Paul David-Gough
Meet Your Coach
Paul David-Gough
Actor • Director • Filmmaker • Acting Coach
For more than 35 years, I've worked professionally across theatre, television and film as an actor, director, writer and producer. Since founding Totally Lit in 2013, I've coached hundreds of actors at every stage of their careers, from those taking their first steps into the industry to experienced professionals looking to sharpen their craft.
My own career has taught me that success in acting is about far more than talent alone. It requires technical skill, emotional intelligence, resilience, professionalism and a genuine understanding of how the industry works.
Those are the qualities that shape every session at Totally Lit.
Working as both an actor and filmmaker has given me a perspective that few coaches can offer. I understand what it feels like to stand in front of the camera, but I also understand what directors, producers and casting professionals are looking for behind it. That dual perspective informs every piece of feedback I give and every exercise we undertake.
I don't believe there's one perfect acting technique. Every actor learns differently. My role is to identify what each individual needs, challenge them honestly, and help them develop the confidence and independence to make truthful, consistent choices in their own work.
We Don't Want You to Stay Forever
"Let's be honest, most acting schools are businesses."
Their success is often measured by how many students they keep, and for how long.
That's not how we define success.
We're here to help you build a career-not a dependency.
Every actor who walks through our doors should leave stronger, more confident and better equipped to navigate the industry independently. If one day you no longer need our guidance because you're working professionally and making informed choices on your own, that's exactly the outcome we hoped for.
Our ambition isn't to keep you training forever.
It's to prepare you to move on
What You Can Expect
Every session combines practical, on-camera training with honest, open discussion
about the realities of the profession.
Together we'll explore:
​
-
Screen acting technique
-
Character development
-
Scene study
-
Script analysis
-
Audition technique
-
Self-taping
-
Playback and performance critique
-
Industry knowledge
-
Professional development
You'll receive detailed, constructive feedback in an environment that is supportive, ambitious and focused on continual improvement.
In classroom sessions, we'll spend most of our time on the floor, working practically. Midweek, online, you'll be learning about agents, casting, confidence, self-tapes or navigating the challenges of the profession. Both are equally valuable, because becoming a professional actor involves understanding far more than performance alone.
Learn Alongside Serious Actors
The people you train with matter.
​
Totally Lit attracts actors who are genuinely committed to improving their craft and pursuing professional careers. That creates an environment where everyone pushes each other forward.
You'll celebrate each other's successes.
You'll learn from each other's performances.
You'll receive encouragement when things don't go to plan and honest feedback when you need it most.
Many of our students build friendships and professional relationships that continue long after their training has finished.
Because acting isn't a competition.
It's a community.