. It never once crossed my mind that it was being completely genuine in imaginary circumstances as no one had ever told me! Helen broke down this complicated and overwhelming idea and made it as simple as possible and I really feel that I have progressed so much due to her help. I had no professional acting experience prior to meeting Helen but thanks to her advice and 1-1 coaching I have had a handful of professional jobs and am now confident that I want to pursue acting as a career.
Greig Taylor, Edinburgh
I loved the 2-day workshop, Helen is very informative and makes you feel so comfortable. It is hard work, good fun and very useful for finding out more about the industry. I just wished it was longer!
Pamela Mason, Edinburgh
Very insightful to see how much work is involved in being a working actor, but helpful for understanding how to get through an audition. I learned how to read a script and act more realistically with clever techniques.
Caitlin Henderson, Dalgety Bay, Fife
A very intense 2 days. I felt like my head would burst after the first day because it was so full of new information! I have realised there is a lot more to acting than I first thought. Nevertheless Helen has made me want to become an actress even more!
Vanashree Thapliyal, Edinburgh
After attending the 2-day workshop I felt a marked rise in my level of confidence and much better placed to attend auditions. I look forward to more of your courses. It's very hard work, very worthwhile and most enjoyable!
Joe Knox, Edinburgh
Very good, best drama teacher I have ever had.
Jordan Rennie, Edinburgh
The workshop is a perfect balance of information, encouragement and actual practice of performance skills. It's a brilliant opportunity to learn and try out new skills in a positive, supportive environment with a teacher who is hugely talented, passionate and knowledgeable about what she does. I finished the two days wth my head buzzing with enthusiasm and new ideas and just wishing I could come back for more the next day! I would recommend it to anybody - whatever stage they are at.
Debbie Cannon, Edinburgh
Helen is a fabulous teacher, she has boundless energy and has the right balance of honesty and encouragement. I highly recommend her course to anyone who is looking to improve their acting and presentation skills.
Kirsten Lord, Edinburgh Physiotherapy Centre
Lots of useful practical lessons, plus confidence-boosting advice, for real-life audition situations.
Nick Cheales, Edinburgh
I thought it was excellent and I have already recommended your workshops to others.
Caroline McKellar, Edinburgh
I would highly recommend these workshops to anyone who wants to develop their acting and performance skills. I learnt more in 18 hours than I’ve done in the previous 18 months.
Sara Jane McGeachy, Edinburgh
Helen was really friendly and knew her stuff. The only downside was the exhaustion at the end of each day which was well worth it! Also, many actors are very secretive about the industry and their own training but Helen was happy to help us all and share everything she had learned to help us move forward.
Grieg Taylor, Nr Biggar
I was nervous about improvisation, which had always scared me in the past and·was also·nervous about being in front of a camera for the first time. However, Helen’s teaching style put us all at ease immediately and it was obvious to all the depth of Helen’s experience. I had an absolutely fantastic time over the course of the workshop and just felt completely gutted when it was all over! All I can say is go for it, you will love it!
Jenifer Langley, Edinburgh
The·2-Day workshop did wonders for my confidence and general speed in approaching and developing a performance from text. I did actually achieve real development with my monologue!
Katy Dimmock, Edinburgh
Helen's constructive comments helped me to understand where I lost focus and I made the decision to come back for day 2. I'm glad I did. Helen was very practical in demonstrating how someone could display the emotions required for a scene and was also good at indicating when someone had captured·'the moment ' and·she always told us when we had done a really good job . I would recommend her workshops to anyone.
Tony Bilton, Edinburgh
Helen was brill and the workshops were a lot of fun! fun! fun! I loved my time on the workshop and felt that I learned a lot. Towards the end my confidence was really growing because any suggestions were not thought of as criticisms, which gives great credit to Helen’s ability to balance constructive advice with sensitivity.
Malawi Logan , Edinburgh
Scott Williams is the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. His knowledge is extensive, his teaching style is remarkable, and every point he tries to get across is always backed with a personal story that allows his ideas to make perfect sense. This man could well change your perception of the acting realm. He is also a genuinely nice guy.
