We have SOOOOO many lovely testimonials! Click the blue links here to skip down this page to the particular testimonials for the courses/services that interest you, or scroll down the page and read them all!
- Adult Acting, advanced and beginner level, as well as the Six Month Actor Training and Acting for Camera courses.
- Youth & Teen Drama
- Screenwriting and Directing Actors for Film
- Customised Corporate Training and Public Speaking
- Learn English Through Drama
Adult Acting with Kathleen Warner Yeates
“Walking through the doors of the Abbey (Now Flying Turtle Productions) literally changed my life. It introduced me to a world of creativity I didn’t know existed and I got to meet great people and began to develop my craft in a safe environment. Kathleen sets the tone, calm, inviting and encouraging. I’ll be forever grateful to her.”
John Connors, Actor/Writer/Producer, IFTA Winner Best Actor in a Leading Role – Film 2018, Patrick in Love/Hate, Cardboard Gangsters, & IFTA Winner 2018 for Best Documentary
“When it comes to Kathleen Warner Yeates, it is easy to talk about her influence on me as an actor. She taught (and continues to) show me new, exciting and scary ways to approach this art, she will push you in directions and make you ask questions with and about your character you would not think to go, do or ask. She is a true professor of the art, I look forward to a day when I can humbly share a stage or screen with her”
Robbie Walsh, Award winning Actor, Director, Writer, Producer, Love Hate, Michael Inside, Eden, The Letters
“I signed on to take the Advanced Adult Acting Course with Kathleen thinking it would be a ‘refresher’, as I already had nearly twenty years of stage experience. But ‘refresher’ does not capture the depth and breadth of what you learn from Kathleen. Since then, I have taken Acting for the Camera, the Six-Month Actor Training, Scene Study, and other workshops, and worked with her in her roles as a stage and film director and script developer (“The Love Electric”, at Smock Alley). I continue to be amazed at her knowledge, her immense capacity for bringing out the very best in each and every performer, and her infinite patience. She is that rare being – a talent in her own right who shares her knowledge of the craft as an effective and compelling teacher. If you want to identify your own talent or refine it or perfect it – no matter where you are on the spectrum of the actor’s journey – take some lessons from Kathleen. You will learn so much.“
Megan Day, Actor/Screenwriter/Playwright, Seen & Heard Festival, Dublin
“I cannot recommend Kathleen highly enough. Having completed two courses with the Abbey School of Drama (now Flying Turtle Productions), I would relish the opportunity of working with Kathleen again in any capacity. Kathleen is not only a hugely talented actor and teacher, she also possesses a generosity of spirit and altruism that makes her an absolute pleasure to be around. I consider myself lucky to have both been taught by her and to count her among my friends.”
Alan Buckley, Actor/Writer, Dublin
“Kathleen was been a primary tutor of mine whilst I studied at The Abbey School of Drama for The 6 Month Acting Course and The Advanced Actors Scene study in 2011 and 2013. Her attention to detail, positive direction and warm personality really helped me throughout these courses, as I discovered a lot about the craft and discipline of acting which I had not known prior to training with her. Kathleen is tremendously personable, and a lot of time was given to me finding which roles I would be suitable for, and where my casting profile rested. A very big component of these courses is finding pieces which are relatable to who you are and where your strongest attributes can be found as an actor. Kathleen went above and beyond to help you access these components.
A great deal of exposure was also provided by the showcases she presented at the end of every course which allowed casting directors and industry professionals to come and watch you. I would highly recommend Kathleen as a tutor as there is it will only provide more substantial and necessary experience for actors, but it will also make you progress artistically.”
Brian Gilligan, Professional Actor/Singer. Deco in The Commitments, London West End, Abbey National Theatre, Lion King with Disney World Tour, and more!
“The best decision I ever made throughout my Actor Training and Development was to sign up with Kathleen Warner Yeates, Director of Flying Turtle Productions (formerly Abbey School of Drama). I studied Advanced Performance 6-Month Actor Training as well as 7 weeks Acting for Camera. Kathleen is one of the rare Teachers and Acting Coaches that lives and works from the heart and it shows in everything she does. The courses are well structured and enjoyable, her classes have a purpose, destination and a goal. There is written course material, references to specific acting methods as well as various specialised guest speakers apart from the weekly scene work. Every session is well prepared and thought through and every week is an improvement of your skills. Kathleen puts her heart and soul into these classes, going the extra mile to coach individual students if they are struggling with something always making time for individual needs. She loves what she is doing and that is transmitted onto her students and the result at the end of each course is most rewarding. I can wholeheartedly recommend Kathleen Warner Yeates as a Drama Teacher and her team at Flying Turtle Productions for your creative needs. I am always looking for further opportunities to go back for another course with her.”
