Young Actors Assembly

CREATIVE INK: SCREENWRITERS BOOTCAMP 2024 SCRIPT SELECTION!!! 🎬

The moment has arrived! Our panel has come together to review and select the standout scripts from this year’s Creative Ink: Screenwriters Bootcamp. ✨

Meet our distinguished selection team:

* Sami Swilks, our Head of YAA Screenwriting and Screenwriting Mentor, brings a wealth of experience from her Masters of Screenwriting at AFTRS and works with renowned production companies. Her international teaching experience at the IPPTAR Institute in Malaysia adds a global perspective to our program.

* Lata Periakarpan, our Screenwriting Mentor, has impressive credits, including work on ABC Kids’ ITCH Season 2 and a WA Screen Culture Award nomination. Her passion for diverse voices aligns perfectly with our mission.

* Anna Chierchia, our Pre-production Coach and Mentor, brings fresh insights as a current UTS student and YAA graduate, bridging the gap between education and industry.

* Naomi Jenkins, our Producer of YAA Films & CEO of Youth Division Talent Management, has nearly three decades of experience nurturing young talent and has helped launch many successful careers in the industry.

* David Cuthbertson, our Executive Producer and Founder of YAA continues to drive our vision forward.

Over the past 24 hours our industry experts carefully review each submission, recognising our talented young writers’ diverse voices and creative storytelling.

Stay tuned for the results! The future of screenwriting is unfolding before us. 🌟

10 year old Vincent has been attending our Weekly Acting classes in Miranda and is making waves in the casting world. He is also a passionate young filmmaker and director who loves to make his own short films on the weekends!

We are super proud of everything you are achieving, Vincent, and grateful to his family for trusting YAA as the go-to place for Vincent's training and development!

[Vincent is repped by Youth Division Talent Management]

Congrats to Vincent, starring in the latest Glencore TVC. 5 auditions, 2 callbacks and twice working on set in the space of a month for this hardworking young actor!! All the while keeping up his weekly classes at Young Actors Assembly. Way to go Vincent 💫🎬

🏆 LOGIE NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT! 🏆

As an acting coach, nothing makes me prouder than seeing the incredible actors I work with achieve great things.

Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share some exciting Logie Award nominations:

💥 Vya Pulavorty - Best Structured Reality Program for “Old People’s Home for Teenagers”

💥Ash Hodgkinson - Best Drama Program for “RFDS”

💥Jeremy Blewitt - Best Miniseries or Telemovie for both “The Clearing” AND “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart”

I’ve had the privilege of working closely with these talented young performers, from audition prep to ongoing coaching. Watching them grow and succeed in their craft brings me immense joy.

Ash, Vya, and Jeremy - your hard work, dedication, and passion shine through in everything you do.

Here’s to celebrating your achievements and the bright futures of every ambitious young actor out there. 🎉

David C
Director & Coach
Young Actors Assembly

Check out our 21-Hour Musical prospectus to learn more about what's on offer!

Book via the link in our bio. Don't miss your chance!

Check out our Science of Screen Acting prospectus to learn more about what's on offer!

Book via the link in our bio. Don't miss your chance!

Check out our ACTstravaganza prospectus to learn more about what's on offer!

Book via the link in our bio. Don't miss your chance!

"

The 21-Hour Musical is a three-day holiday workshop at Young Actors Assembly designed to ignite creativity and develop skills in young performers. Participants will collaborate with industry professionals in singing, choreography, scriptwriting, and set design.

Each day is packed with exciting activities, culminating in a final performance where children showcase their talents in a mini-musical for family and friends. This fast-paced and educational experience promises to empower young actors with creativity, confidence, and unforgettable memories.

Where: YAA Alexandria
Ages: 8yrs - 14yrs

When: July 16th, 17th, 18th
Time: 9:30 am until 4 pm

What Do You Get?
✅21 Action-Packed Hours of Creative Training and Development
✅Top-Tier Backing Tracks to Enhance Your Musical Experience
✅Personalized Vocal Coaching from Expert Singing Coaches
✅Dynamic Dance Routines with Professional Choreographer
✅Comprehensive Actor Training to Sharpen Your Skills
✅Hands-On Set Design to Bring Your Creative Visions to Life

Learn more about this workshop and 2 others we have on offer.
https://youngactorsassembly.swipepages.net/yaaholidays2024

Join acting coach and director David Cuthbertson at our immersive one-day workshop and learn the art of captivating on-screen performances.