Anne-Marie Reilly, Glasgow
Meisner Technique is fun, fascinating and relevant. Scott Williams is a wonderful, positive teacher.
Callum Fuller, Edinburgh
Scott Williams has rocked my world this week and I'm so grateful. I will never think of acting in the same way again!
Liz Strange
Simple and clear, a window opens, thanks.
Hilde McKenna
You're challenged, you re-learn but it’s all done in a positive way and Scott is full of so many examples and experiences which help to make sense of it all.
Ghizala Avan
An acting technique that's very practical and achievable. Had a great week and look forward to the next week.
Gerry Lynch
Absolutely Brilliant! Makes so much sense to me and I can't wait to do more.
Marianne McIvor
It was an intense and amazing week. An insight into a wonderful and truthful technique.
Paul Cowan
Cuts through the bull***t. It has simplified acting, making it feel true, engaging and FUN!
Damian Hughes
Fantastic week, inspiring, fun, emotional and an amazing teacher.
Ailsa MacLeod
It feels wonderful to be free of acting and intellect to just feel and be.
Mandy Sykes
A really valuable week that will stay with me a long while yet. I learned more in a week than I have in two years!
India Crawford-Legg
Ian was excellent in his guidance and his belief we could succeed. The 6-week comedy workshop may seem like the most frightening thing to do ever but just compare it to performing brain surgery and you're laughing!
Greg Drysdale, Grangemouth
Thank you for the workshop, I found it very helpful.
Ruth Elise Snowe, Edinburgh
Great 2 day workshop...highly practical with lots of tips and valuable information for screen auditions. Nancy delivered the workshop very professionally whilst remaining friendly and down to earth. Would highly recommend!
Julia Jack, Glasgow
I thought this was not only a well presented and informative workshop but a vital one at this stage of my career...a superb workshop.
Mat Urey, Edinburgh
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
Through Helen's connections I signed up for a screen acting course with Nancy Bishop where I gained expert acting tuition and made excellent contacts in the film industry. It was Helen's company that dealt with Nancy Bishop and every time I dealt with Raw Talent they reacted very professionally, taking the time to describe the course in detail and they were also flexible with payment arrangements. Raw Talent were full of advice and very helpful indeed.
As recommended on Linkedin: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
James Turner, Edinburgh
This workshop is a must to all actors who would like to work in film. Invaluable!!
Dawn Parylo, Edinburgh
Focused, precise and illuminating. A very valuable experience.
John C Gilmour, Glasgow
A well organised workshop with helpful comments. Tips on improvements and areas to work on were very helpful. All round good stuff.
Ross Mitchell, Edinburgh
Nancy was very constructive and helpful. Everyone improved over the 2 days. She made us all feel comfortable and gave us clear goals. We had plenty of time in front of the camera to work on our technique.
Marion Shortt, Edinburgh
For anyone who wants to get started as an actor, there is no better place or person to go and see but Helen Raw. She is friendly, approachable, very knowledgeable and full of common sense. If you listen and follow her advice, you too can make it to Cannes, like I did this year! Thanks Helen!!
Lubna Kerr, Edinburgh
Thank you so much for your time coaching me this morning. I am now approaching the film script with a new attitude and some exciting exploration!
Evie Hasting-Jones, Edinburgh
Working with Helen was inspirational, I was constantly searching for life to inject into my audition speeches by thinking 'outside of the box'. Helen taught me that the best place to look was within me, it is often a place which we ignore too often but as an actor it is the best resource library we have. Her advice and ideas, I believe, were at the forefront of me gaining a place at drama school and they will stay with me for the rest of my career.
Fin McKiernan, Edinburgh/London
The 1-1 intensive monologue breakdown session that I had with Helen really changed my whole outlook on performing a character. The thing I needed to learn was how to find my character and be that character and not "act" the character and for that character to be completely realistic because of me! In just under 2 hrs, Helen also managed to give me advice on headshots and audition presentation and techniques. With this session I feel that I have grown as an actor and all of the advice that I have received will help me as I continue my journey at Drama School. I also feel able to go back to Helen for further advice.