Dagmar Baar, Actor, Dublin
“Almost a year into to my studies and I’ve not looked back once! With a fantastic work ethic and ethos instilled from day one Kathleen has brought me on leaps, and bounds in both acting and stage confidence! Highly recommended! 5*****!
James O’Connell, Actor/Screenwriter, Dublin
Six-month Actor Training
“Exceptional experience – the 6 month actor training course I found to be just tremendous. It is nothing like any training course I have completed before. Kathleen has designed this course for each individual actor to find their own personal character and ability, which in turn allows different acting qualities to shine through, resulting in terrific performances to ensue. Kathleen is an extremely hard worker and therefore expects the same for all aspiring actors who do the course. In a word – marvellous.”
Edel Godfrey, Dublin
“I worked with Kathleen at the Abbey School of Drama on the Six Month Acting Course in 2014. Kathleen’s bubbly personality creates a positive work environment and a place where you feel comfortable to take risks as an actor. She is very encouraging and supportive and dares you to challenge yourself as a performer. Kathleen is extremely hardworking and went above and beyond with her directions and insight into our Scene Studies.
Kathleen’s knowledge of the industry and how it works provided me with all the information I needed to know about agents, CVs and headshots. Subsequently to the Six Month Acting Course Kathleen has helped me a lot with preparing for auditions. All her help has been invaluable and I have come out as a more disciplined and confident actor. I cannot recommend Kathleen and Abbey School of Drama enough. 5*.”
Annemarie Gallagher, Actor, London
“Six month acting course is an experience that will live long in my memory. It inspired me to rethink the way I plan and present my work.”
Philip Dillon, Actor, Dublin
“For a part time course this offers the depth and breadth of learning and experience of a full time course through a combination of thoughtful student selection, deep course content and a challenging calendar of classes and performances. This course is for a serious acting student wishing to deepen their understanding of the acting process while also gaining on-stage experience, including the challenge of performing an entirely improvised show.
The final performance is a great experience and offers exposure to industry professionals at each night of the show. For novice actors this serves as an introduction and for those already working professionally it gives them an opportunity display breadth and range of their skills to those who represent and cast professional actors in Ireland. I personally got called for my first commercial casting as a direct result of the final showcase. (Now just to nail those auditions…!)”.
Louise O’Toole, Dublin
“I enjoyed the six-month actor training course so much that once wasn’t enough – I took the course in 2010 and again in 2014. Kathleen’s knowledge and expertise, coupled with her warmth and sense of fun, make for a wonderful creative environment. Our weekly classes and our extra rehearsals became safe, comfortable spaces for exploration, active learning, discovery and making great friends! I have wonderful memories from our classes and performances, and I’d give this course my highest recommendation.”
Shanna Ní Rabhartaigh, Dublin
“A wonderful creative space to grow in confidence and explore the art and craft of acting…..not to mention a great place to meet like minded people and have some fun while learning…..would totally recommend Kathleen with her work ethic and courses to further enhance anyones skills……5 star all round!”
Edward J. Kelly, Dublin
“I love the Abbey School of Drama / Flying Turtle Productions and have been enjoying some of their top drama classes for the past several years. I have worked with some amazingly talented drama facilitators who have not only enhanced my acting skills but encouraged and enabled my confidence in live performing. In particular, I love working with Kathleen Warner Yeates who has taught me a deeper level of understanding acting than I thought possible.
What I love about Kathleen is the attention to detail she puts into everyone’s performance and her boundless enthusiasm and care which results in students’ delivering a level of performance even they didn’t realise they were capable of. I consider Kathleen to be a good friend and one of the most intelligent, interesting and caring people I know. Kathleen’s love of drama is contagious. There are a wide variety of courses available to suit every level and ability and even those who start off feeling nervous or intimated end up feeling confident and capable and nearly all, if not all, are quick to sign up for another course. Highly recommend it!”
