ACTORS LAB STUDIO
WELCOME
Tēnā koutou. Nau mai, haere mai.
Greetings, and welcome to the Actors Lab Studio (ALS) – a boutique acting school founded in 2005. Back then it was just myself, Peter Feeney, offering drop in classes for actors between gigs. We are not a studio peddling one infallible acting technique, or a cult of personality. We are a drama school, offering comprehensive part time professional training. Our students can hold down a job and train with us outside office hours. We provide a safe, fun and nurturing space where Studio founder Peter Feeney and our guest tutors – actors, casting directors, improvisors, coaches of various stripes and directors at the top of their game – share their insights and hard-won wisdom. You’ll lead your own learning, guided and supported by Peter’s acting handbook, ‘Acting and How to Survive It.’ We’re here to give you the know-how and resilience for a long career.
Actors of all abilities are welcome at ALS, with classes streamed based on experience. Our Foundational program is available for those new to acting ready to make a serious commitment. This program has a focus on both preparation and practice ‘on your feet.’ . Our Professional program have the same mix, tilted more toward practice, with open classes, performances, and show reel sessions. The Professional program is open to actors with existing experience and/ or training, and graduates from our Foundational program. Alongside our regular sessions we offer Koha experiences for our ALS community – such as story telling evenings, play readings, and Q & A sessions with Industry luminaries. Welcome!
Peter Feeney (Director, ALS)
For our 2026 Program Outline, click HERE
To see our 2026 Term 1 Classes in detail, click HERE
Read all about our new courses and Qualifications HERE
THE ACTORS LAB STUDIO: OUR STORY
Actors Lab Studio began 25 years ago in Sydney when Peter Feeney, in between acting gigs, started running scene groups; a place where actors could work out with their peers and keep acting fit. Since then, Peter has taught in Brisbane, Sydney, Toi Whakaari (Wellington), The Actors Program (Auckland), in his own studio in Auckland and across the motu. He is a regular guest teacher at the Mulholland Academy in Amsterdam. Over that time, which has run parallel with Peter’s own professional career, The Actors Lab Studio has evolved into its present form: a school for excellence in the performing arts.