Gain insights into the latest acting techniques, audition strategies, self-tape tips, and on-screen charisma secrets. Whether your dream is to act in movies, TV shows, or online content, this workshop will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in screen acting.

When: Juniors 8-12yrs: July 15th
Teens 13-19yrs: July 19th

Time: 9am until 4pm
Where: YAA Waterloo.

What Do You Get?
✅Intensive training in on-screen acting techniques.
✅Audition tips and guidance from an industry leader.
✅Practical on-camera exercises to enhance your acting skills and audition opportunities.
✅Insightful discussions and examples of compelling on-screen performances.
✅Small group settings to ensure personalised attention.
✅Parent Q&A to support your child's goals.

Learn more about this workshop and 2 others we have on offer.
https://youngactorsassembly.swipepages.net/yaaholidays2024

Our ACTstravaganza Holiday Workshop is the most original experience in Sydney!!!

Over three jam-packed days of acting fun, you will work with your cast mates, act for the camera, write scripts, shoot a mini-movie, learn audition secrets, twist your tongue around the world, improvise stories, make a TV commercial, record a radio show, clown around with circus skills, build your set and get absolutely slimed on your own TV show!!!

Where: YAA Alexandria
When: July 9th, 10th, 11th
Time: 9:30am until 4pm

Ages: 8-14 yrs

What Do You Get?
✅ 3 full days of acting classes taught by a team of industry experts.
✅VIP Lanyard + ACTstravaganza certificate.
✅ Circus kit packed with crafting goodies.
✅ Work with superior-quality cameras, lighting and sound equipment.
✅ Login to your secure online viewing station where you can watch your ‘Mini Movie Maker’, ‘TV Commercials’ and ‘Slime Ball TV Presenting’ from home!

Early bird discounts ON NOW!!

Learn more about this workshop and 2 others we have on offer. https://youngactorsassembly.swipepages.net/yaaholidays2024

With the July holidays approaching, we're thrilled to announce three original workshops for actors of all ages and backgrounds. Each workshop is designed to provide you with the tools, techniques, and inspiration to excel in your acting journey.

Early Bird Discounts are ON NOW! Check the link below for all the info! 🐣🎬💥

https://youngactorsassembly.swipepages.net/yaaholidays2024

Introducing Our BRAND NEW Holiday Workshop!!!!

The 21-Hour Musical is an action-packed 3-day workshop where your child will build an original musical theatre show with coaches in acting, singing, choreography, scriptwriting, and set design!

By the 21st hour they will have created a spectacular final performance where they’ll shine in a mini musical for family and friends!

Enrol now and grab the Early Bird Special for an experience they’ll never forget!

BOOK HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2hps93n8

💥BONUS💥Receive a digital copy of your child starring in their 21 hour Musical Theatre Showcase!

🌟

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS ALERT!!!! 💥💥

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with creativity, fun, and professional growth during these July Winter Holidays!!

Whether singing, acting, dancing, or just clowning around, our workshops are designed to ignite your passion for acting AND musical theatre!

Join us and make this holiday season truly spectacular!

***EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ON NOW!!!***

BOOK HERE: https://youngactorsassembly.swipepages.net/yaaholidays2024

A quick reminder:

What you focus on drives your energy, and that very energy fuels what grows in your life. In other words: Your attention shapes your reality.

So, keep your eyes on your goals, not your doubts. Those who stay laser-focused on their goals stand out from those who just react to whatever happens, and at YAA, we’ve seen it work time and time again.

Dreaming of landing a role as a series regular? Where’s your focus? Eager to score a new agent? Where’s your focus? Ready to get your script noticed by producers? Where’s your focus?

The secret is to decide where you want to direct your energy right now. This includes the people you surround yourself with, the way you react to situations, and even the amount of time you spend scrolling mindlessly... where’s your focus?

When you adopt a ‘where my attention goes, energy flows” mindset, you’ll wake up and start taking meaningful steps every day toward your dreams.

So, where’s your attention today?

Introducing our BRAND NEW, 'YAA Accelerator 6-Week Short Course Programs,' featuring the exciting SHOWREEL Accelerator starting on May 28th!