Julie Dean, Dublin
“I found the 6 month advanced acting course a great learning experience. Kathleen develops your talents as an actor and makes you realise your potential. Highly recommended.”
Gary Deasy, Dublin
“This 6 -month adult training course was really enriching. Kathleen knows how to combine levels in drama and how to adapt her teaching to what you need to learn. Improvisation, body in motion, imitation, discovering of the basics of articulation and a deep work on your emotional issues embodies the Abbey School of Drama. You can also work on Shakespeare and many other famous playwrights. Besides, the training is imbued with a nice atmosphere and a loving kindness. So if you are shy or introvert, go on !”
Yohan Mabit, France
“My time with Kathleen at the Abbey School of Drama was incredibly rewarding! Not only did I gain skills in performance and theater techniques, but my confidence has also greatly improved. I cannot recommend this course highly enough for anyone with an interest in acting. Kathleen is a thorough, patient teacher and a wonderful leader. The experience working with individuals who have so much in common is amazing and a learning experience in itself. I have finished this course feeling like a new person who is much better equipped to deal with the world of professional acting.”
Clare McKervey, Fermanagh
Adult courses – Beginner level
“This class was one of the highlights of my week! I looked forward to a couple of hours of leaving the real world, being silly, laughing, feeling comfortable being uncomfortable. Absolutely loved it and would do it again any time!” (Improvisation)
Antonia Caraveteanu, Dublin
“The Drama Sampler Zoom class was great fun. It was very interactive and I learned a lot. It was a small group so there was plenty of time for each person to ask questions, perform and get feedback. Kathleen is a brilliant teacher – she explains things in a practical way and can adapt the class material depending on people’s experience level. I’d really recommend her classes.”
Órla Ryan, Dublin
“I started with the 5 week Public speaking for Non Actors course at the start of the year which I thoroughly enjoyed and decided it wasn’t going to end there so I went and completed the 3 week drama sampler. And now I have just finished the 8 week Adult drama for fun course. All under the instruction of the amazing Kathleen Warner Yeates!
It’s really built up my confidence both on a personal and professional level and I can’t recommend it enough. Everyone (even your parish priest) should do these courses especially if you’re a believer in work life balance and want to get out of your comfort zone! I’m definitely not the same person I was when I arrived to the public speaking course on that cold Wednesday evening back in January. Thanks for everything Kathleen and to everyone else I met on the three courses.”
Mark McPartlan, Dublin
Adult Acting for Camera
“I took the 7 week Acting for Camera course to work on my confidence on camera. I had previous camera training and experience in film and commercials but had come back to auditioning after a hiatus and felt rigid and nervous on camera. The class was capped at 10 students which was perfect, and everyone received some on-camera time each week, followed by viewing and constructive comments. In just 7 short weeks we all improved as actors and got a better idea of what works and doesn’t work for us. We even learned a couple of monologues to boot. Kathleen has both an organic and structured approach to acting, which speaks well to many different types of learners.
I have since gone for on-camera auditions for ads and even a major feature film, and the difference in my confidence is palpable. I highly recommend this course and other courses with Kathleen and Flying Turtle productions. “
Georgia Snow, Actor, Dublin
“If you are an actor starting out, or returning to this world after a break doing something else, then ‘Acting for Camera’ is the perfect choice of short course for you! Kathleen’s 7 week course is fun, informative, educational and covers all sorts of topics including how to put together a CV, build a show reel, land that audition and find that agent. She is supportive and encouraging and most of all the classes are a blast! Small numbers mean that every actor gets individual attention and you get a chance every week to see your before/after acting on camera with really good direction to improve your skills each week. Location is super, too! Thanks Kathleen!”
Karen Meenan, Actor, Dublin
“I took the Adult Acting For Camera course to work on my confidence in front of camera. Although I had experience of working on camera in a long running soap, I always felt like I was jumping on to a speeding bus. However after the 7 weeks with Kathleen I had a much clearer view about what the whole process of filming is all about. That gave me a better insight as to what my role as an actor was in the scheme of things. The class comprised of ten pupils this meant that everyone got individual attention each week.