Rosie Stanford, Edinburgh
I want to thank you again for all your hard work and commitment to Pearl, which really helped develop her full potential. She has never had this kind of coaching before and I saw a huge leap in confidence and ability. Pearl now has to set her mind to doing well with her standard grades but when they are over we will be in touch again to make further appointments with you. Pearl will be signing up for your theatre school classes in Fife too!
Susie Appleby, Borders
cold reading & audition technique
Very good teaching & coaching environment. Excellent advice given. Will definitely feel more confident about cold readings and auditions for the camera.
Dawn Parylo, Edinburgh
Helen Raw's 'The Business of Acting' seminar gave me some brilliant insights as well as practical steps to gaining a foothold in a career as a professional actor. I came away with a more realistic idea of the whole business which was both inspirational and scary! Definitely worth while!
Deborah Whyte, Edinburgh
I just sat in on your last seminar. I wanted to thank you for the refreshingly honest advice and to say your direct attitude was hilarious! My favourite seminar of the day.
Gayna Millican, Actor Expo, London
My name is Roberta Mann and I was at your session on Saturday at Actor Expo. I just wanted to write to thank you for the incredible amount of information you gave us in that short space of time. I came away with reams of notes and after sorting through them I have started a rather comprehensive 'career tip book' for myself covering almost every aspect of the business! Your session wasn't just informative, it was inspiring too and I came away feeling very excited about working that bit harder on my career.
Bertie Mann, Actor Expo, London
Hi Helen and really thanks for your inspiring session on Saturday at Actor Expo. It's always lovely to be in your presence and the energy you radiate. I read your interview in Equity yesterday:)
Davoud Rastgou, Actor Expo, London
I was on the front row of your Business of Acting Seminar this afternoon at 3. I just had to email you and say how much I genuinely enjoyed the 45mins slash hour that you spoke for at Actor Expo today. It is so refreshing to meet someone so blunt and honest in this business and who is able to get straight to the point and skip all the bullshit (pardon my french) and I was literally hanging on your every word. Half makes me wish everyone else in this industry was as Scottish as you!
You have definitely given me the kick up the backside I needed to get back on the old proactive bandwagon and I thought you might appreciate a quick line to let you know that your message has got across to at least one person!
Once again lovely to have met you and I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the future,
Chloé James , Actor Expo, London
The Business Of Acting workshop with Helen really opened my eyes and made me realise how not to be taken for a ride by a lot of people promising to get you a visa and work in LA. I also felt encouraged to make my own material and I left feeling adequate as an actress without having gone to one of the leading high profile drama schools in London. I now have a plan put together and feel that my dream can come true by being organised and aware of what not to do and what I should be doing.
Erica Emm, Actor Expo, London
Thanks so much for the excellent workshops you provided through Napier Uni Drama Society. I really enjoyed them and would love to attend another with you to progress and develop the skills that you introduced.
Steph Morris, Napier University Drama Society
I just wanted to say thank you so much for running the workshops for us. The feedback from the society is that everyone enjoyed and learned something at all the workshops. I hope that the society is able to run more workshops with you again next year.
Rik Caranza, President, Napier University Drama Society
‘a rights resource pack’ has been developed to support teachers/youth workers and other adults who work with children and young people to ensure that they are informed and aware of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child prior to the national vote in November 2010. This forms part of a RIGHT blether which is an ambitious consultation being undertaken by Scotland’s Commissioner for children and young people, Tam Baillie.
Raw Talent Productions were commissioned by the Commissioner’s office to develop a range of inspirational creative extras for the resource as support material for a series of five workshops. These were of good quality and were delivered on time. Raw Talent were receptive to initiating changes and the company was efficient and met tight deadlines. The results are now available on www.arightblether.org.uk.
Cathy Begley, Participation & Education Officer
Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People (SCCYP)
Fairbridge in Edinburgh secured funding from State Street Bank to run a film project that would be written, produced and acted by young people.
