The Actors Forge

Our Story

The Forge

The Actors Forge was founded in 2018 in a small studio on Pilgrim Street in central Newcastle.

From these humble beginnings, the Forge quickly grew from a handful of actors practising monologues and duologues into one of the region’s most respected centres for actor training and development.

Today, The Actors Forge is home to more than 120 active students across five classes. We also run a Masterclass Programme, bringing industry professionals to the North East and creating additional opportunities for our actors to be seen by casting directors, agents, acting coaches, and more.

In 2023, The Actors Forge was voted the North East’s Best Drama School and has been featured in The Stage, Living North, and Spotlight’s official list of education providers.

In 2024, The Actors Forge began collaborating with Creative UK, Arts Council England, and Durham University Business School as Entrepreneurs in Residence, helping to drive the development of regional opportunities for actors in the North East.

In 2025, alongside our adult classes, we launched our Academies in central Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, offering our expertise to the next generation of aspiring actors. We also held our very first Annual Regional Showcase at Northern Stage, which was a huge success for all involved.

In 2026, we are expanding further - opening new Academies across the region while continuing to pursue and create new professional opportunities for our members.

We are proud to operate from our own dedicated acting studio in the heart of Newcastle city centre.

Durham University logo with purple crest and black text.
Logo of SpotLight Casting Directory, featuring a purple circular badge with white text.
Black and white logo with three black shapes resembling sound waves or speech bubbles and the text 'Creative UK'.
Text logo reading 'Arts Council England' in a circular arrangement on a dark background.
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    Dan Lemon

    Director

    Dan is the Founder and Creative Director of The Actors Forge.

    He established the company in 2018 after returning from London, where he trained and worked as a professional actor.

    With a strong passion for the North East, Dan set out to create a regional hub for high-quality training, collaboration, and creative career development.

    In 2024, he launched The Actors Forge Academy in Newcastle, with further branches now operating in Sunderland and Durham.

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    Lynn Huntley

    Head of Teen and Young Adults

    Lynn is a highly experienced actor, a founding member of The Actors Forge, and our Lead Acting Coach of our dedicated youth academies..

    She has worked extensively across television and film and is perhaps best known for her work in London’s West End theatre.

    Alongside her acting career, Lynn performs professionally as a stand-up comedian and singer across the North East, and brings her flair for storytelling to life as the host of immersive murder mystery events.

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    Robert Carr

    Head of Screen Acting

    Rob is a skilled writer, director, and cinematographer, leading all aspects of screen acting at The Actors Forge.

    He runs RGR Films, producing both creative and commercial content, and provides professional headshot and showreel services from his Sunderland studio. Known for his sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling, Rob brings a dynamic, industry-focused approach to every session.

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    Craig Pearson

    Mentor & Industry Relations Officer

    Craig brings a wealth of professional acting experience across TV, film, and theatre.

    A member of The Actors Forge since 2019, he mentors and supports actors in their journey from budding artists to seasoned professionals. Craig also manages our marketing and social media and serves as the main point of contact for industry professionals, connecting our actors with key opportunities.

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    James McLoughlin

    Mentor

    James has been with The Actors Forge since 2019 and brings a diverse career across TV, film, commercials, theatre, and modelling. He has also directed and produced, including our Regional Showcase at Northern Stage.

    With experience across both the creative and business sides of the industry, James mentors our actors with energy and insight, helping them develop their craft, build confidence, and navigate the professional world.

  • Lucy Robinson

    Acting Coach

    Lucy joined The Actors Forge in 2024 and, as of March 2026, takes on the role of Acting Coach for our Academy members, working closely with Lynn.

    With a wealth of professional credits across stage and screen, Lucy brings a fresh and inspiring perspective to our youth actors. Her warmth, experience and insight help guide our students in developing their craft, confidence, and passion for performance.

  • Rikki Kimpton

    Mentor

    Rikki is a working actor with credits across film and television, known for grounded, cinematic performances that focus on emotional truth and minimalism.

    A member of The Actors Forge since early 2025, he brings practical on-set experience and a hands-on approach to coaching, helping actors build authenticity, discipline, and confidence. His daughter is following in his footsteps as part of our Academy classes.