Kathleen is a mine of information and the help I got with regards to creating a CV, a Show reel and her advice about auditions was priceless. I would recommend this course to anyone wither you intend to follow a career in acting or not , the confidence you will gain will stand to you in all walks of life. I enjoyed every moment of the experience and thank you to all the people on the course. A special thank you to Kathleen Warner Yeates I will dedicate my first Oscar to you.”
Michael Carroll, Actor, Dublin
“The Acting for Camera course with Kathleen was really beneficial for me. I’ve gained a huge amount of confidence from this course and feel so much more comfortable being in front of the camera now. It gave me an opportunity to learn many different areas about the acting industry, as well as allowing me the chance to get used to working in front of the camera. Each week Kathleen brings so much life and energy to all of her classes and this translates over to everyone else. My time with Flying Turtle Productions was really enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to pursue acting or just looking to gain more self confidence.”
Kenneth Swords, Dublin
Public Speaking
This was a fantastic public speaking course. I would highly recommend it to anyone, but particularly those who have a fear of speaking in public. The approach is based on lots of practice in a friendly environment. I have attended other public speaking courses and this was by far the most effective approach. She allows individual speakers to work to their own existing strengths, which was so important in making me realize that nobody can or should conform to some kind of ‘ideal’ which does not actually exist. You focus on your own abilities and the areas you want to improve upon and so every practice and every piece of feedback is relevant to the individual. She generated a warm, welcoming and lively environment.
This course was absolutely instrumental in my getting over a crippling fear. I can’t recommend this course enough!”
Ciara Boylan, Dublin
“Like almost everybody, I have a fear for public speaking and for years I had planned to do a Public Speaking course but always found a reason not to do it. … So at the very last minute I phoned Kathleen Warner Yeates asking “if there were any places left in next week’ 5 Week Public Speaking Class” hoping she would say “sorry it is full” but she informed me “yes, there was availability”… I am a middle aged man and was fearful of the rest of the class would be young twenty year olds but to my surprise they were not, there was a great mix of ages.
Our teacher was just brilliant, very understanding and she immediately made all of us feel at ease. So after the initial short introductions, she started her work/training. Week upon week I could see all candidates including myself becoming more confident and before I knew it, the 5 week course was finished, it flew in. I cannot recommend the course enough, an amazing lady with the abilities to get you to believe in yourself and to act/perform because that is what Public Speaking is all about “Belief & Performance.”
Thomas J. Kelly, Dublin
“Dear Kathleen,
This email to let you know that I “tested” the content of the course with an official presentation to 50+ people. It was work related, and it was a presentation during the Sub Region summit we do every 2 weeks. I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare the presentation (layout-wise), but I owned the content really well. I was able to modulate the tone of the voice, to keep the eye-contact with people, to make them laugh, to show to be sure about what I was saying.
People were so excited that congratulated with me unsolicitedly 🙂 (even over the weekend I met a colleague randomly). At least 4+ different teams ask me for some additional details and follow-ups afterwards… Thanks a lot!”
Luca Casablanca, Dublin
“How could I have imagined that I was going to be so lucky to find the perfect course. I have to thank Ann and the rest of the group for this amazing journey. I see things now from a different point of view. I have seen myself doing presentations and actually enjoying doing them. Ann is just fantastic. She creates a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a mix of kindness and knowledge. She makes the class fun and entertaining. Everything flows naturally and you learn so much with the exercises and feedback. Even although I am Spanish I felt completely involved and there was no obstacle because of the language. Join this course it is one of the best thing I ever did for myself. I completely recommend it.”
Virginia Rumbao Real, Dublin
Screenwriting with Barry McEvoy
Ronika Merl, Dublin
“Have you ever wanted to build on an idea you had for a feature length movie or a TV series and never taken it to the next level? I have! And I did! This Screenwriting course hosted by Flying Turtle Productions with the inimitable Barry McEvoy as tutor, is by far, the best, no holds barred, peel it right back creative Screenwriting course I’ve ever taken. It’s intense, enjoyable and most of all rewarding beyond compare. I would highly recommend you take it if you are serious about furthering your Screenwriting prospects! Do it!”
