John Byrne Creative
A practical career-planning programme for drama school students, drawing on more than thirty years as The Stage's Resident Career Advisor, as a talent manager with New Wonder Management, and from thousands of conversations with working actors, directors, casting professionals and agents.
Every session is tailored to the needs of the course — whether working with first-year students beginning to understand the industry, or graduating actors preparing for professional life. Delivered as a lecture, workshop or intensive masterclass, in person or via Zoom.
Formats available
Signature Lecture
60–90 minutes
A fast-paced, practical lecture covering the realities of today's acting industry — representation, casting, networking, professional behaviour, career planning and the habits that help actors build sustainable careers.
Ideal for entire year groups.
Interactive Workshop
2–3 hours
An interactive version of the lecture, combining practical exercises, discussion and workbook activities. Students begin creating their own personalised career plan while exploring branding, goal setting, marketing, resilience and building professional relationships.
Includes downloadable workbook resources.
Career Intensive
Half day — 3–4 hours
A deeper exploration of career strategy with additional practical exercises, group discussions and extended workbook activities. Students leave with a structured action plan they can continue developing after graduation.
Includes workbook resources and an extended Q&A session.
Graduate Launchpad
Full day
A complete career-planning experience designed for final-year students preparing to enter the industry. Combines presentations, interactive workshops, practical planning exercises and career strategy — leaving every participant with a personalised roadmap for their first years as a professional actor.
Includes comprehensive workbook resources and an extended Q&A session.
Optional add-on
Small-group or one-to-one career clinics can be added to any workshop or intensive, giving students personalised advice on representation, CVs, Spotlight profiles, showreels, headshots, self-promotion and individual career planning.
Every programme is tailored to your students, course and learning outcomes. Each session is designed to be practical, engaging and immediately useful — giving students clear actions they can take long after the workshop has finished.
John delivers sessions in person at drama schools, universities and arts organisations. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and we will work out the most practical arrangement.
All formats are available remotely via Zoom — ideal for institutions outside the UK or those seeking flexible scheduling. Remote delivery loses nothing in energy or engagement.
What people say
"Thanks for a great talk — the students were really pleased to have it."
"You use your tremendous light to encourage others and it matters."
To discuss a lecture, workshop or intensive for your students — or to ask any questions before committing — use the form below and John will get back to you directly.
Practical career tools for actors and performing arts students — available to download immediately.
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