Helen Grady

Actors' Retreat

A 'dramatically' different holiday

Come and join us for a week of work and play at an “Actors’ Retreat” in the autumn of 2023.

You will be warmly welcomed.

Would you like to learn more about the professional acting world?

Would you like a safe and supportive environment in which to practise your craft?

Would you like to share a week with like-minded people in a lovely property in the beautiful Mizala valley in Andalucia?

Then this course is for you!

Course dates:

The dates for the next two courses are:
Saturday 14 to Saturday 21 October 2023
Saturday 4 to Saturday 11 November 2023
The cost per person is £485

The course includes:

Accommodation in this lovely property in the hamlet of Mizala in Andalucia. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms/shower rooms. Sun terrace and a plunge pool at the property.
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the cortijo in Mizala (lunch in Mojacar on the day out is not included).
Acting course which will be adapted according to participants but which can include:
Approaching agents and Casting Directors
Self-tapes and in-person auditions (Theatre, Film/TV and Commercial)
Self-tape type showreel recorded and edited if required
Acting exercises.
Voluntary work at the Cactus Patch (our property up the valley) adapted to suit everyone’s skills, abilities and interests. Decorating, collecting firewood, ground clearance, gardening – all sorts of things need doing. None of it is obligatory but every single person on our inaugural retreat found this to be a huge part of the success of the course. A lot of laughter, fresh air, as much exercise as you feel able to undertake and a non-competitive, team-building experience.

Please note that the cost does not include flights or transport to the property. We can arrange transfers from Almeria airport and an optional day trip to the local resort of Mojacar.

We will have a celebratory evening at the end of the course where participants will be encouraged to showcase their skills!

If you have any questions about any aspect of the holiday please contact me, Helen Grady, via the contact form here.

I will answer questions, send you more details and tell you how to book if you are interested.

I look forward to seeing you!

Here’s what some of the participants had to say about our first course:

"This was the MOST magical experience crammed with so many perfect moments, my heart is full. It’s you guys and what you are creating there, your warmth, generosity, kindness and knowledge. I so enjoyed acting with everyone and all the scenes and exercises… The industry information I have learned is invaluable and I now have lots to process and a crazy “to do” list."

Alexa Bauer

"Helen is a person who you immediately warm to - her generosity, gentleness and great sense of humour. You feel safe and respected and encouraged during the workshop sessions. She also brings a great deal of experience and knowledge of the industry to the group. Amongst other things, it was great to learn more about life as a jobbing actor, the role of a casting director, the function of Spotlight, and self tape castings. It was so helpful to be able to practise self tapes, monologues and duologues in a safe space, with constructive criticism as well as praise and encouragement from Helen, and the group. Working up at the Cactus Patch villa in the mornings was an experience I'd not have missed for the world either! As working collectively, safely and having a lot of fun and giggles bonded us as a group I think."

Jane Staiano

"The hospitality was spectacular and you have such a warm and genuine presence as a teacher and mentor. There was something magical about working in the morning and then reconvening together as a group for “the main work” in the afternoon. The relationships we all formed would not have been the same without the labour on your property. You have a great insight into the industry which alone was worth the trip, but more than that, the experiences and knowledge shared amongst our group of like-minded, motivated artists was invaluable."

Helen Knudsen

"I miss it sooo much!"

Taliah Gordon

Photos courtesy of Tim Fox Evans and Kate Fox Evans , Jane Staiano , Sabrina Ahmed

Cactus Patch Productions