Leeds Drama Workshops Review

Really disliked this class. The teachers were unprofessional and no advice was needed. Not only this but the website is misleading. It states that you can audition for the agency at the end of term. With this in mind I emailed YAFTA asking about term dates ect. I was told that they do not take on anyone without 5 Spotlight Credits (spotlight credits do not include commercial work BTW) and that I would not be able to audition until I had passed the advanced certification form. Why do they say on the website that you can audition after one term when they know they WILL not accept you until you've had 5 different professional credited work AND gone onto the next class. If you're spotlight registered chances are you've already been picked up by an agency!
Not only this but when I asked what the term dates were, how long a term was ect I was not given any information apart from a word document with the classes within a year. I'm therefore assuming that one term is from January to July (where the break in the document was) which I believe is appalling.
No information was provided on how long it takes to advance a class, how the class went for me specifically (no feedback was provided). Not only this but the teacher of the class was aware that I had trouble with parking but they did not mention that the Tuesday class had free parking available! I could have happily turned up to the Tuesday class without issue. No information was provided on how to advance to the advanced class or how this would work. I gathered from some of the other students in the class that you're given feedback but when I asked about this in the email it was ignored.
I have been successful in obtaining paid acting work and I have attended another acting class and been involved in several productions, therefore I would consider myself advanced, however I attended the beginners taster class with the idea that I would get more information about what they consider advanced or not ect. No information was provided about this and the class was very rushed. There wasn't an opportunity to talk to the teacher or ask questions about this. I have no idea where YAFTA considers my experience as beginner, intermediate or advanced. Again, no opportunity to discuss this at the class.

In other words, I would not recommend this class. I go to another class in Leeds which is very professional. I was drawn into YAFTA because of the Representation aspect of it, but knowing it's not actually available to anyone in the class unless they've already been in credited TV and Theatre productions (despite NO MENTION OF THIS on their website) makes it seem like a scam.

The perfect solution for any aspiring actor in the area, learn the skills needed to become a professional actor & have fun doing it!

A very professional organisation with experienced and friendly tutors for acting classes for all ages and levels and affordable Masterclasses for the more serious actors. My 12 year old has been attending teenage acting classes for 8 months, progressing on from a children's stage school. She finds the classes fun, encouraging and challenging and now attends acting Masterclasses. I would highly recommend YAFTA to anyone of any age who is a keen to learn from people who are experienced in the acting industry.

I have attended several of YAFTAs weekly courses and their inaugral 2 day Masterclass (with former Emmerdale actor Kurtis Stacey) and continue to find them of great benefit to the aspiring actor.

The weekly courses cover key skills such as working with the camera, styles of acting, vocal coaching and other key skills needed to break into the film and TV industry. The tutors are engaging, knowledgable, honest and helpful and I can't recommend this Academy highly enough.

Based in Leeds city centre and on the outskirts of Leeds, the academy courses are accessible, great value for money and a great way to meet and work with other up and coming talent in a friendly, relaxed environment

I originally attended YAFTA because I was lucky enough to win a competition with the casting website Casting Call Pro but have continued classes after my prize was complete because I was enjoying the experience so much and felt I was getting real benefit from regular training.
As I working actress I feel it is really important to continue learning between jobs and an hour a week is a suitable amount of time to fit into a busy schedule. I began attending in Leeds and found the Carriageworks really easy to find and while parking isn't the easiest I have always found a spot on a nearby street. The tutor is absolutely fantastic and the other students really welcoming. Having been at the classes for an extended period I've met lots of different actors and I think YAFTA caters really well for a wide range of people; from those who are simply interested in acting as a hobby through to those who are already working professionally.
There is a good balance in the training as it covers acting and audition skills, real practise in front of the camera and feedback sessions where you watch yourself back. I like the fact there is a structured syllabus and opportunities for quantifying your progress through short filmmaking, examinations and agency auditions.
I have now moved to the Harrogate class as it is a shorter distance to travel but miss the friends I made in Leeds! I'd definitely recommend giving YAFTA classes a go, warning though, you'll probably get hooked!

I m currently embarking on a whole new way of life, a life that YAFTA has made possible. YAFTA was recommended to me by a very good friend of mine, someone successful in the industry, someone I trust. Once contacted, I have never looked back. The quality of teaching is phenomenal both in the adult and the child classes and the confidence I have now comes from the team that know what they want. The opportunities they offer make you feel part of something so wonderful. I go away from my class each week feeling far more settled in myself. I am now part of that team as YAFTA saw something in me that they are passionate about and I teach every week passing on everything I know and love about this industry and all that they've taught me. I feel extremely lucky to be part of this ever inspiring team. An actor has to work hard at their craft and stick with it as it is highly important that you have to be proactive in creating your own success. YAFTA promote this wholly and offer extensive support within classes, on a 1:1 basis and through the agency. I love being a part of the team and I am excited to see how my future will unfold as their encouragement and support know no bounds. I highly recommend YAFTA.

This company is quite simply, the best in Yorkshire for acting classes and workshops. I have attended many different classes and workshops in the past and none have gone into as much depth about acting and the industry as a whole than what I have seen from YAFTA. Low prices, very experienced teachers, can't recommend them enough.