I'm Alex Bell
Teacher, Coach, Clown
Helping actors find their own unique voice
This is me
When I was younger I always wanted to be an actor (I apparently did a very powerful rendition of Billy Goats Gruff for my grandma when I was three) so pursued acting from school, onto college and finally university.
From there I worked a variety jobs (from advert work to role-playing for the police) before I ended up coming back to my old local drama school and whilst there found a real passion for teaching. I enjoyed working with and really helping students on their creative journeys and just learning more about the craft of acting itself. This led to me going to Central School of Speech and Drama, where I received my Masters in 'Actor Training and Coaching'.
This helped me to develop my teaching persona further to create an approach, which I consider, inclusive with a high focus on the actors themselves. I want the actors to use their own unique skills and personality to help craft whatever they are exploring and develop themselves as artists.
I have a wide variety of techniques in my tool kit ranging from Clowning to Grotowski, however I want to develop my practice to suit the person I am working with and help them to reach their full potential
Clowning Play
Psychophysical
Characterisation Inclusivity
Games Bold Choices
Working With Self
Testimonials
I had the pleasure of working with Alex during my Acting Diploma at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2019. He proved to be one of the most talented performers I have ever had the opportunity to learn from. His unique style and honest approach to teaching was extremely helpful while learning about acting. I especially appreciate how forward he was with his assessment, but also very thoughtful and understanding of everybody's strengths and talent. He was always prepared to answer questions and get into very meaningful discussion on acting, performance, artists and most of all his vast experience in the field. - Dusan
Alex has helped me prepare audition and performance material on numerous occasions. His feedback is always focused, practical and straightforward - and it greatly improves my results every time. I would strongly recommend his services for beginners and experts alike! - Freddie
I felt a great freedom in working with Alex Bell at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Not only did he always show care and concern for the wellbeing of each student in his class, he also allowed me to push the limits of what I was comfortable doing by not showing any judgement and encouraging me to find my own path according to my individual interests rather than to follow my idea of what an actor should be. In a world where drama teachers are often dictatorial, employing a rigid tone class, in contrast, Alex's classes allow for a great deal of self-exploration and self-direction. His flexibility should not be misconstrued for a lack of excellence, however, in fact Alex's intentionally playful style of teaching allows for remarkable discoveries. I also appreciate Mr. Bell's accommodation of diverse learning styles and strengths; linguistic, spacial, etc. Being in an acting class sometimes feels like a competition and this was never the case in Alex's classroom. By recognising that there is no one size fits all, Alex shows deep insight into the individual challenges faced by different actors. For example, I remember a time when I was being too protective of an ill-intentioned pimp character I was playing because of my own personal moral opposition to his behaviour - with Alex's gentle prodding I was able to bring out a darker side to my character by becoming aware of what was blocking my full exploration. Mr. Bell is a pleasure to work with as a facilitator, coach, director, and team member. He is accessible, knowledgeable, generous, and fun, and I would highly recommend him. - Amanda
You're good at being on the same level as students. You're down with the kids - Huw
Alex is a awesome acting teacher/ coach/ director. He’s super approachable and supportive. If I ever need help with a scene or a character Alex is full of great theoretical and practical approaches that are fun to try and play with. Working with him has helped build my confidence as an actor. Mathury
I have been taught by Alex in a large group and in 1-2-1 sessions. His methods of coaching and educating enabled me to develop a deeper awareness of my capability. In 1-2-1 sessions he develops a rapid understanding of what you wish to achieve and has the creative vision to fulfil this. I worked under Alex's guidance to achieve my current goals and will definitely return as my career develops to utilise his expertise and skills. Tim
Alex is a brilliant teacher who has taught our son for the past 4 years. He is encouraging, challenging and fun. Will has really enjoyed working with him and is looking forward to his Grade 8 next year - Louise (Will's mum)
Not as tall as some teachers - Ben
Workshops I have run
Thoroughly recommend Alex Bell for clowning tuition. He provided a clowning workshop as part of the rehearsal process for a production of Twelfth Night, which I approached with some terror, but he made it all so easy. And there's nothing he can't do with a banana... - Anna
Alex's workshop was a joy from start to end. An exceptionally generous teacher, willing to adapt to circumstances, and lead with his heart...I hope to encounter such practice again. Tony
The playful energy Alex brings to a space will squeeze out your inner child. He also directed my clown show and that wasn’t a completely terrible experience. - Josh
Wonderful, inclusive and thoughtful tuition. Made even a social phobe like me feel welcomed, uninhibited and I learned so much from just one workshop. I highly commend his teaching style and recommend his classes. - Rebeckah
Alex's teaching was amazing! Every time I attend a comedy or a clown lesson and they ask me to be funny, I block and I am really bad... However, during Alex's lesson I didn't feel the same way. He created a perfect atmosphere where I felt so free! The 3 hour lesson was like 15 minutes! I enjoyed every single exercise....The lesson was also really well structured and I had so much fun! I highly recommend it! - Marianna
Other teachers I have worked with
Alex is a extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful director and acting coach, who focuses on practical, embodied solutions to the challenges faced by an actor when making work. His approach is actor-centred and highly collaborative. Alex has directed experimental and traditional work with me at RCSSD and beyond with sensitivity and wit. And he is a clown. Jake Harders
I’ve learned a huge amount from Alex. He is a gifted teacher who helps to put his students at ease whilst enabling them to learn a robust process. Alex is knowledgeable, playful and great to work with. He would be an asset to any institution! Helen Buchanan
Alex Bell is an astute and knowledgeable teacher. He combines extensive techniques to tailor make classes based on the different students abilities and interests. I love working with him, he makes me laugh whilst also engaging with serious drama. Dr Jessica Hartley
And finally from Mark and my Dad
I would be delighted to write a glowing testimonial for you, since I have personal experience of your acting abilities for more than a quarter of a century.
I have met Alex a number of times. He has nice hair