The Actor’s words

 I worked with Graham at the National Theatre of Scotland, and I learned more in that five weeks than I had learned in the previous twenty years. It was a really fascinating and enjoyable experience. The techniques and processes he taught me, I have taken with me into every job since. 

Lorraine McIntosh

 My time working with Graham was the single most important learning experience of my life. He taught me that with rigorous preparation you can play with more joy, more abandon and more humanity. He gave me the tools that I still use in my work as an actor, film director and as a teacher myself. I am jealous of anyone who gets to work with him. Do it. Do anything to do it. Work with Graham McLaren. 

Steven McCarthy

 Being directed by Graham at The Abbey Theatre was challenging, stimulating and possibly the best fun I’ve ever had in the rehearsal room … if you are looking at this you are probably already thinking of taking one of his classes. Stop thinking, Just do it! 

Bosco Hogan

 I worked with Graham whilst I was studying. He transformed my creative life, because he unlocked my potential as an actor. He pushes you to listen, to be genuine and support your fellow cast members. Being in a room with Graham is so much fun, he will challenge you, push you support you and make you laugh. 

Andrew Rothney

 Graham at that time was the first to take a chance on someone like me. He taught me skills, that to this day I use religiously when I approach a piece of work. His techniques and attitudes to text blew my mind. It changed EVERYTHING for me. For the first time in my life I felt that I understood everything about the character I was playing and their relationship to other characters in the play. I also felt I could tap into my emotions on demand and this really helped with performing some of the more dramatic scenes.  His way of working serves what it is to play a human being and this is the same for any type of work you do as a performer. Graham has been the most influential director I have worked with and I am so grateful and privileged that I got the opportunity to do it twice in my career. Anyone who gets to have time with Graham as a performer will be forever changed and enriched because of it.  

Louise McCarthy

 I think that everyone should work with Graham because it will change you. Being in a room with him is like being electrocuted. In the best way. I learned to be fully present, to pursue objectives and to play actions to their absolute limit. He has made me brave and made me bold, and made me connect with my scene partners much more deeply than I ever had before. I have never had another experience like it, and I carry that experience with me into every process that I have been in ever since. 

Christine Horne

 McLaren’s direction pulled creativity from me, distilled it, and - in a no-holds-barred, cross-the-rubicon manner - brought me to a feeling of a rooted, whole-bodied and moment-by-moment connection with the audience. He challenged me to burst from my safety zone on a daily basis, with humour, heart and rigour. Working with McLaren was and always will be a highlight of my career. 

Gord Rand

 Graham has a unique ability to connect and understand the inner plumbing of an actor and the ability to reach that and develop that with love and imagination. Anyone working with him will have a great experience with him. He is one of a kind. 

Jimmy Smallhorn

 Graham is an inspirational teacher and director. He creates a rehearsal room that is collaborative and focused and he is so generous to everyone he works with. He articulates clearly what he will do before each session and rigorously and patiently supports you to achieve that. He really understands actors, the process we are all in together and brings out the best out in you. The process of making work feels as important as the performance and working with Graham is a great experience to be free to do your very best work. 

Lisa Lambe

 I played Claudius in Hamlet for Graham a number of years back. He led a rehearsal process that was very unique and creative - powerful, joyful, crazy exercises based on forward action and imagery and a general feeling of freedom and non-judgement which allowed for endless possibilities of exploration of those old texts - it changed the way I looked at playing Shakespeare from then on in …. and not just Shakespeare, all of my work . I’m ever grateful. 

Tom McCamus

 Graham has a way of working that is so simple and practical that something clicked in me immediately and I haven’t looked back. I still use the techniques learned from him on every job I do. To anyone thinking of doing the workshop I’d say, seriously, do it. It’s no exaggeration for me to say it genuinely changed the way I work as an actor. 

Gerry Lynch

 Graham’s work as a director and teacher created a rock solid scaffold which enabled me to fine tune and expand and most importantly trust, my theatrical intelligence. His approach to the work has now become my default way of working in both the theatre and film. If you want to develop a deep understanding of how to deconstruct a play – while placing yourself, as an actor, within that process and - after a few weeks of exciting work, emerge in the confidence that you have created a fully formed character – now ready to dive into the life of the play – then study with Graham 

Rachael Dowling

 What we learn at drama school can all too easily be forgotten in a vulnerable and precarious industry. Graham brought us back into a space where it felt fresh again. We hit the stage and that connection was alive. It was a truly inspirational experience that I continue to think about to this day 

Richard Clements

 The lessons Graham taught us whilst working with him at the National Theatre of Scotland, have stayed with me and I have gone on to use them in other plays and in filming jobs. What you will learn from his workshops will be invaluable. Sign up. You wont regret it. 

Julie Wilson Nimmo

 Graham's methodology creates visceral, instinctual performances that are based in a rigorous dramaturgical approach to the text. I had the honour to work with Graham on three different productions and they remain highlights of my career. 

Christopher Morris