ABOUT US
Inspire Academy opened in January 2007 with a group of 17 young actors. Since then the organisation has grown to become a leading drama workshop in the UK.
We focus on discovering and developing new talent, with weekly sessions currently taking place in Nottingham & Sheffield. Our sessions in Manchester and Birmingham begin from September 2026.
The group is split over three age groups; 7-11 (Nottingham only), 11-16, 16-21, along with an Over 21's group for Inspire Academy Alumni. Our annual auditions for new members take place in the spring of every year and there is no previous acting experience required to apply.
Our weekly sessions run throughout the year, including through school holidays and half terms. The focus of the sessions vary depending on the projects we're working on. Sessions include: rehearsals for live performance projects, screen acting, improvisation, audition techniques, script work & new writing. At the heart of everything we do at Inspire Academy is our fundamental belief that acting is about seeking truthful and honest performances.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team is committed to delivering quality training and support to our members. Every child and young adult is encouraged to find their confidence and express their talent freely, in a positive & welcoming environment.
Luke Gell
Prounouns: He/Him
Executive Director
Luke has been the Director of Inspire Academy since it's beginning in 2007. He overseas the whole organisation and is actively involved in leading sessions.
Luke's background is as an actor in Television, Film & Theatre. Appearing in Casualty, Holby City, Citizen Khan, Still Open All Hours and many more. He is most recognisable for his role in three series of the BBC's Two Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps. Theatre credits include; 'Touched' at Nottingham Playhouse with Vicky McClure.
In 2017, Luke made the decision to retire from acting and instead switch his full focus on nurturing new talent. Alongside his active role in training young actors, Luke is the lead agent for the Inspire Academy Agency.
Tinashe Darikwa
Pronouns: He/Him
Group Tutor
Tinashe trained at Inspire Academy from the age of 15 and as he approaches his 30th year, he has carved out an impressive CV of professional acting credits, including a role in season two of the BAFTA-winning BBC drama; Sherwood.
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Tinashe has been the lead tutor of our Saturday Afternoon 11-16's group in Nottingham since September 2025. From September 2026, he will be leading sessions at the Birmingham branch of Inspire Academy.
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Casey Griffiths
Pronouns: She/Her
Office Assistant
Casey works full time as the office assistant at Inspire Academy and is responsible for the smooth day to day running of the organisation.
Terry Haywood
Pronouns: He/Him
Group Tutor
After spending a number of years as the assistant director of The Television Workshop, Terry moved to join our team in January 2023.
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Terry is well known for his performances on 'Young Dracula' and 'Jamie Johnson' for CBBC.
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Terry brings a wealth of knowledge to his work with young actors. His engaging, charismatic teaching style means young people instantly feel comfortable to work with him.
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He is the head of our Under 11's and the tutor for our Monday Evening & Wednesday Evening 11-16's groups. Terry also directs the Tuesday Evening Over 16's group.
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India Rain
Pronouns: She/Her
Group Tutor
After training as an actor at Inspire Academy from the age of 15, India went on to gain a degree in filmmaking at the University of Salford. Her first short film was nominated for a Women in Film Award and has won plaudits at several film festivals.
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India has worked as a tutor at a dance & drama class and has more recently been a producer on several short films, working with Directors in and around the Manchester area.
WHAT WE DO
What to Expect
If you're successful in gaining a place in the group, you'll be invited to join a weekly session with us. The sessions will vary based on the project we're working on. Throughout the course of the year, you'll cover acting for camera, rehearsals for live theatre performances, audition technique, improvisation and skills.
Regular Performances
We firmly believe that young actors learn best when the skills they are being taught are actively and regularly put into practice. Each year, the Under 11's and 11-16's group are given a performance project, this might be Monologues and Duologues, a Play, or devised piece. Each of our Over 16's groups rehearse plays and perform these in our annual Play Season.
Film Projects
In 2022, we purchased state of the art equipment to begin producing our own screen work with our members. Acting for camera is an essential part of our training and our young actors take part in everything from making short films, to practising casting self-tape technique.
Community
Building a community of young people who are encouraged to be strong, resilient and grounded is at the heart of who we are. We regularly hold events outside of our normal sessions that bring people together for fun and to build community. These events include; The Inspire Ball, Inspire Camp and many more.
SESSION TIMETABLE > NOTTINGHAM
Info:
Sessions for the Nottingham group are held at our own studio, close to the trendy Sneinton Market. There is street parking around this location.
Age Groups:
7-11, 11-16, 16-21 & Over 21's (Alumni Only)
Weekly Sessions:
Mondays - 5:00pm til 6:30pm - Under 11's
Mondays - 6:30pm til 9:00pm - 11-16's
Tuesdays - 6:00pm til 8:30pm - Over 16's
Wednesdays - 5:30pm til 8:00pm - 11-16's
Thursdays - 6:00pm til 8:30pm - Over 16's
Fridays - 6:00pm til 8:30pm - Over 21's (Alumni Only)
Saturdays - 12:00pm til 2:30pm - 11-16's
Saturdays - 3:00pm til 5:30pm - 11-16's
SESSION TIMETABLE > SHEFFIELD
Info:
Our sessions in Sheffield are held at Sheffield Springs Academy. It is a secondary school, close to the City Centre and is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Age Groups:
11-16 & 16-21
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Weekly Sessions:
Wednesdays - 5:30pm til 7:30pm - 11-16's
Wednesdays - 7:30pm til 9:30pm - Over 16's
SESSION TIMETABLE > MANCHESTER
Info:
Our sessions in Manchester begin from September 2026 and will be held at a central location.
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Age Groups:
11-16 & 16-21
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Weekly Sessions:
Tuesdays - 5:30pm til 7:30pm - 11-16's
Tuesday - 7:30pm til 9:30pm - Over 16's
SESSION TIMETABLE > BIRMINGHAM
Info:
Our sessions in Birmingham begin from September 2026 and will be held at a central location.
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Age Groups:
11-16 & 16-21
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Weekly Sessions:
Thursdays - 5:30pm til 7:30pm - 11-16's
Thursdays - 7:30pm til 9:30pm - Over 16's
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