Young Actors Studio

YAS student

Where Are They Now?

YAS Pilot Year (2008/09) students have gone on to study Acting, Theatre Studies, Drama, English, History and Law at the following colleges and universities:

  • Guildhall School of Music and Drama
  • Guildford School of Acting
  • Trinity University College
  • Aberystwyth University
  • University of South West England
  • University of Birmingham
  • Cardiff University
  • London South Bank University
  • University of Glamorgan

Hollie, age 17, Cardiff
Since leaving YAS, Hollie Blundell (one of our students on the 30 week Pilot Acting Course) has been doing really well. She has a leading role in her school production of 'Les Miserables' and has also been designing sets for various shows and events and is busy working towards her A’ levels in Art, Drama and English. Hollie tells us that “YAS was a great experience for me as it gave me an exciting, fun insight into studying acting in further education, as well as developing and bringing out my acting ability. With the help of friendly tutors and co-workers I had a fantastic time. I wish I could have stayed another year, however this year I will be focusing on my art work and my pursuit of a scenography course in University.” We also wish Hollie could have stayed another year but wish her success with her A’levels and hope that she attains a place on her chosen course.

Dan, age 18, Barry
Dan, one of our ex-Theatre Workshop students from 2008-2009, has told us that YAS provided him with “a great opportunity for me to be myself as an actor and person and taught me so many different approaches towards performance and theatre.” Since leaving YAS, Dan has gone on to study Drama and Media and is currently presenting on local radio and reporting for Welsh Television.

Kate, age 19, Bridgend
Kate (one of our students on the 30 week Pilot Acting Course) is now in Bristol studying English and Drama as a Joint degree “trying not to loose an ounce of my Welsh accent whilst I’m here! I belonged to other theatre groups before I joined YAS, but as many of the other students have noted, I found none of them matched this course in terms of friendliness. The tutors welcomed you with open arms. I had been auditioning for various drama schools before my time in YAS and, whereas some would purposely impose hostility during the workshops, this college cannot make you feel more at home. I’d certainly claim that to be a main driving force behind its success.
Putting aside inhibition is one thing I always tended to struggle with in drama, but when you get to work in such a supportive environment, you feel that you can experiment and play around with material. Getting to work with so many people your own age from across the country is, of course, an added bonus!
It is a lot of money to undertake this course, especially for those with student-hood around the corner, but the professionalism that the college teaches is hard to find just anywhere. For those who have an immovable interest in acting, it is money well spent.”

William, age 19, Chepstow
William, one of our students on the 30 week Pilot Acting Course, is now studying at the University of Glamorgan “doing film studies at the Atrium. I walk past your amazing building every day that holds so many good memories.” Will has just finished his first film and as his next one will be a drama, he is hoping to use some of our young actors because, as he tells us, “throughout my year with YAS I encountered some amazing performers.” We wish Will success with his studies and look forward to collaborating with him on his first film drama.