About Us
The Acting Bug offers high quality actor training for adults. Whether you're a complete beginner or a working performer, our classes help you to learn and grow in a fun, creative space.
The Acting Bug offers high quality actor training for adults. Whether you're a complete beginner or a working performer, our classes help you to learn and grow in a fun, creative space.
Adult Actor Training in Belfast & Newry
Founded in 2025
The Acting Bug was founded in early 2025 by actor Owen James, with the goal of providing high quality, fun actor training for adults from all walks of life. What started with half a dozen people in a small community centre has grown to include over 60 students across 4+ classes, with new sites opening soon in Newry and beyond.
We employ experienced, working actors to teach a variety of skills — from basic acting techniques, character development and text analysis, to voiceover for audiobooks, animation and video games, as well as accent workshops and industry masterclasses with working actors, agents, casting directors and other industry professionals.
Our philosophy is that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue and embrace the creative arts no matter their age, background or ability. Whether you want to work professionally or just want to get out of the house, make new friends and enjoy being silly for a few hours, The Acting Bug will make you feel welcome and supported.
The People Behind It
Owner & Director
Co-Owner & Administrator
Head Acting Coach — Belfast
Acting Coach — Newry
Voiceover & Accent Coach — Belfast
Experienced. Working. Inspiring.
Owner & Director
Taking charge of The Acting Bug is our dedicated Director, Owen James. Owen's performing arts journey began as part of amateur theatre groups in his hometown of Craigavon where he developed interests in music and acting. He is an experienced actor, filmmaker and singer/songwriter.
Owen has studied performing arts with BIFHE (now Belfast Metropolitan College), The Houde School of Acting in Ohio, and Bow Street in Dublin. His recent TV credits include Blue Lights (BBC/Two Cities Television), Hope Street (BBC/Long Story TV) and Say Nothing (Disney/FX). He has also appeared in independent film projects including Haunted Ulster Live and the award-winning short The Good Cheese, following which he set up his own production company, Good Cheese Productions Ltd.
Theatre work includes the musical Our House at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, as well as immersive works Fright Night and Enchanted Winter Garden. As a local actor, Owen identified the need for more education and pathways for talented adults looking to break into the local industry or sharpen their existing skills.
Head Acting Coach — Belfast
Rosie originates from Kilkeel, Co. Down and is currently based in Belfast. A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Rosie is both an accomplished actor and costume designer.
She graduated from Queen's University Belfast in the early 2000s and went on to co-found the acclaimed physical theatre company Red Lemon Productions. Her recent credits include Blue Lights (Two Cities TV/BBC), Hope Street (Long Story TV/BBC), The Last Rifleman (Wee Buns Films), Game of Thrones (HBO), Romeo and Juliet and The Pillowman (Lyric Theatre Belfast), and Sex in the City Hall (Cheesy Grin Productions, Grand Opera House).
Rosie has been an integral part of The Acting Bug team since day one, sharing her passion and expertise with the next generation of performers through creative and dynamic adult acting classes.
Acting Coach — Newry
Neil is an actor, director and writer; born, bred and currently living in Belfast. His previous theatre credits include A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Importance of Being Earnest (Lyric Theatre), It Was Easy in the End (THEATREclub, Abbey Theatre), and the People's Panto with Brassneck — Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, which he wrote and starred in as the dame.
Neil's directing credits include Grease and Spamalot (Ulster Operatic Company, Grand Opera House) and several award-winning shows with Newcastle Glees at Annesley Hall. His most notable TV role is that of Sgt. McCloskey in BBC's Blue Lights. Other TV credits include Emmerdale (ITV), The Woman in White (BBC), Vikings (Amazon) and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (Netflix).
Voiceover & Accent Coach — Belfast
Originally from Minneapolis, Michael graduated from Juilliard in 2012 and went on to perform on stage, screen and behind the mic for a decade in the U.S. Highlights include 5 seasons recurring on TNT's The Last Ship, leads at the Guthrie Theater and St. Louis Rep, and narrating over 15 audiobooks with Harper Collins and Scholastic — including NYT best sellers and Audiofile Earphone Award Winners Pax and Pax Journey Home.
In 2019 he moved to Ireland to earn his MA in Writing at NUI Galway. On stage he most recently performed in Richard III (Lyric) and Granny Jackson's Dead (Big Telly), both included in Stage.com's "Top 50 UK Shows of 2024". On screen he starred in NYTVF Best International Comedy Pilot Compound Fractures and voiced animated characters in BBC3's pilot Galaxy Dance. As a motion capture artist he has clocked over 100 hours in an Xsens suit with companies including Moonbug Entertainment and Hazimation.
Co-Owner & Administrator
Rachel, originally from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, has extensive experience as an office administrator and accounts assistant. She's the warm face that greets students at the door, keeps the room set up and running smoothly, manages supplies, handles administrative tasks behind the scenes, and assists with documenting, organising and distributing photos and videos of the student's progress.
Hands-on from start to finish, Rachel brings energy and warmth to every session.
In Their Own Words
"What have I got out of The Acting Bug? I would say overall I've had a creative outlet but also I've just made so many friends. It's probably the highlight of my week. After a long week of work, you come here and blow off some steam and also learn some things about acting."
Acting Student
"The Acting Bug classes have got a great energy to them. It largely comes from the tutors who bring such positive energy and are very encouraging to everyone. What I've gotten out of it is a greater sense of acting and performing, opportunities — and eventually I actually got an agent out of it."
Acting Student
"From joining The Acting Bug I would definitely say I've had a build in confidence. It's helped me meet new people — everyone here's so friendly. Every class is different so you're learning new things every week. If you don't try now, you'll never find out. I've loved every minute, great decision."
Acting Student
"I would definitely recommend The Acting Bug to anyone who is interested in any form of creative outlet. You don't even have to want to be an actor — it gives you confidence to enjoy life and meet other people. If you're someone who maybe struggles with shyness, definitely sign up."
Acting Student
"Owen and Rachel welcomed me warmly, and Michael was incredible — passionate and knowledgeable. Eight weeks of intensive training covering vocal mechanics, performance styles and technical skills. A warm and encouraging environment to learn, make friends and develop self-confidence. The best team."
Voiceover Student
"Before attending these classes, I had a long standing fear of public speaking that would trigger panic attacks. Now I'm 80% there and that's purely from the exposure, support and the personable approach of the teachers and students. Can't recommend it more for confidence."
Acting Student
"From day one this acting school has been super welcoming, inclusive, accommodating and most of all tremendous fun. The level of expertise and encouragement is second to none. The voice work with Michael led to me taking accent intensive courses — incredible for learning what the human voice can do. I cannot recommend The Acting Bug highly enough."
Voiceover Student
"The moment I walked into The Acting Bug I knew I'd found my new family. This class has taught me not only acting skills but brought me out of my shell and made me believe in myself. My career took off even more with the support of my wonderful tutor and the team. I can't recommend it enough!"
Acting Student
"It has been very beneficial for me, and the classes have been very enjoyable. It has been lovely meeting other people especially with my disability and to be given the opportunity!"
Acting Student
Classes available in Belfast and Newry. All abilities and backgrounds welcome.
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