About

Impulse

The Impulse Company’s Founder and Artistic Director, Scott Williams, is the pioneer of Meisner actor training in London and the UK

We offer permanent training in Australia and France as well as ongoing International masterclasses in New York, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, and Hong Kong.

Nurturing acting talent globally

Impulse, known for our comprehensive, year-long and short-term Meisner classes, operates across London, Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, Japan, and New York. Each location offers a curriculum tailored to meet the demands of the acting profession, with interviews for our long-term courses held twice annually. Our teaching approach is deeply committed to the craft, creating a challenging yet supportive environment where artists from various cultures and backgrounds can grow and excel.

Our Ethos

The Heart of Our Teaching Approach

Just as vital as the techniques we teach, our ethos shapes every aspect of our artistic journey

Creative

Harnessing imagination to elevate what we're given.

Resourceful

Infusing work with innovative ideas and dedicated effort.

Proactive

Anticipating the dynamics of rehearsal and performance.

Proud

Presenting our work with dignity and conviction.

Courageous

Embracing truth in our art for powerful performances.

Positive

Welcoming new ideas and celebrating achievements.

Flexible

Adapting swiftly to the ever-changing artistic landscape.

Farsighted

Seeing beyond ourselves to enrich the artistic community.

Empathetic

Collaborating with sensitivity to others' perspectives.

Considerate

Respecting and valuing diverse artistic approaches.

Courteous

Recognising everyone's vital role in our creative space.

Innovative

Embracing creativity to forge new paths in artistry.

The Technique

A safe space and supportive environment in which the actor can explore the full range of responses that can arise during our work

Scott’s primary mentor apart from Sanford Meisner was US director and founder of the American Conservatory Theatre William Ball. Ball saw production as a collaboration in which every individual had a part to play. His approach was always positive – a ‘Yes, and …’ rather than a ‘Yes, but …’ response to the individual actor and the unique quality of her/his contribution. This approach liberated the actor by building on their strengths rather than exploiting their insecurities. Impulse respects the individual actor and is committed to helping her/him to be the best they can be. We do not believe it is necessary – or appropriate – to ‘break down’ the actor in order to release him or her. Rather, we provide the safe space and supportive environment in which the actor can explore the full range of responses that can arise during our work.

Our Commitments

Diversity, Inclusion
& Access Policies

At The Impulse Company, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and accessible environment that celebrates and values the unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of all individuals. We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching our programs, driving creativity, and promoting equity. This policy outlines our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access.

Testimonials

I had been acting for ten years but was never really confident in my ability. Whilst on Scott’s workshop, I swiftly learned about using a true technique and craft which has now given me all the tools I need as an actor to go on and perform at the highest level. I highly recommend working with Scott Williams.

Michael Budd

Actor/Director/Producer

Ruby’s Choice (Director), In the Cold Light of Day, Matrix Reloaded

Scott Williams and his teaching quite literally changed my life. Having trained with Meisner himself he is in direct lineage and so adept at nudging your most authentic and deepest truth to shine through in your work. The technique is so powerful and with practice has transformed my whole approach to acting. Everything seems so much easier now and the feeling that anything can happen in the work is very exciting! Couldn’t recommend more!

Jamie Pigott

Actor

Populace, Outlaw/King, Elizabeth I

If you are looking for a true jedi master then you will find this in the Impulse Company’s Scott Williams. He is one of the best Meisner practitioners that I have met. His teachings are very practical, & enjoyable, delivered with great intuitive sensitivity & a rooted vision that will help with your acting & presence in everything you do in work & life.

Piero Grandinetti

I did extra training while I was filming Hustle. I’d finish a six hour acting day then train with Scott for three hours ona Friday and six hours ona Saturday. He reinvigortaed my love for acting.

Jaime Murray

Actor

The Originals, Once Upon a Time, Dexter, Hustle

Scott Williams is the best acting teacher I have ever had. He creates a safe and supportive environment in which you can grow your skills. Training with The Impulse Company not only changed the depth of my work, but it made me an overall better human.