Fairbridge wanted this film to be of good quality to enable it to be shown at our annual film awards at Glasgow Science Centre (IMAX), therefore it was imperative that the film Company chosen were able to work with our young people easily, have the ability to bring out their ideas, and enable them to pick up relevant skills along the way. We met with Helen from Raw Talent, who were chosen as our preferred choice, as they had an awareness and understanding of the client group to be worked with and had some fantastic ideas that proved to be really effective in engaging young people.
The young people who were involved in the film project were between the ages of 16-25 and had a variety of needs that had to be considered when making the film i.e. some had literacy or learning difficulties that had to be accommodated within the structure and content to allow their full participation.
Helen engaged well with all of the young people and staff and her flexible teaching style fitted perfectly with the youth work approach. The final film was of high quality and all young people were provided with a copy to take home and keep.
The standard of service provided by Helen from Raw talent has been communicated to other Fairbridge centres, and external partners.
Margaret Murphy, Manager
Fairbridge, Edinburgh
Helen and her staff ran after school classes for P1-3, P4-5 and P6-7 pupils as well as a Film making club which she ran with the older P7 pupils. Helen worked with us for a year and a half.
Helen liaised with the staff at the school and the parents extremely well and took time and care to ensure that individual needs were catered for and children supported appropriately.
She produced end of term shows to which the parents were invited and at which the children were able to display the skills and talents which they had acquired over the session.
Helen is an inspirational teacher. The children thoroughly enjoy her classes and feel inspired by her enthusiasm and encouragement.
Helen also supported and worked with staff at James Gillespie’s to enhance learning and teaching and produce end of term shows for various year groups. She developed very good relationships with staff here and was very generous with her own time and expertise.
I can unreservedly recommend Helen to you as a teacher and trainer. She undoubtedly has all the attributes and skills required and would be an asset to any team.
Anthea Grierson, Head Teacher
James Gillespies Primary School
End of term Christmas Nativity at Abertay University, 2012. It is unrehearsed and we work with whatever children turn up on the day, the oldest was 10…
“As the term draws to a close I wanted to say ‘thanks’ for helping out with the nativity last week. Siobhan conceived, planned and executed this event but could not have done it without your assistance. You played your part magnificently - I was very surprised at the numbers taking part and I think, if we'd known to anticipate quite so many, we might have arranged things differently - perhaps even rehearsed! But you were unfazed, professional and rose to the occasion which made everything work out ok.
So well done and thanks!”
Rev'd Leslie Barrett
University Chaplain, University of Abertay Dundee
End of term Christmas Nativity at Abertay University, 2012. It is unrehearsed and we work with whatever children turn up on the day, the oldest was 10…
“Thank you for organising the Xmas party on Friday. It was good fun for all the family. Helen was so good and very calm with so many children. Will definitely look out for it next year.”
Lorraine Cook
Accounts Manager
University of Abertay Dundee
End of term Christmas Nativity at Abertay University, 2012. It is unrehearsed and we work with whatever children turn up on the day, the oldest was 10…
“I had a great time - and Helen was a Godsend as our director, eh?
Same time next year?"
Dr Siobhan MacAndrew
Reader in Psychology, Abertay University
Thank you so much for helping us with the auditions and casting for Box, your contact was the most successful.
Martha Appelt
1st AD
BOX
Helen Raw’s contribution to the success of Edinburgh University Footlights recent production of ‘Anything Goes’ was unquestionable.
Her ability to command a group of students and provide them with new and stimulating concepts about theatre created a respect and professionalism that the society benefitted from enormously. With her vivacious personality, she fitted into all aspects of the society’s running and even took time out of her busy schedule to help with fundraising activities. Helen also opened herself up to be a soundboard for any concerns the cast members had.
As a young actor with lots of previous experience in theatre, I feel Helen was very quickly able to identify ‘old habits’ and rectify them with ease.
As one of the students who worked with her, I feel privileged to have been directed by her and hope to have the opportunity to work with her again.
Sarah Haddath
Edinburgh University, 2010
Helen Raw has a really unique way of getting the best out of people, without them even noticing sometimes. Her methods of directing made every member of the Anything Goes Cast (Edinburgh University Footlights, 2010) question and re-think what they thought they knew about acting and being on stage. I still find myself, when watching people on stage, thinking about all the small details Helen taught us which are usually forgotten but which make a good performance into something really special.
