ACTING CLASSES (in-person)

TEEN ACTING CLASS 14+

Saturdays 9.30 am – 11.30am

This class is taught by award-winning actress and Hollywood acting coach, Susan Duerden, with special industry guest/s attending during the session

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

This is a must-take class for any teen actor looking to build skills, confidence, and technique – all levels. Whether preparing for auditions, building confidence on camera, or developing strong technique, this training supports both short-term audition success and long-term artistic growth.

This class is for dedicated actors who want to push themselves further, with in-depth training in acting technique, script breakdown, emotional connection, improv, audition preparation, and on-camera work. This class is both challenging and incredibly fun — a space where teens can refine their craft, stretch themselves, and apply their work on screen. If your teen is hungry to level up, dive deeper into the work, and receive focused, individualized coaching, this will be an amazing opportunity for them.

Along with improv, acting exercises and theatre games to warm up, actors will work on scenes from popular TV shows and movies, current castings, plus commercial scripts. Actors in this class are treated like working professionals in training. Expectations are high, support is constant, and growth is the priority. Students learn how to take direction, adjust quickly, and bring professionalism into the room — skills that separate trained actors from the rest.

Class sizes are kept very small to ensure each actor receives proper individualized attention. Actors will not only get exceptional acting training and individual coaching time, they will also work on audition skills and self-taping for film and TV, using scenes/audition sides from current and recent castings. Actors will receive their on-camera work after class.

OUR ACTING CLASSES COVER:

  • How to create and build a truthful character
  • Emotional truth
  • Making strong choices
  • Breaking down a scene
  • Moment-to-moment acting
  • Auditioning & self-taping
  • On-camera technique
  • Cold reading

At the end of each session, students participate in a showcase for friends, family, and invited industry guests.

CLASS SIZE IS VERY LIMITED! REGISTER HERE

PERFORMING ARTS CLASS – The Complete Actor 

Sundays 10.00 am – 12.30pm  10 – 14 yrs 

Also open to older 9s and 15 yrs – actors are grouped by age and experience

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

This class is designed for young performers who want to develop as strong, well-rounded actors while building skills that translate across film, television, theatre, commercials, and musical theatre.

The Performing Arts Class is acting-focused first. At its core, this class delivers rigorous training in:

  • Scene study and acting technique

  • Character development and emotional truth

  • Improv and confidence-building exercises

  • Audition technique and performance skills

  • On-camera work for film and television

This class also introduces musical theatre training as part of a complete actor’s toolkit – developing skills as a triple threat performer. These elements are woven into the curriculum thoughtfully and intentionally — not as a full musical theatre class, and not every week — but as essential skill-building for today’s performer. Vocal training is a vital skill for all actors, not just singers. Understanding how to use the voice effectively strengthens performances on camera, on stage, and in audition rooms — making actors more confident, adaptable, and prepared for a wider range of opportunities.

Actors will perform in an end of session in-studio showcase. This class is not about mounting a large production. Instead, it focuses on training, growth, and individual development. There are no “lead roles” or “ensemble roles.” Every student is actively involved, featured equally, and supported at their level, building skills that support long-term success, not just short-term performance.

This class is ideal for students who:

  • Are interested in film, TV, theatre, or musical theatre

  • Want well-rounded training without the pressure of a large-scale production

  • Looking to grow skills, confidence, and professional-level training

All training takes place in a supportive, focused, and fun environment, where actors are encouraged to take risks, develop their craft, and grow into confident, versatile performers.

REGISTER HERE: USE THE DROP DOWN MENU TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT CLASS

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

Kelly Edwards

“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)

“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

“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)

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“One word……. **SPECTACULAR! **”

Julie Tran

“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.

“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)

“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)

“Amazing academy with excellent curriculum. Highly recommend!”

Sayareh Ourmazdi

“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

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

Rebecca Pine

“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

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

Danielle Burness

“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

“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