We understand that everyone's schedule and commitments vary, so we have created this flexible, concentrated program to cater to the needs of busy young actors.

Reserve Your Place Today: https://tinyurl.com/yaaaccelerator

Ages 14yrs - 18yrs (School Years 9 - 12)
Tuesdays 4:30 pm - 7:30pm

Ages 9yrs - 13yrs (School Years 5 - 8 )
Fridays 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Don't miss out on this chance to give yourself the tools you need to succeed in the competitive acting world!

EARLY BIRD ENDS MAY 10th!

2 Easy Payment Plans, 16 actors only!

Reserve your place today: https://tinyurl.com/yaaaccelerator

See you on set!

At YAA, we believe that everything is possible when you love what you do. Your unique journey as a creative leader is filled with endless potential and opportunities. That's why we're all about creating a supportive community where you feel valued and appreciated for who you are and the unique talents you bring to the world.

Here's the plan: find a buddy who inspires you and agree to hold each other accountable. Set some inspiring goals for the next week, month, and year. Then, make it a regular thing to check in with each other, celebrate your wins, and work through any challenges that come your way.

It's not about putting pressure on each other but instead having someone in your corner (who values you) who gets it and wants to see you succeed.

Here are some ideas to get you started...

✅ Read a play each week. Reflect on the character's motivations and story structure. Get inside the mind of the playwright and talk about it!

✅ Read out loud. It doesn't matter if it's the recipe for a cake! Just read out loud! Do it again, but this time, give it meaning, and then again, using a Scottish accent! ;)

✅ Use your phone for good and get in front of the camera daily. Be aware of the 43 muscles in your face and watch it all back (and like what you see!). It's all about embracing and celebrating the awesomeness of you!

✅ Write a scene that resonates with you and shoot it with friends. Collaboration is critical and a great way to flex your creative muscles and build teamwork skills. Who knows! You could end up starting a film production company!

✅ Make a documentary about your loved ones. It's a great way to connect and learn something new about your history.

✅ Learn to edit. It's like having a superpower to bring your vision to life!

✅ Is it time for a headshot update? You don't have to pay big bucks to take cool pics wearing the right colours and standing in the right light. Experiment and have fun with your mobile! It's all about capturing your authentic self.

✅ Research your industry (and connect with them on your socials). Here are a couple to get you started: Screen Australia, Screen NSW, Filmink, Inside Film (IF), Urban Cinefile, IMDB.

✅ Prioritise fitness. Your physical health is crucial for your mental and emotional well-being. Plus, it'll give you the energy to tackle any role that comes your way!

✅ Practise mindfulness. Start by halving your screen time and checking how that makes you feel (we know the answer!) It's all about finding balance and being present in the moment.

✅ Attend live theatre regularly. Read up on the actors, the director, and the theatre company. Immerse yourself in the performance and talk about it. It's a great way to learn and get inspired!

✅ Workshop scenes with partners. Approach this with a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth. Supporting each other is what it's all about!

✅ Write a 4-page script. Challenge yourself to dive deeper into your creative process. It's amazing what you can create when you push yourself!

✅ Watch films and analyze the acting. Reflect on what resonates with you and why. It's like having a masterclass at your fingertips!

✅ Journal your dreams and goals. Use this tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

✅ Get into an acting class where you are supported wholeheartedly. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you is so important.

✅ Meet with your accountability partner every week. Use this time to support and inspire each other. We're all in this together!

Surround yourself with a community that believes in you and your dreams. Find those unique connections - whether it's an accountability buddy or a group of like-minded artists - who will stand by your side, cheer you on, and help you navigate the ups and downs of the creative journey.

Remember, amazing things can happen when you follow your passion and stay true to yourself. So keep dreaming big and love what you do.

And always remember, only stay where you are valued.

Introducing our 3rd and final ambassador, Alex!

“I am so excited to be a yaa ambassador for 2024. Last year was the beginning of my journey and I only want to see where we improve as an assembly. I also want to push past the limits of my acting. Last year helped me really understand myself and I wish to help others understand themselves too. Let’s go 2024 it is going to be an amazing year.”

Alex
17yrs Old / ‘Screen Actor + Filmmaker Program

We are proud to introduce you to our second YAA Ambassador, Zofia!

