From Nickelodeon and Disney, to film, Broadway and beyond, we have developed a curriculum designed with the working actor in mind. Our staff of professional actors teach everything from audition technique and booking the job to set etiquette and managing career goals. So many of our students work because they are prepared by working professionals who know how to prepare to be successful in a difficult and competitive business. Take a look at what some of our students have to say:
Allie Thompson

“The classes and staff at YAW always help me grow as an actor and a person. The staff puts so much effort into helping each and every student grow. I… Read more “Allie Thompson”
Erica Dade

“John is a wonderful teacher with a passion and knowledge of the craft. He is constructive and roots for us to keep improving our skills. Love that I am able… Read more “Erica Dade”
Jen Anderson

“We received a beautiful relationship with a village of professionals that would prove to have a profound impact on our daughter (and whole family) in a short amount of time.… Read more “Jen Anderson”
Isabel Loren

“For any actor that is interested in bettering themselves as an artist while also gaining meaningful insight of the industry, I highly recommend taking one of John’s workshops. He’s an… Read more “Isabel Loren”
Sandra Castillo

“John D’Aquino and his staff have been a true blessing. They go above and beyond to help kids grow in their craft and guide them in their development as careers… Read more “Sandra Castillo”
Lisa Harris

“My daughter, Megan started classes with John and his amazing coaches almost a year ago. The boost in her confidence and all around skill set is incredible. She loves every… Read more “Lisa Harris”
Andrea Judd

“John is amazing! His commitment to the whole actor and to the process, along with his positivity and guidance are heartfelt and make these actors GROW! My son always walks… Read more “Andrea Judd”
Sarah Noelle Eeastep

“I loved the Active Interrogation workshop. I learned that if you have questions in your head you think the character is asking, it changes the way you say the line.… Read more “Sarah Noelle Eeastep”
Kim Blake

“John is such an amazing coach! I love his active interrogation concept, it has helped me gain multiple callbacks and it makes me feel more attached to my work!”
Owen Atlas

“John D’Aquino has been a mentor to me. He and his staff have helped me and my mom navigate this business. I was lucky enough to book my first movie… Read more “Owen Atlas”
Jacob Perez

“John D’Aquino’s coaches, classes, workshops, and camps helped me prepare and book my first feature film. Their classes are always fun, I’m always learning new things, and they’re far from… Read more “Jacob Perez”
Noah Rico

“When I first enrolled I thought I knew a lot about acting but I quickly realized I was wrong! The whole staff helped me accomplish a big dream of mine.… Read more “Noah Rico”
Silas Mwenda

“Class with John is a breath of fresh air. I am originally from Kenya, Africa and after I moved to the US it has been hard to get on my… Read more “Silas Mwenda”
Kira Kosarin

So much of what I have accomplished is in at least some part owed to what I learned from John and Japheth. Camp Hollywood was especially important to my development… Read more “Kira Kosarin”
Judah Prehn

“John’s class is really fun. There is always something new, like a challenge. John is always there for you. No matter what class you are in you will always have… Read more “Judah Prehn”
Olive Kimbrell

I received the best training I think I’ve ever had. The instructors and other students and insanely welcoming, helpful, and supportive. I’ve known the community for a couple months but… Read more “Olive Kimbrell”
Siri Hiremath

I am very grateful for the Virtual Camp Hollywood, it was a great opportunity to meet very talented fellow artists from all over the country. I learned so much. Our… Read more “Siri Hiremath”
Molly Yates (Mom of Nora Yates)

Camp Hollywood was an absolute game changer for my daughter, Nora. It got way more in depth than any other class she has taken. The teachers assume the kids can… Read more “Molly Yates (Mom of Nora Yates)”
Chloe Schueller

Camp Hollywood was a blast! I learned so much about becoming a better actor at every level of my career. From making my resume professional to rocking the red carpet,… Read more “Chloe Schueller”
Tanya Lookadoo (mom of Avery Lookadoo)

