Who are we?
Craft Collective is a new acting collective based in Elephant and Castle, South London, founded by actors and directors Joseph Ollman and Sam John.
We offer stage and screen classes and workshops for actors, directors, writers and creatives of all experience levels. Our mission is simple: to create a supportive, open environment where artists can deepen their craft - developing technique, courage, and creative confidence.
Craft Collective is a space to experiment, take risks, develop technique and collaborate. We aim to foster a vibrant community where actors connect with directors and writers, developing meaningful creative partnerships.
Our ambition is to become a creative hub for bold new work - empowering artists to generate and produce their own theatre and film projects.
Join the community. Develop your craft. Create your work.
the team
Sam John
Sam began his training at the Oxford School of Drama before continuing his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He is now an established acting coach, delivering one-to-one tuition and group classes for both stage and screen. Drawing on his professional career and a range of developed techniques, Sam’s teaching is influenced by practitioners including Declan Donnellan, Uta Hagen, and Stanislavski. His approach focuses on cultivating bravery, emotional truth, and rigorous storytelling in his students’ work.
Alongside his coaching, Sam works as a writer and dramaturg. In 2025, he produced and performed in his debut original show, Joseph and the Stag. His screen credits include World on Fire (BBC), The Spanish Princess (STARZ), Casualty (BBC), and a range of commercial work. His stage credits include Buddy, In the Next Room (Richard Burton Theatre Company), and Mark Ravenhill’s adaptation of Candide.
JOe OLLMAN
Joseph Ollman is a BAFTA Cymru–nominated writer/driector, actor and screen acting coach. From his award‑winning debut short Throw Me to the Dogs, which gained festival acclaim and distribution on MUBI to the critically acclaimed Bitter Sky and Meat on Bones, Joseph’s films have screened at BAFTA and Oscar‑qualifying festivals and aired on the BBC, BFI Player and MUBI. He’s written for both theatre and screen, winning a place on the BBC Writersroom course in 2023. He also works as a script editor and cosultant.
As an actor, he's delivered standout roles in BBC/HBO’s Industry, Sky’s Domina, Channel 4’s Queenie, BBC comedy Spent and the hit four-part BBC drama The Guest.
Joseph has worked on both sides of the camera, bringing his unique persepctive of both acting and directing into every coaching session. He’s passionate about helping actors craft emotionally truthful, camera-ready performances and has guided emerging and professional talent alike.
Contact us
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