Young Actors Academy offers exceptional training for children and young adults in acting, singing and musical theatre taught by a dedicated team of industry professionals.
“One word……. **SPECTACULAR! **”
Julie Tran
“Brilliant program, wonderful teachers. Emily had so much fun. The teachers are excellent, lots of support, a happy environment, it’s fantastic. Big, big thank you for all your wonderful work.”
Julia (Emily's mom)
“We are new to Young Actors Academy and we’re really glad that we joined the session. My son is a little bit introverted, so it was great to see him really step up his confidence in such a short time. You are an amazing teacher, Susan. Loved you on LOST, too!”
Ann (Leo's mom)
“Piper loves your acting class deeply. It’s so much fun and filled with positive, creative energy. Thanks so much for inspiring her.”
Blythe Williams
“My daughter really loves the classes and always comes out happy and enthusiastic! She asks every day if it’s a Young Actors Academy day and comes home with a big smile each week and is excited to tell me what she done. We can’t wait for the summer camp!!”
Lucy Rider
“The girls had an absolute ball and looked forward to every Saturday. I particularly liked how the teachers looked after each child and tailored the training to their level.”
Celia Farrow
“The on-camera audition videos are wonderful – I must say we really got what we were looking for from your Acting Intensives – a musical, a drama, on camera and auditioning experience, theater games and improv…fun and supportive environment with great teachers and focused kids!”
Eric (Liv's dad)
“My two kids train privately with Susan. We’re so lucky to have someone of her caliber teaching our kids. An award winning actress working in film and TV who has played starring roles on London’s West End and on and off Broadway, teaching here! My son is working on a Disney TV show because of her amazing coaching and my 19 year old who has been coaching with her for a few years is constantly booking.’
Jennifer Tomlinson
“You have such a remarkable way to bring out the best in EVERY SINGLE performer on stage. Truly, they ALL shine on stage. I’ve never seen anything like it. You are amazing and like I’ve said many times now, we are so lucky to have found you!”
Amy Walsh
“So impressed with your academy. My daughter really loved the classes and the show at the end was excellent. We can’t wait to sign up again.”
Alison Thompson
“Thank you Susan & team for making Anabelle’s year so special and memorable. She loves the classes and the show was amazing.”
Kelly Edwards
“Thank you so much for bringing out the absolute best in my normally shy child! The teaching was outstanding, she learned so much in all three disciplines. My daughter was bubbling with enthusiasm for days afterwards and can’t wait to come back!”
Angela P.
“Ellery is loving every minute of your class! We can’t wait for the show. Your academy is amazing.”
Danielle Burness
“Both Adam and Sarah had an amazing experience! Since the first class, they come home excited and happy singing the songs and talking about all the kids who were doing the class with them like they’d been friends forever. I was impressed how quickly they picked the lines and songs up and by the enthusiasm they brought home. For them was an incredible experience.”
Anna Bateman
“Theo really loves the classes. He has grown in confidence and sings all the time at home. You have worked wonders!”
Rebecca Pine
“Amazing academy with excellent curriculum. Highly recommend!”
Sayareh Ourmazdi
“Thank you for everything. You and your team are doing a fantastic job, I am very impressed. Kasia absolutely loves it and can’t wait for classes every week.”
Ella Debski
“The workshop reached far beyond our expectations. Sara had such a fantastic time and learned so much. She LOVED it. We can’t wait for the camps.”
Paula (Sara's mom)
“Izzi adores your classes. She says it’s SPECTACULAR! She truly shines and is happiest on the stage and she’s happiest above all working with you in the classes and on the shows. Thank you!”
Lori Shulman
“My little girl skips into the studio on a Saturday. She absolutely loves these sessions and wished it was actual school! The teachers are enthusiastic and warm and we would totally book again!”
Tori Maxwell
ALL CLASSES ARE NOW IN PERSON & LIVE ONLINE
REGISTRATION FOR OUR FALL CLASSES IS OPEN!
We've adapted our classes to a virtual platform, whilst continuing to offer exceptional training in the performing arts.
At YAA we believe that every child is talented. Within our exciting and varied curriculum your child will flourish, build confidence and explore their creative capabilities whilst making friends and having fun. We love to bring out the best in each child, help them reach their full potential and unlock hidden talents. Students will develop their craft in an inspirational and supportive environment.
REGISTER NOW!
YAA ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, AWARD WINNING ACTRESS & TEACHER, SUSAN DUERDEN
Susan is an award winning actress who has worked in the profession for over 20 years in film, TV, stage, voiceover and animation. She has taught in Los Angeles and London and current and past students have worked on TV shows, feature films and on stage, including Broadway and West End productions. She has played lead roles on London's West End, starred on and off-Broadway and with the RSC. Feature films have included productions for Dreamworks, Disney, Classic Media, Miramax, Media8, alongside Hugh Jackman, David Tennant, Rupert Grint, Jim Broadbent, Tom Sizemore, Fred Willard, Jamie-Lynn Sigler to name a few. Susan has played series regular and recurring roles on numerous TV shows including 'Lost', 'Emmerdale', 'Vice', 'NCIS', 'Days of Our Lives', 'The Unit' among many others.
Susan is passionate about teaching young actors and empowering them with the tools, techniques and discipline they need to succeed as actors. She has successfully coached many, many actors, both seasoned professionals and young performers, to roles on TV shows, stage and feature films.