JDYAW is such an amazing school! Our son was 7 years old when he decided he wanted to be an actor. We made the move to LA and then a friend… Read more “Tanya Lookadoo (mom of Avery Lookadoo)”
Richard Russell (dad of Tristan Russell)

John and coaches are the absolute best. John has been there for us from the beginning of this incredible journey sharing his insight, expert navigation and all the classes, camps,… Read more “Richard Russell (dad of Tristan Russell)”
Leah Prehn (mom of Judah Prehn)

We were introduced to John & Young Actor’s Workshop through my son’s manager and they are THE BEST. Everyone who works there is incredibly talented and accomplished – and they… Read more “Leah Prehn (mom of Judah Prehn)”
Waverley Lim

This studio provides students with a strong foundation of skills to make them feel prepared going into any audition or walking on to any set. The studio has amazing teachers… Read more “Waverley Lim”
Courtney Caparella-Kraemer (Mom of Reagan Kraemer)

My daughter has been a student at this school for over two years and John and all of the staff are the absolute best and always there to support the… Read more “Courtney Caparella-Kraemer (Mom of Reagan Kraemer)”
Julia Green

John and his team certainly go the extra mile to provide nothing but the best for their students. Each lesson is personalized and encouraging. The instructors always find a way… Read more “Julia Green”
Brody Ensor

John’s online workshops provide an advantage for all actors. Working on how to perform in a virtual format gives students the ability to be prepared for live virtual auditions, allowing… Read more “Brody Ensor”
Peyton Nebens

I have been working with John for a couple years and am so glad that I have. I have learned so much about acting and the dedication and the time… Read more “Peyton Nebens”
Meet Our Staff
John D’Aquino
Veteran actor and master teacher John D’Aquino (Cory in the House, NCIS, Dexter, Shake it Up, CSI, Hannah Montana, Seinfeld) founded YAW in 2006. His love for performing is surpassed… Read more “John D’Aquino”
Japheth Gordon
Japheth loves working with young actors. He currently privately coaches and teaches weekly classes including Improvisation, On-Camera, Audition Technique, Advanced Scene Study, Sketch Character Creation, and more. He has developed… Read more “Japheth Gordon”
Gloria Garayua
Gloria was born and raised in New York City and received her B.F.A. in acting from Long Island University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She speaks fluent Spanish, intermediate… Read more “Gloria Garayua”
Shane Brady
Shane Brady hails from Palm Harbor, FL and is a graduate of Florida State University. He is an avid hockey player and guitarist. Shane is a magician member of the… Read more “Shane Brady”
Carmen Scott
Carmen Scott is an actress, improviser, and producer. She is passionate about the use of meditation, yoga and improv as tools to enhance the human experience and the power of… Read more “Carmen Scott”
Emily Reas
Originally from Plano, Texas, Emily moved to Los Angeles after she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Texas State University. She worked as a Producer and… Read more “Emily Reas”
Paige Hullett
Born and raised in Indianapolis alongside her triplet sisters, Paige is a graduate of Elon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communications with a theatre minor. She studied Meisner… Read more “Paige Hullett”
Laura Jensen
Laura Jensen is a native New Yorker who attended The Manhattan School of Music from the age of nine through high school. She was later accepted into the Mannes College… Read more “Laura Jensen”
Spencer Frankeberger
Spencer Frankeberger is an actor/director from Florida currently living in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of iO West, Second City Hollywood, and ComedySportz LA. He is currently a member… Read more “Spencer Frankeberger”
Ryan Ackelsberg
Ryan Ackelsberg is our in-house cinematographer, editor, and graphic designer. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch Film program, he has shot and edited several independent film projects, both short-form and feature-length.… Read more “Ryan Ackelsberg”
Esther Ku
Esther Ku is a Korean-American stand-up comedian born and raised in Chicago. She honed her act at many of New York City’s comedy clubs and made her television debut as… Read more “Esther Ku”