The course so far has been fantastic..I decided to try a YAFTA evening class taster just a couple of weeks shy of my 50th birthday. Having done amateur dramatics for a number of years I was keen to explore how performing in front of a camera compared to my experience of a live audience. With expert guidance and critique that boosted my confidence the sessions soon became the highlight of my week.

It was over coffee with a fellow student that I first discussed the possibility of doing the diploma but I wasn’t sure if I could afford it or manage to fit the training around full time work. Shortly after this I attended a workshop where I performed a two part script to a leading soap director-playing opposite an actress who was then doing the diploma course and has now recently been cast in Emmerdale. It was here that the idea of doing the diploma really took root and it wasn’t long before I was in discussion with YAFTA to thrash out terms…and at the beginning of February this year I was on the coach to Leeds to start my first all day session.

My friends and colleagues have noticed the spring in my step and sense of purpose as after years of floundering I’m finally pursuing my dreams. I can’t recommend the YAFTA diploma highly enough.

The tutors are both friendly and supportive whilst keeping you focussed and enthused. Also, my fellow students are nothing short of lovely; with differences of age and background crumbling beneath the weight of shared ambition.