Kat Lozano

2019 Graduate

Letting go can be the hardest thing for an actor, but this training has proven to me that there are endless places and emotions you can go to, if you just let your instincts just respond.

Frances Katz

2021 Graduate

I trained with Scott Williams at The Impulse Company and graduated from the two year course in 2005. Both the acting technique I learned from Scott and the individual help and advice have stayed with me throughout my career. The Impulse Company offers high level professional training for actors at all stages of their career, and does so in a friendly and supportive environment. I highly recommend training with The Impulse Company and I'm confident that you will have a great and productive time working with one of the best tutors in the industry.

Robin Kirwan

Actor

In 2003 I completed my first week-long course in London with Scott and it was the most stimulating and enlightening week of training I’d ever had. Scott steered my process in a whole new - and easier, simpler, honest - direction. In May of this year I returned to London and straight away sought to work with Scott again. He remains a joyous human being, a clear and thorough teacher, and once again I found myself leaving class each day on a high.

Marika Aubrey

Actor

Come From Away NA Tour, Matilda, South Pacific

Working with Scott challenged my ideas of acting and helped me tune in to what is most important, being authentically in the moment working off the other actor. He creates a supportive environment and is very clear in teaching the Meisner Technique. I highly recommend it.

Alinta Chidzey

Actor

Moulin Rouge, Chicago, Mary Poppins

A great, revelatory experience that refocused and revitalised my fundamental approach to acting.

Dene Kermond

Actor/Director

We (@bothfeetacting) wouldn’t exist without Scott. I wouldn’t be who and what I am today without Scott.

Stephanie Morgan

Impulse Alum

1/2 of Both Feet Acting

I found the teaching approach refreshing and invigorating. I felt safe to speak up with both praise and questions. I had no idea that a teacher could be so equal and willing to learn from his students.

Lindsey Chapman

Actor

Scott Williams’ approach to acting totally changed my concept of what it is to act. F for the first time, I was able to let go of a number of 'techniques' I believed I needed and was able to simply deal with the given moment and respond to it truthfully.

Sam Smith

Actor

The Nightingale, The Invisible Man, Jirka

Scott’s uncanny ability to help you make subtle adjustments in your work is extraordinary. He helped me elevate my work and reconnect with my love of acting. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat.

Alyson Standen

Actor

Total Control, Home & Away, Farscape

Scott encourages actors to deal with what really goes on when they engage with another in their work. Under his astute eye and caring guidance, the walls come down and the results can be messy, visceral and raw, but thrilling and alive.

Julian Garner

Actor

Operation Buffalo, Home & Away, Janet King

Working with Scott opened the door again for me. It rebooted me, gave me energy and the desire to go forward.

Jake Wood

Actor

2:22 A Ghost Story, Eastenders, The Illusionist, Vera Drake

This course has been one of the best decisions of my life.

Katie Deacon

2021 Graduate

Moulin Rouge, An American in Paris

Scott Williams' teaching completely transformed and liberated me as an actor. Prior to working with Scott I had trained with many different teachers and many different techniques. Nothing came close to the clarity and power of Scott's work. Much of what I had learnt, prior to Scott, left me confused and unsure as an actor, incapable of approaching a role with confidence. Scott's work was like a cloud being lifted on the whole 'mystery' around acting and I could finally see 'the wood for the trees'! I walked away with a very sound technique, and as a result of that, a confidence in my talent which, up until that point, had always been very shaky at best. I developed a real trust in my instincts, an ability to bravely release myself into the work, to explore and discover. Before Scott, I had heard time and again 'be in the moment' yet no one could effectively explain what that actually meant, and more importantly how, as an actor, I could achieve that. If you get the opportunity to learn under Scott Williams, jump at the chance! It will be the best ever investment in your craft.

Matt Minto

Actor

The Bad Seed, Shortland Street, The Blue Rose