Who we are
The Young Actors Group is a drama training company for teenagers. We treat acting as a craft worth taking seriously. The by-product of good directing is confidence building, friendship making and work that has an original and authoritative teenage voice.
There’s no better place to be challenged, take risks, have fun and grow together than through drama!
Two companies of actors: Company (Years 7–10) and Studio (Years 11–13).
- Small groups, capped at sixteen per group.
- A scripted theatre show every year
- Working directors with real industry experience
- Termly feedback on request.
- Unique 3-term curriculum tailored to each group to include devising their own work, specialist skills like acting for camera and performances.
- LAMDA classes available on request
We also run highly popular Musical Theatre groups for ages 8 – 11 and 12 – 15 together with our acting only group for junior actors. Check out Also at YAG.
Our core beliefs
Three things, and we don’t budge on them.
Teenagers have amazing and unique voices. Let’s listen to them!
A rehearsal room is a powerful place to share and explore ideas that social media doesn’t allow for. No judgement, no emojis. We deal with the truth, together.
Acting is a craft, not a personality test.
You don’t need to be “outgoing.” You don’t need to be “a natural.” You don’t need previous experience. You need to want to do the work. The rest is technique, and we teach that.
The ensemble is the point.
We don’t rank. We don’t cast favourites. We don’t do star vehicles. The work happens between people, and the company is what makes it possible. That’s why our groups are capped at sixteen.
Our team
Working actors, writers and theatre-makers.
Ben Murray-Watson
Founder and Director
Ben has worked with young people from a number of different backgrounds and for a number of different organisations over the last 20 years. He is a passionate advocate of creative subjects in education and has seen 1st hand on numerous occasions how studying drama benefits young people. Ben launched The Young Actors Group out […]
Holly Ray
Branch Director and Marketing
Holly is a professional actor, singer, dancer, choreographer and teacher with experience in theatre, film, music, and dance. She has been a member of YAG for over 10 years and is consistently loved, appluded and celebrated by all students and parents who have the privilege of workng alongisde her. Holly has taught all disciplines for […]
“Max has had an amazing time and been really keen to come each week!”