london & south east
About the Young Actors Programme
Young Actors Academy provides premium drama, stage, and screen training for committed young performers aged 13 and above in Lonson and the South East of England. Our workshops are designed for those who take their craft seriously and are ready to work with professional-level focus in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Founder & Artistic Lead
Liam Kelly – Founder & Artistic Lead
The Young Actors Programme was founded by actor and coach Liam Kelly to bridge the gap between school drama and the standards expected in professional training. Drawing on his experience working in the acting industry and coaching young performers, Liam brings a clear, practical approach that respects young people as serious emerging artists.
Liam is committed to creating a rehearsal room culture that is focused, generous, and ambitious. He encourages students to explore character and text with curiosity, to develop strong technical skills for stage and screen, and to build the professional habits that will serve them wherever their acting journey leads.
Our Approach
Our educational ethos
Everything at the Young Actors Programme is built around thoughtful, rigorous acting education. Workshops balance technical training with creative exploration, so students learn how to make strong, grounded choices while retaining a sense of play.
We work in small groups to ensure each young actor receives detailed attention and clear, constructive feedback. Sessions are structured to stretch ability safely, giving students room to take risks, refine their craft, and grow in confidence without ever feeling overlooked.
How we develop young actors
Our workshops cover three core disciplines – drama, stage performance, and screen acting – treating each as a distinct but complementary craft. Students learn how to adjust their work for a theatre auditorium or a close-up, how to listen and respond truthfully, and how to stay present and connected in every moment.
Across all sessions, we emphasise:
- Strong foundations in voice, movement, and text work
- Practical tools for audition and rehearsal preparation
- Professional rehearsal etiquette and collaboration
- Resilience, self-awareness, and reflective practice
Depth Over Volume
What makes our workshops distinctive
Young Actors Academy is intentionally small and focused. We prioritise depth over volume, ensuring that each workshop is carefully planned, expertly led, and delivered to a professional standard.
For parents, this means clear communication, a thoughtful approach to safeguarding, and the reassurance that your young actor is being challenged in a structured, responsible setting. For young performers, it means a space where your ambition is taken seriously and your individuality is genuinely valued.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore our current workshops to find the right class for your young actor in Woking and the wider Surrey area. Whether they are beginning to take acting more seriously or already working towards professional training, we will meet them at their level and help them progress with clarity and confidence.
