Owning IT
Acting Studio.
Weekly Screen Acting Classes in London
Unlock your acting potential with personalized screen acting training at Owning It Acting Studio. Join our drop-in weekly classes in London to sharpen your Self-Taping skills and elevate your career. Experience a non-judgmental and supportive community led by a professional actress with 20 years of experience in film & TV.
Meet Your Acting Coach: Natalia Kostrzewa
Welcome to Owning IT Acting Studio.
I'm Natalia Kostrzewa, a professional actress with 20+ years in film and TV across Ireland and the UK. With over 50 screen credits — from lead roles in ITV dramas to guest spots on Black Mirror — I bring real-world experience into the classroom.
My goal? To help you trust your instincts, own your voice, and shine on camera. Every class is a safe, supportive space to explore, take risks, and grow.
I trained at The Factory (now Bow Street Screen Acting Academy) under some of the industry's finest, including Gerry Grennell, Shimmy Marcus, and John Carney.
You can read more about The Factory in The Hollywood Reporter here
Curious about my work? Check out my credentials on:
Let’s embark on this film acting journey together and make your camera acting dreams a reality!
Screen Acting GYM - Schedule
WEDNESDAY’s
11 AM - 3 PM / Theatre Deli / Studio 7
(There are POP-UP Tuesday classes each month - Please go to the booking page)
Every Last MONDAY of the month - ONLINE
7 PM - 9 PM / ZOOM
What are people saying about The Screen Acting GYM...
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![Screen Acting GYM]()
'' Thank you! It was a great class. I love how you make sure there's enough time to really push everyone. Seen too many workshops where not everyone gets a turn, let alone the time to review our own work and adjust, with space for extra time and attention to get the best out of everyone. ''
Zora Owen / Actress
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![Best Screen Acting Class in London]()
‘’ Natalia's Screen Acting Gym is unmatched in London's creative industry today - her energy, attention to detail, and genuine care for her students is unique. The class offers actors the perfect opportunity to simultaneously practice their craft and be their own critiques, learning from watching themselves on screen, and learn from a successful (yet incredibly down to earth) teacher. Natalia has brought out subtleties in my performances that I did not think myself capable of delivering. The tips and tricks she infuses her class with are equally valuable, ameliorating her students' self-tape style! ’’
Elizabeth Weber / Actress
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![Film Acting in London]()
'' Natalia and "Owning IT Acting Studio" has been amazing! The sessions are so personable and tailored to each actor. I've been able to really explore my casting type as the material feels realistic to castings I would receive in real life. Natalia is a great coach and is able to really go into depth and detail when redirecting different ways to play scenes. She is attentive to each actor's specific growth and really pushes each actor- There is no rush and she will get the best out of your tape. Can't recommend a class with Natalia enough!''
Robyn Marshall / Actress & Singer
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![On Camera Acting for Actors in London]()
'' The format of the Screen Acting GYM is perfect and Natalia always provides excellent comments to push you in the right direction and to challenge you to try new ideas. Her scene choices always allowing you to explore untapped sides of you - and they are always interesting, distinctive and fun - her catalogue of scenes must be enormous! ''
Brian Law / Actor
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![Self-Tape Practice Classes in London]()
'' I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's Screen Acting GYM; the energy in the room was very comfortable and I really loved being pushed by your direction. I am already in the process of booking my next session and I look forward to receiving your clear-cut directions soon!''
David Ogundare / Actor
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![Weekly Self-tape Classes in London]()
'' Really enjoying there weekly classes. Love the excitement of getting great new scripts each week and look forward to filming them in class, which is also a bit scary! It's also usful to see what other actors do with the direction. I feel I learnt a lot of useful tips and new ideas for self-taping. ''
Zara Hadeshian / Actress
FAQs about the
Screen Acting GYM
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In class, you will do two takes: first, the version you have prepared, and then, after feedback, a second take, with a chance to rewatch and redo one scene after everyone has their turn. In short: You will get to perform a minimum of three times and watch back your performance twice.
In screen acting the quickest way to learn is to do it, watch it and do it again!
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I prefer small classes of a maximum of 8 people because it’s the most beneficial for the actors.
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No. I individually select a different script for each actor. After reviewing your Spotlight, I chose a script that suits your type, aiming to work on characters you could realistically audition for.
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I’m usually very organised, so you can expect to receive your script the same day you booked your tickets, or at the latest, the next day. Your script will be sent to the email address you provided at the time of purchase. Booking early gives you more time to learn your lines.
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Yes. The more comfortable and confident you are with your lines, the more freedom you will have to explore your character. Booking the class early gives you more time to learn your lines.
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Yes! A Dropbox link will be sent to the email provided at the time of purchase, and you’ll receive it within 72 hours after the class.
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When booking, provide a Spotlight link so I can choose the best script for you. If you don’t have one, you can use a Mandy link, IMDb link, or a social media link instead. Please note, this class is for people over 18.
Do you need an Acting Coach?
One on One services available
“ The first self-tape I did with Natalia I got the job! She is a genius when it comes to self-tapes. Her choices and instincts are next-level quality and I can’t recommend her enough. She’s also a pretty awesome person so that helps. If you get a self-tape of any kind book a session with her straight away. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you, Natalia.”
Fergus Foster / Actor
Self-Tape Recording & Coaching
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Are you in need of a high-quality self-tape recording?
