Former actress brings her acting academy to Rochdale

The Sarah Byrne Acting Academy is launching in Rochdale

Former Shameless actress and contestant on The Apprentice, Sarah Byrne is expanding her drama academy, with new classes starting in Rochdale on Tuesday 4 March.

The Sarah Byrne Acting Academy, launched in Oldham in 2016, has gone from strength to strength, helping young northern talent land roles in high-profile TV series, commercials, and feature films. Now, Sarah is bringing her academy to at Richard Street Studios in Rochdale, giving aspiring young actors in the area the opportunity to develop their skills and boost their confidence.

Sarah, 35 from Lees, said: “We are thrilled to be opening in Rochdale and offering young people in the area the chance to learn from experienced professionals, gain confidence, and explore their creativity. Whether you’re looking to get into acting or simply want to build your self-esteem, our classes are designed to help children and young adults thrive both on and off the stage.”

The Rochdale classes, aimed at children and young people aged 4 to 25, will offer high-quality training in acting for stage, screen, and beyond. Students will also have the chance to audition for real TV and film roles through the academy’s connected talent agency, which has already helped local stars land roles in the Netflix series Black Mirror, Amazon Prime’s The Power, and commercials for Co-op, Nike, and McDonald’s.

Sarah’s vision for the academy is rooted in her own experience as a northern actress navigating the entertainment industry. Best known for her roles in Shameless and Hollyoaks, Sarah understands the challenges faced by young actors outside London and is passionate about creating opportunities for local talent.

The academy, which also operates in Oldham and Manchester, has seen incredible success. Nine-year-old Lillie-Mae Law, from Oldham, starred as Laura Simons in Demon 79, part of the latest season of Black Mirror.

Miranda Malunga, also nine, appeared in the Amazon Prime series The Power, based on Naomi Alderman’s award-winning novel.

Talent scout Sue Burns, 60, from Prestwich, said: “We’re so excited to expand to Rochdale. Sarah has worked hard to create a safe, welcoming space where young people can learn and grow. We can’t wait to see what amazing talent Rochdale has to offer.”

In addition to developing acting skills, the academy focuses on building confidence and self-esteem, with Sarah adding, “Acting isn’t just about performing – it’s about learning how to communicate, express yourself, and believe in your abilities. Our goal is to make a difference in every aspect of our students’ lives.”

The first Rochdale classes will take place on Tuesday 4 March at Richard Street Studios, 44-46 Richard Street Rochdale and free taster sessions are available for new students.