Welcome to The Spiritual Psychology of Acting
We provide comprehensive training in the art and craft of acting and directing, for newcomers and professionals seeking something more.
Our students have gone on to work in Hollywood, Bollywood, independent feature films, major TV dramas, soap operas, West End, Broadway, Royal Court, Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal National Theatre productions.
Inspired and guided by ancient wisdom, combined with modern science, the Spiritual Psychology of Acting is a comprehensive acting technique, evolved from the system of Stanislavski and enriched with cutting-edge psychology, spiritual philosophy, meditation and a healthy dose of fun!
The Spiritual Psychology of Acting has been developed to meet the true needs of the professional actor, living and working in the 21st Century.
We provide clear knowledge and ground-breaking techniques in the art and craft of acting, to help you dig deep, get out of your own way and fulfil your potential as an actor.
So stop dreaming, stop waiting - start your journey and take your acting to the next level!
I look forward to meeting you at one of our live, monthly, online intro seminars.
John Osborne Hughes
Founder Director of Awakened State and creator of The Spiritual
Psychology of Acting
John Osborne Hughes - My Story
Creator of the Spiritual Psychology of Acting
My love for acting was first ignited at school, age 14. Having recently moved from south Wales to Portsmouth, I was the new kid in school, with a ‘funny’ Welsh accent…
The school had just introduced a weekly drama class, with new drama teacher, Mr Katner, who had an honesty and passion for his subject, like I’d never encountered from a school teacher before. In the class he introduced us to an improvisation game, where one pupil would sit on a wooden block on the stage, and then another would (hopefully) get an idea and get up and start an improvisation; “Hello, Mrs Jones. How would you like your hair done today?”, kind of a thing. For the first couple of weeks I just sat there, utterly fascinated, but far too shy to get involved. Then on the third week, something truly wonderful happened…The improvisation had evolved in to a scene set in a bank, with a bank manager, refusing a customer a loan for being,"too scruffy".
Other pupils had formed a line of impatient customers, waiting to be served. I watched on, totally involved in the role play… And then it happened… From the recesses of my subconscious, I got, what I now understand to be, a pure impulse… It shot through me like a lightening bolt, and before I had time to think, question or doubt myself, I was up on my feet and pacing into the bank, with an imaginary stocking over my head and an air shotgun firmly in hand… “Right, everyone get down on the floor”, I shouted, "this is a robbery!”. The customers did as they were told and I proceeded to rob the bank... In the rush of inspiration all fear dissolved, the acting flowed naturally and the energy in the room was electrifying! It was my first real taste of pure, raw creative freedom, and looking back, it’s clear that this was the moment I met my true passion and calling. The Spiritual Psychology of Acting and the Active Embodiment technique have evolved from the desire to re-create those moments of inspiration, by developing a solid psychological framework for the pure impulses of the character to arise and manifest spontaneously, in the present moment… When it kicks in, it’s better than flying. There’s a sense that you are not acting, but being acted. Everything just happens as it should. It’s the best feeling...
Watch this Short Trailer About the Training
Spiritual Psychology of Acting Podcast
with John Osborne Hughes and Co-Host, Actor, Jordan Turk
Watch the first episode to learn more about the history of the course and how it came to be.
"I trained with John for seven years after I left drama school and I consider him to be the most important influence on my career. John’s teaching represents the cutting edge of actor training available in the World today."
What’s on offer?
The Spiritual Psychology of Acting offers a vibrant mix of acting, directing, & self development courses, seminars & workshops; each carefully crafted to empower, enlighten and inspire.
Acting Modules
The full training comprises of 6 modules. The course is presented as a hybrid of recorded lessons, combined with live, monthly online sessions, where John will answer your questions, watch your work and give you detailed personal feedback and guidance.
Module 1 The Elements of Great Acting
The Foundation Course
The module provides you with detailed acting theory, combined with specially developed technique exercises to build a firm foundation and give you the tools you need to hone your craft and succeed.
Module 2 Know Yourself, Be Your Self
The Principles of the Human Psyche
Discover the psychological principles at the heart of the training and the practical steps for identifying and resolving the patterns of thinking that impede your creative process.
Module 3 The Spectrum of Human Purposes
Learn the full range of human desires
In this module you will learn the 180 human purposes, with clear definitions of each one. This will enable you to recognise them in yourself and others, and to act them truthfully.
Module 4 The Ten Steps to Creating a Character Part 1
Part 1 covers steps 1-7
This module covers the first 7 steps to creating a character. In this part of the course, you will learn how to accurately analyse the play and make informed choices that directly serve the main thesis of the play.
Module 5 The Ten Steps to Creating a Character Part 2
Part 2 covers step 8
Discover how to break down any scene into actable units, called episodes, and then learn how to quickly and effectively analyse and define the specific state of mind of the character within the episode.
Module 6 The Ten Steps to Creating a Character Part 3
Part 3 covers step 9 & 10
Learn how to programme and embody the state of mind, psychological actions, events and visual design of any character.
Live Workshops
Active Embodiment Live Intensive Workshop
16th - 17th November – London
The workshop will cover the theory and practical application of Active Embodiment and provide you with the essential knowledge and practical technique to act any character, from any play or film, in any style or genre.
"Honestly, no other training I have done has been as detailed or as clear as this. I strongly recommend this class if you are looking to understand, not just the art of acting and creating characters, but yourself on a deeper level!"
