Wayland intensive Acting Course Report

 

Project name:

Acting Course

 

Period:

Nov 2025

 

What:

5-day intensive course led by James Corley at Cat B prison, HMP Wayland. The group rehearsed and performed scenes from Dealer’s Choice by Patrick Marber.

 

Who:

7 participants from a wide range of ages and backgrounds started and completed the course. They were all new to acting and had never been on a project like this before. They performed to 35+ prisoners and staff in the multifaith space at the end of the project.

 

Impact:

100% rated the project as excellent

100% said that they had learned useful skills

100% felt they could do creative things they couldn’t do previously

86% felt happy with their creative ability (a 43% increase from before)

71% felt able to identify as a professional showing an increase in confidence

86% feel that they can now work well in a group (compared to 57% before)

100% said they now feel confident (compared to 71% at the start)

29% said that they are struggling with their mental health (a decrease from 43% at the start)

71% said that they are likely to engage in creative activities as a result of taking part

100% said it had a positive impact on their likelihood to reoffend

​

‘I want to stay away from prison.’

‘The course inspired me to learn more about acting.’

Multiple participants commented on their increased confidence, explaining that they felt more comfortable as a performer, that they enjoyed expressing themselves and taking creative risks.

‘I gained more confidence… it was an escape from prison life.’

‘I learned the power of using my voice.’

They enjoyed developing their skill set on the course and talked about the importance of script work, character development, and repeating scenes to improve understanding and refine ensemble work.

‘I felt like I was being taught by someone from the West End’

‘James was very professional.’

The relationship with James was positive and helped participants to feel confident in performance.

The course had a positive impact on prisoners’ mental health. One participant described the course as ‘an escape.’ Another said it was ‘a way to work through anxiety.’

 

Any unexpected outcomes?

Participants with no previous experience are now thinking seriously about opportunities in the creative industries. Many of them would like to access more acting opportunities and develop their skills further:

‘I’m hoping to take up acting.’

‘I would like a longer course to explore more.’

The group worked brilliantly as a team and developed excellent team working skills.