What our actors say

Led to my recent casting on Shortland Street

I would not have decided to reinvest in my acting career — which led to my recent casting on Shortland Street — were it not for Peter Feeney and the Actors Lab. The terms reliably have both chewy, craft-centric scene work to nourish the artsy actor muscles, as well as results-based, commercially insightful audition and self-tape sessions that sharpen your business wits.

An incredibly encouraging and supportive environment

Peter's experience and humanity are his great strengths. In his classes I have learnt, fallen, and learnt again, all in an incredibly encouraging and supportive environment. After joining the Actors Lab to reconnect to the craft, I was fortunate to be cast in a NZ feature film. I wouldn't have had the confidence nor preparation skills to navigate the process without Peter's classes and invaluable wisdom.

Couldn't recommend more!

I'm 17 and currently an actress on Shortland Street. Peter Feeney's classes have helped me immensely in developing my skills as an actor, as well as helping me learn what works for me and what doesn't. Couldn't recommend more!

Truly made a difference in my journey

Actors Lab has truly been my second home for many years. For over seven years Peter has been instrumental in helping me evolve as an actor — his guidance and expertise have pushed me to new heights. With the support of his school I have grown in confidence and skill, taking on challenging roles, exploring different techniques, and have made best friends. I couldn't recommend ALS more.

A great mentality in its roots

It's a hype train — everyone wants to do their best, and everyone wants YOU to do your best. There are no lazy classes. Even if you start the day a 1 out of 10, Actors Lab manages to bump those numbers up and push out some of your best work. Highly recommend it as an opportunity to work with like-minded and extremely talented actors.

The organisation of each class is immaculate

I started coming to The Actors Lab when I still lived seven hours from Auckland. I flew up every Sunday just to attend because I absolutely loved it. The classes are acting through and through. You learn to stretch outside your comfort zone with no judgement at all. The teachers don't sugar coat — they're encouraging and truthful. Peter is a true role model in and outside the classroom.

Learn new techniques from relevant tutors

The Actors Lab has transformed my acting from very second-guessing and unsure to making smart, confident choices. The diversity of talented teachers gives you an array of methods to add to your toolkit. From someone with no formal training, these classes let me learn from experienced, relevant tutors working in the business. The tutors really value you — they want you to succeed.

All the tutors are working professionals

I absolutely love Actors Lab for the diversity of skills, techniques and experiences the different tutors bring. Every term is new and refreshing, and students choose tutors based on what they want to improve. I've experienced everything from camera and audition technique to voice, accent work and basic stunt training. The best thing is that all the tutors are working industry professionals — no frills, no BS.

I've loved every session

I've done two terms with Pete so far and I've loved every session, and will continue to do more. His classes were a great way to introduce me to the wide world of the acting industry, with tons of variety — different activities, plus talented veterans of the industry sharing their knowledge with the class. Highly recommended.

Essential to my journey as an actor

Tangible methods, empowering insights, and best of all a space to hone what works for you. Here is where I learned to fail, take risks and expand myself. Peter and his team have helped me build my pillars of approach to character, text, working on set, and auditions. The classes allowed me to let go of perfection and take risks. When you're here, you're looked after, and a strong sense of community is present.

Sharpen my tools between work

Actors Lab has been a great place for me to come in and sharpen my tools in between work. Peter makes sure you get on the floor and work, not just watch!

A great place to experiment

Pete and his quiver of tutors, all with extraordinary acting credentials, give me a hell of a lot of intelligent critique to think about each session. It's a great place to experiment — a great space to make bad choices, and a great space to feel stuff when you get it right. I've been attending Actors Lab Studio intermittently since 2010.

I have grown exponentially as an actor

I've been attending classes at Actors Lab for almost a year now, and I'm pleased to say I've found my "tribe." I have grown exponentially as an actor, and that's thanks to the tutors and my fellow actors who are there to support and cheer you on every step of the way.

So refreshing and exciting!

I love that Actors Lab has a variety of tutors who are current industry-professional actors and directors — it's so valuable to have many varied perspectives in the room. The blocks are structured so you can work with multiple tutors or stick to one. And the team are a beautiful bunch of creatives who've been so warm, inviting and insightful.

Invaluable to my growth as an actor

What Peter Feeney has created with Actors Lab Studio has been invaluable to my growth. He's created a supporting, trusting environment for us actors to try different things and not be afraid to fail. In the last few years he's brought in amazing industry professionals — Joel Tobeck, Lisa Chappell, Emmett Skilton to name a few — and I've taken what works for me from each guest tutor into my actor's toolbox. ALS will always have a special place in my heart.