"As one of the 2024 YAA ambassadors, I'm excited to represent our vision of fostering young leaders. YAA isn't just about acting; it's where we grow personally too. My goal this year is to keep supporting our amazing community and lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. YAA has always been there for me, so I want to pay it forward."

Zofia
17yrs Old / Screen Actor + Filmmaker Program

📸

A YAA Ambassador is the face of our student body and the voice of YAA within the industry. They are motivated leaders who support new students and mentor our younger actors.

Before you walk through the doors at YAA, one of our 3 Ambassadors will give you a call to answer your questions and welcome you to the assembly so you feel supported and ready.

Please welcome one of our 3 amazing YAA ambassadors, Vya.

"I'm so grateful to have be chosen as a YAA ambassador for 2024! When I first joined, I had no idea what to expect, but now I'm blown away by all the doors YAA has opened for me. Being an ambassador is a big deal because it means I'll keep learning from awesome industry coaches. My goal for 2024 is to make it unforgettable for YAA and to keep exploring and growing in this supportive environment."

Vya
15yrs Old / ‘Ultimate Actors Experience’ Actor

📸

**An Important Message from our Creative Director David Cuthbertson**

Hi parents, families and friends,

At YAA, we work on the frontline of the industry every day, nurturing talent and advocating for transparency and honesty. We’re dedicated to empowering the next generation of creative leaders and are incredibly proud of the results our graduates achieve in the industry.

However, it's essential to understand that, like in any industry, we occasionally run into frauds.

Tonight, 'A Current Affair' broadcast a segment on a deceitful "agent" harming our industry. I've been assisting a female actor whose career has been jeopardised by this person's lies and there are many more. This incident highlights the importance of being cautious and critical, reminding us to verify the legitimacy of every opportunity.

Our focus is on building a legacy that celebrates both success and the ethical standards we uphold. If you have questions about the industry, agents, or workshops, we're here to help you.

David Cuthbertson
Founder & Director
[email protected]

Talent agent hits reporter as she denies lying to clients about fake jobs Talent agent hits reporter as she denies lying to clients about fake jobsBy Hannah Sinclair|2 hours agoKarla Jacob may have just given the best performance of her life, convincing her clients she'd make them stars.The talent agent convinced aspiring performers, including some kids, that they'd booke...

Actors, consider this: what if the actual depth of your performance is communicated not just through your lines but through the silent narrative of your expressions?

YAA's 'Language of the Face' class highlights this crucial aspect of acting, teaching our students to convey a compelling story beyond the spoken word.

Our Teen Screen Actors are meticulously exploring the nuances of facial micro-movements, like a subtle twitch, a gentle lift of the eyebrow, the faintest smile and so much more.

Understanding how these small but powerful gestures are framed and perceived through the camera's lens is crucial for capturing the attention of everyone, from casting directors to audiences.

We're dedicated to providing transformative training that fully equips actors to use their whole instrument, especially their faces, to tell powerful stories.

Commit to your daily routine in front of the camera, and you're on your way to mastering the art of storytelling. 🎬💥

Image from top left to right: Olivia DeJonge (Elvis), Zoe Terakes (Talk To Me), Margot Robbie (Barbie), William Lodder (Love Me), Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Sweet As), William McKenna (The Messenger), Katherine Langford (Savage River), Aswan Reid (The New Boy), Eliza Scanlan (The Starling Girl)
)

At YAA, we shoot scenes on location and in class weekly, and you will gain exclusive access to download these captivating moments.

Your weekly scene folders will be a space for easy access to witness your development firsthand and use this high-quality footage to showcase your talent to the industry.

Our 2024 classes are filling up FAST! So book now

Were you a part of making our 6 short films in 2023? Well, guess what?!

Your name is now officially connected to the Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB)!

IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content so check it out!

Our 2024 classes are filling up FAST! So book now for your chance to see yourself on the big screen.

YAA is proud to announce our new coach, Kat Hoyos, to our Sunday Screen Actor + Filmmaker program!

Kat is a Sydney-based performer who can act, sing and dance. “I’d describe myself as passionately curious and easy going with a dash of silly. I value authenticity and people who are willing to be vulnerable. I believe that has shaped my love of telling stories on stage and screen”.

Please give a warm welcome to Kat below!