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

Danielle Burness

“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 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

“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)

“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 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

“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.

“Amazing academy with excellent curriculum. Highly recommend!”

Sayareh Ourmazdi

“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

“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

“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

“One word……. **SPECTACULAR! **”

Julie Tran

“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 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

“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)

“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

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

JUNE INTENSIVES

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

ACTING ON-CAMERA WORKSHOP 10 - 14 YRS SOLD OUT

FOR PROFESSIONAL AND PRE-PROFESSIONAL ACTORS

Saturday June 7th & June 14th, 9.30 - 11.30am

In our studio in Agoura Hills

TUITION: $85 for both Saturdays

REGISTER HERE

This comprehensive workshop offers a unique opportunity for young actors to refine their skills, explore their creativity, and build confidence in a supportive, energetic environment. By focusing on screen acting techniques, students will learn to adapt to the demands of on-camera performances, develop authentic characters, make empowered choices, and master auditioning skills.

Past students have achieved remarkable success, signing with agents and booking roles directly from their in-class work.

Students will warm up with some improv then work on scenes from current and/or recent castings which will be filmed. They will receive one-on-one coaching, be given a critique and adjustments, then film a second or third take. After class, students will be sent their on-camera work. Past students have used these filmed scenes for their reel. As actors will be working a lot in the class, there are very limited spots.

This class will be taught by Susan Duerden. Susan is an award winning actress and highly sought-after, top Hollywood acting coach. She's coached beginners to award winners and many of her students are currently working on TV shows, feature films, London’s West End, Broadway and national tours.

Once the class is full, we will start a wait list.

ON-CAMERA ACTING INTENSIVE FOR PROFESSIONAL AND PRE-PROFESSIONAL ACTORS Teens - Young Adults

Sunday June 8th, 1.30pm-4.00pm

INVITE ONLY

There are limited spots available in our upcoming Screen Acting Intensive.

This will be a small class of dedicated actors (teen and young adult) working on their craft and looking to develop their technique in depth. The intensive will focus on scene work and screen acting; understanding the process of relating to the camera and the script so that specific choices can be made on-screen; to prepare and connect in an audition - and to book the job!

Students will work on scenes from current and/or recent castings which will then be filmed. They will receive one-on-one coaching, be given a critique and adjustments, then film a second or third take. After class, students will be sent their on-camera work. Past students have used these filmed scenes for their reel. As actors will be working a lot in the class, there are very limited spots.

We have SO many YAA students currently filming TV shows and movies - in LA, Vancouver, Atlanta and further afield. One of our actors currently working in Atlanta, James, signed with DDO Agency directly from on-camera work he shot in one of Susan's intensives and it also got him an audition for the movie he's filming!

Once the class is full, we will start a wait list.

SUSAN DUERDEN is an award winning actress, director and choreographer who has worked in the profession for over 30 years in film, TV, stage, voiceover and animation.

Feature films have included productions for Dreamworks, Disney, Classic Media, Miramax, Media8, starring alongside Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, 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, Berlin Station, Doctors, 7^th Heaven, Holby City, Days of Our Lives, The Unit, Waterloo Road, among many others. She has played lead roles on London’s West End and on Broadway, with the Royal Shakespeare Company and on tour nationally and internationally. Leading roles include Roxie Hart in Chicago, Mrs Wilkinson in Billie Elliot, Brooke in Noises Off, Polly in The Boyfriend, Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls, Brooke Daniels in Ben Elton’s Popcorn, Lady Macbeth in Lady Macbeth, Miranda in The Collector, Thaisa in Pericles and Geraldine in What The Butler Saw.

Susan has had the honor of working with Michael Jackson and alongside Kenny Ortega (director, producer and choreographer, High School Musical & The Descendants movie trilogies).

Susan has a deep passion for teaching and has taught all ages, from children to professional working actors, in London and Los Angeles. Current and past students have worked on TV shows, feature films and on stage, including Broadway and West End productions.

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

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