She is not afraid to push people to the absolute limit and beyond, showing people what they are really made of and what the professional world is like but without damaging their self-confidence or passion for acting.
I loved working with Helen and grew as both an actress and as a watching audience member (watching other people is a wonderful way to really see what Helen was talking about and understand what she was teaching) over the year of working with her. Her knowledge of straight acting, musical theatre, on screen acting, different techniques and more means that she is incredibly well informed and knows what she is doing.
This knowledge and experience is only strengthened and emphasised further by her passion for what she does. I hope I get to work with her again in the future.
Rachel Timney
Edinburgh University, 2010
I am a current student at the University of Edinburgh, and about to enter my fourth year studying History of Art and English Literature. Last year, I was involved with a university society called Footlights, which has a focus on musical theater, and produces one high-quality production each academic year.
I held the position of Secretary 2009 -2010 on the Footlights Committee, and as such, was privy to the decision to retain Helen Raw to direct the well known Cole Porter classic ‘Anything Goes.’ From the moment that we met Helen in her interview, she struck each and every Committee member not only with her outgoing personality, but also with her keen sense of professionalism. Helen was driven and decisive, and had a clear vision for how she wanted this particular production to develop.
I was fortunate enough to be cast in the production, and so was able to watch Helen at work from an immediate perspective. She took a group of University students, many of whom had never before performed onstage, and turned them into a unified theatrical company.
No role was too small, no part too insignificant. From those characters that carried the show, to those chorus members who had no lines, Helen made sure that each and every cast member received the amount of professional direction necessary to achieve a believable performance.
I am somewhat experienced with performing onstage, and yet was astounded at how much I learned from Helen. She taught me that in order to make a performance believable, one must first build up the character and create a personal relationship to it. She had each member of the cast come up with a back-story to their character, and made sure that we stuck to it throughout the whole rehearsal process. She also made us aware of some of the rookie errors that so many musical theater students fall prey to – such mundane things as where to place hands and feet suddenly took on a whole new meaning.
Looking back on the six month rehearsal process, and the following performance schedule of ‘Anything Goes’ I count myself fortunate to have had Helen there to motivate me and the entire cast to reach a new level of professionalism, and to see her direct the entire creative process first-hand.
Olivia Holland-Rose
Edinburgh University, 2010
I would like to thank you on behalf of all the Blackwood Leading the Change team for the inspirational talk you gave to us on our ILM training day in Aberdeen (13/09/12).
It was very interesting to hear your life story and all the different challenges you have had to face and how you managed to overcome these challenges.
You came across a very confident and inspirational person for this being your first experience of speaking to this type of audience. I am sure most of the team will have benefited from you sharing your experiences with them.
Thanks again for taking the time to speak to us.
We would all like to wish you every success for the future.
Best wishes
Rab Stevenson
Property Investment Manager, Blackwood Homes
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity
Helen worked with me as one of three role players for a high profile development centre for a major energy company. This involved mastering six different business scenarios to play against the participants. The role player is key in drawing out the strengths, development needs whilst maintaining the motivation of the individual. Helen achieved this totally due to her acting skills and exceptional personal skills. The group, although wary of role plays, gave high praise to Helen for her part in the programme. We would definitely use Helen again and highly recommend her to any organisation.
As recommended on Linkedin: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity
Euan Woodward, Independent Management Consulting Professional, Spain/Scotland
Top Qualities: Personable, Good Value, Creative
Helen is passionate about, and committed to, her numerous projects and - by example as well as instruction - inspires others to pursue the best of their potential.
As recommended on Linkedin:Personable, Good Value, Creative
Danielle Farrow, Actor and Director of Discover Fine Acting
Top Qualities: Expert, Good Value, Creative
Helen knows acting inside out. She is thoughtful and exactly the type of person you would want to do business with. She is smart and knows her field.
As recommended on Linkedin: Expert, Good Value, Creative
Catherine Balavage, Associate Producer, Living Spirit Pictures/Ealing Studios