“Amazing academy with excellent curriculum. Highly recommend!”

Sayareh Ourmazdi

“One word……. **SPECTACULAR! **”

Julie Tran

“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

“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

“Thank you Susan & team for making Anabelle’s year so special and memorable. She loves the classes and the show was amazing.”

Kelly Edwards

“Theo really loves the classes. He has grown in confidence and sings all the time at home. You have worked wonders!”

Rebecca Pine

“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

“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.

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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)

“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

“Ellery is loving every minute of your class!  We can’t wait for the show. Your academy is amazing.”

Danielle Burness

“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

“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)

“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)

“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

We're excited to announce our upcoming, in-person

MAY & JUNE WORKSHOPS

Our masterclass series provides young actors with the opportunity to learn directly from masters of our industry

SPACES ARE LIMITED!

LOCATION: YAA @THE HOUSE, 29134 Roadside Dr UNIT 104, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Everyone at Young Actors Academy holds the legally required Child Performer Services Permit (CPS)

Lic. CPS-LR-1001238628

CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOP - WITH ALEXA PEREIRA

Join us on May 30th | 1–5PM for an exclusive on-camera workshop and masterclass with award-winning casting director Alexa Pereira — a rare chance to get your work in front of one of the industry’s most respected casting professionals and receive direct feedback on your scene work.

Alexa is an award-winning casting director and Artios Award winner whose credits include Nobody Wants This (Netflix), New Girl (FOX), Home Economics (ABC), Dollface (Hulu), The Fire Inside, and more. Her work spans major network, streaming, and studio projects, and getting the opportunity to work directly with someone at her level is incredibly valuable for any young actor ready to elevate their craft.

Getting in the room with a casting director like Alexa is not just exciting — it’s the kind of opportunity that can shift how a young actor approaches auditions, preparation, and performance.

Actors will begin the afternoon working scenes with Hollywood acting coach Susan Duerden — award-winning actor and founder of Young Actors Academy of Performing Arts. Susan’s private coaching clients have booked series regular, recurring, guest star, and co-star roles on television, as well as lead and supporting roles in film. She’ll coach and sharpen your material before you perform.

Then you’ll present your scene for Alexa Pereira, who will offer feedback, adjustments, and redirects — giving actors real insight into what casting is looking for and how to make stronger, more bookable choices in the room.

MAY, 30TH 1-5PM - $125

And for actors ready to go further — this workshop is just the beginning.

JUNE ACTING INTENSIVES

JUNE 6TH & 13TH 10AM - 12.30PM - $125 for both

Following Alexa’s workshop will be two back-to-back acting on-camera classes with Susan Duerden, designed for actors who want to deepen the work and push themselves further through focused, in-depth training in acting technique, script breakdown, emotional connection, audition preparation, and on-camera performance.
Actors will refine their craft, stretch themselves, strengthen their instincts, and learn how to apply their work truthfully and effectively on screen — with the added bonus of putting scenes on camera. For those attending Alexa’s workshop, actors will have the opportunity to bring that same scene work to camera, plus work on new material. Actors just attending the two on-camera classes, scenes will be assigned and filmed.

OUR INTENSIVES COVER

  • How to create and build a truthful character
  • Making strong choices
  • Breaking down a scene
  • Moment-to-moment acting
  • Auditioning & self-taping
  • On-camera technique
  • Booking the job
You are welcome to join:
  • Alexa & Susan’s workshop on May 30th - $125
  • The on-camera classes on June 6th & 13th only - $125
  • Or both
Actors who attend both the May 30th workshop and the June 6th / 13th on-camera classes will receive 10% off the June classes.
Payment plans / installments are available.

If interested, please email info@youngactorsapa.com or call 818 851 9436 

Because this is a small, application-based workshop, priority will be given to actors who are ready to work at a high level and come prepared.

Over the past year YAA students starred in shows on: NETFLIX, HBO, NBC, CBS, FOX, HALLMARK CHANNEL, SYFY CHANNEL, APPLE TV, AMAZON STUDIOS, THE WB, MARVEL STUDIOS, DISNEY CHANNEL, NICKELODEON & DISNEY PLUS and have perfomed on stage LOCALLY, on BROADWAY, LONDON'S WEST END & NATIONAL TOURS.

Everyone at YAA holds the legally required Child Performer Services Permit (CPS)

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

My daughter booked her first role on a Nickelodeon TV show after taking Susan's acting classes and privately coaching for the audition. The change is amazing. Anna is a much more confident actor (and child!) and loves the classes. We can see such a difference in her acting and so can her agent. We're so happy we found YAA. Beth Arnold

The best acting school for kids and teens hands down. We've been to classes in North Hollywood and Sherman Oaks but Susan and her team are outstanding. Susan really cares about the kids and builds their confidence and self esteem along with their acting skills. My kids love the classes online and can't wait to be back in person. – Alex Stafford

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

I wanted to let you know that Michael loved the class, he left feeling more alive and can't stop talking about going back. I'm so happy for him and glad he feels so comfortable with you. Thank you! – Shawna Stevenson

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

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)

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)

I love the classes. It’s so much fun. I was scared to sing, but now I’m not. I love singing now. I like the acting games we play. They are great fun and we get to make up plays and dance in very cool ways. – Mark (9 yrs old)

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

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

Very professional and the kids came back each day telling us how amazing it was. – Claire Manning

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

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

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)

Crawford said, "I want to do that again!" He really enjoyed the session. A great place to help build his self-confidence whilst having fun!– Linda Young

Theo really loves the classes. He has grown in confidence and sings all the time at home. You have worked wonders!– Rebecca Pine

Thank you Susan & team for making Anabelle's year so special and memorable. She loves the classes and the show was amazing.– Kelly Edwards

Ellery is loving every minute of your class! We can’t wait for the show. Your academy is amazing.– Danielle Burness

Thank you all so much. I saw my son grow in confidence and he came out of the classes full of energy and enthusiasm. Thank you so much! We can’t wait for summer camp!– Anna, Gavin's Mom

Noelani was on cloud 9 the entire day. She loves performing and absolutely enjoyed the workshop. I think this would be a great fit for her.– Marielle Banducci

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.

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.

Thank you for everything. You and your team are doing fantastic job, I am very impressed. Kasia absolutely loves it and can’t wait for classes every week.– Ella Debski

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 Ryder