I offer comprehensive self-tape recording services designed to give you a professional edge. What sets me apart from most places is that after every take, we can review it on a large TV screen to ensure we’re heading in the right direction, allowing you to make any necessary performance adjustments. Here’s what you can expect from our session:
Professional Set-Up:
Lighting: Proper lighting to ensure you look your best on camera.
Sound: High-quality sound recording to make sure every word is heard clearly.
Backdrops: A selection of backdrops to choose from, creating the perfect setting for your scene.
Editing and Compression:
Editing: Full editing services to trim, correct, and perfect your footage.
Compression: Ensure your self-tape is compressed to the ideal size for easy submission while maintaining high quality.
Acting Coaching:
Scene Work: Personalized coaching to help you deliver your best performance.
Feedback: Constructive feedback and tips to enhance your acting skills and increase your chances of landing the role.
Session Details:
Duration: Up to 1 hour.
Location: Chingford (E4).
Cost: £55.
(Over 18’s only).
Online Self-Tape Coaching
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🎬 Struggling with Overthinking Your Self-Tapes? Let Me Help! 🎬
Are you spending hours filming your self-tapes, overthinking every take, and still feeling unsatisfied with the results? It’s time to break free from the stress and step into a smoother, more confident self-tape experience.
In my Online Self-Tape Coaching session, we’ll dive deep into text analysis, breaking down the script to help you truly embody the character, even when you're working with minimal information. We’ll work together to break down the script so you can connect more naturally with the character and deliver a performance that feels effortless.
How does it work?
We will connect via ZOOM and work on the scene together. When you're ready, we'll shoot it. You'll film yourself on your phone while I act as your reader via ZOOM. After each take, you'll send it to me via WhatsApp, and I'll review it and provide feedback.
I've successfully worked with this method, and actors find it very helpful—many have even landed roles using this approach.
Plus, I’ll provide practical tips on how to film your self-tape with the equipment you already have—making sure you look your absolute best on camera. From lighting to framing, I’ll guide you through it all!
Platform: WhatsApp Video Call / ZOOM
Duration: 1 Hour
Cost: £40Stop overthinking and enjoy the self-tape process—book your session now and feel confident in your next audition!
(Over 18’s only).
TAPE-REEL Service for Actors
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Tape Reel Service for Actors
Are you looking to enhance your Spotlight profile, attract representation, or make a strong first impression on casting directors? A well-crafted tape reel is essential—but choosing the right scene can make all the difference.
Too often, actors have come to me to record scenes for their Spotlight, only to completely miscast themselves or select scenes that don’t showcase their strengths and casting type. That’s where I come in.
How It Works
✔️ Personalised Consultation – We’ll start with Zoom meeting to discuss your casting type, strengths, and the best scene choices for you.
✔️ Tailored Material – I will provide a scene that highlights your skills and helps you stand out.
✔️ Professional Recording Session – We’ll meet for a one-hour session to film your scene, ensuring you get a high-quality, industry-standard tape.Cost: £95
Let’s create a tape reel that truly represents you and helps you book the roles you deserve. Get in touch today!
Actors Advice
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Are you seeking one-2-one advice on navigating your acting journey?
Things I Can Help You With:
Creative Networking: Discover alternative ways to connect with film directors and industry professionals.
Securing an Agent: Learn how to successfully find and approach the right agent for your career.
Profile Enhancement: Get expert advice on how to make your Spotlight, IMDb, and other acting profiles stand out.
Showreel Mastery: Tips on crafting a showreel that truly pops and highlights your best work.
Self-Tape Setup: Tips on how to best use the equipment you already have.
Let’s chat about everything from headshots, showreels, audition prep, casting advice, and more. I offer my industry experience in a 1-hour personalised meeting at E4 Chingford, for just £60—at a time and date that suits you. Or over ZOOM £50.
Let’s fine-tune your strategy and unlock new opportunities in your acting career!
(Over 18s only).
What sets Owning IT Acting Studio apart is the transparency of its founder, Natalia Kostrzewa.
Unlike many acting coaches whose backgrounds and experience remain vague, Natalia openly shares her own self-tapes and insights from her professional journey.
This rare level of openness allows you to make a truly informed decision about whether she's the right coach for you.
My Chat with The Actors Waiting Room Podcast –
Talking The Screen Acting GYM & More!
I had an absolutely wonderful time chatting with The Actors Waiting Room Podcast! It was such a great opportunity to share my journey, talk about The Screen Acting GYM, and offer some valuable insights for fellow actors navigating this ever-evolving industry.
During our conversation, I dived into what The Screen Acting GYM is all about—helping actors build their skills, confidence, and on-screen presence in a supportive and dynamic environment. I also shared a bit about my own acting career, the lessons I've learned along the way, and some useful tips for actors looking to make their mark.
If you're an aspiring or working actor, this episode is definitely worth a listen! Make sure to tune in and soak up some inspiration. Don’t forget to support this fantastic podcast by following it on YouTube and Spotify.
Interview with
The Filmmaker’s Playbook
I had such a pleasure being interviewed by Jason Branagan on his fantastic podcast! Jason speaks with actors, film directors, and other fascinating people from across the film and TV industry, and it was an honour to be part of that lineup. In this episode, I dive into my career and the art of acting—and I also share insights about The Screen Acting GYM! If you’d like to jump straight to that part, skip ahead to 49 minutes and 52 seconds.
Thanks again, Jason, for the great conversation!
Working with Sharon D. Clarke on the UK series Ellis reminded me what true leadership on set looks like. In this post, I share how her kindness, professionalism, and presence inspired me — and why every actor should strive to lead the way she does. If you want to grow as an actor, this is a must-read.