James O’Connell, Dublin
“I took Barry’s 6 week Introduction to Screenwriting course recently as I was intrigued by the approach he describes in his outline. I had done a couple of screenwriting courses previously but that left me feeling kind of flat, drained out and disillusioned. I was amazed at how formulaic the whole process had become.I couldn’t see the point in writing to comply with a checklist. Where’s the joy in that? No joy means no passion. No passion means no creativity. And absent all 3 means no point. Why bother trying to tell a story to a tickbox. But Barry’s approach takes no hero’s journey. Instead he just says put the thumbscrews on your chief schmuck and see how he/she reacts. Maybe they will surprise everybody, including themselves. Maybe they will turn out to be a stand up guy/gal. Or not. Maybe they should just remain seated. The point is nobody knows till they do. Life is unpredictable. Just ask a physicist or your mother. This willingness to embrace the principle of uncertainty is so refreshing. It’s like putting the wolves back in Yellowstone and seeing what happens. They could eat the tourists or reboot the ecosystem (the latter as it turns out). But this commitment to the importance of uncertainty for the creative process is such an essential ingredient to liberating the story in Barry’s approach. It allows that tension to dwell in the undecided moments before the world becomes what it does and right there I think is where creation happens. It is never random. It is chaos. And chaos operates according to an implicate order. Barry knows this both intuitively and explicitly. He operates from a well thought through framework of guiding principles born of a lifetime’s experience in the world he deals with. He is steeped in storytelling, in the love of it, in the joy of it, in the fun and the passion of it. It oozes from his very pores. His stories about storytelling are littered with nuggets of the real world of makebelieve, vivid, informative and entertaining . There are years of experiences there which he can reach into to match almost any scenario. And while he has a pure wild twinkle in his eye he also has an eagle eyed attention to details that count. That’s the other refreshing thing about his style. He is not a nit picker. He knows how not to kill the learner’s enthusiasm but he is very clear about the lines that should not be crossed. Doing this course has renewed my faith in storytelling about a world that looks and behaves like the one i live in; unpredictable, ambiguous, nuanced, risky, funny and fraught. Not a freeze framed checklist to be ticked off to the sound of elevator muzak as Barry might, in fact did, say. So thank you for showing me all is not lost Barry McEvoy.”
Tommy Hughes, Dublin
“I tried the 6 week course with Barry and loved it, I continued on to do the advanced course. Barry made the rules simple and easily understandable while valuing and encouraging the individuality of each of us in the class. All I have to do now is finish my film script.”
Aideen McBride, Writer, Dublin
“I was introduced to Barry McEvoy, through Kathleen Warner Yeates and I haven’t looked back. I am an Author and have written two books. Both books were true stories about my life, so I never had to use my imagination. That all changed when I met Barry McEvoy. He’s the type of guy who will open your eyes to an imaginary world. I have just completed my first screen play and I hope to write many more. If you want to do a course that will change your life, look no further. Barry McEvoy, good teacher, good guy, good on you Barry.”
Paul Keany, Author/Screenwriter
“Whether an actor tired of the underdeveloped female character in every Irish television and film script, a novelist or playwright hoping to see your characters move to the big screen, an avid television or film fan thinking “I could do that” or just someone looking to challenge themselves creatively – this screenwriting course offers something for everyone.
While script and screenwriting can be formulaic and is often taught in this way, Barry begins by instilling the important factors of inspiration, character and writing a genre that you really would like to watch. The course moves on to also impart the knowledge of how to write, format and edit a script to develop a professional finished product but it is the emphasis on the creative, storytelling and character development that distinguishes this course from anything you could subscribe to online or read in a book. The advanced class is not for the fainthearted as the homework comes in hard and fast but the personal critique, feedback and advice is the type of input money can’t usually buy.
The final public performance of excerpts of the students’ original scripts by professional actors organised by Barry and Kathleen exceeded all expectations. Seeing and hearing the work performed providing even more inspiration to continue writing long after the course ends. For someone who hadn’t written creatively in 18 years I have been well and truly bitten by the screenwriting bug!”
Louise O’Toole, Dublin
“I had no previous writing experience whatsoever and was just looking for something to help get me started. Barry was so welcoming and supportive, & is really committed and passionate about bringing out the best in his students. It was amazing to see my writing performed on the final night. If you want to develop your writing skills in a supportive environment & have some really good fun along the way – I cannot recommend this course highly enough!!
Marian Ryan, Dublin
“The techniques I have learned during this course instantly improved my writing. Barry has a great way of getting you to write about things you love and makes it a pleasure to do homework. A really fun and interesting course.”
Gary Deasy
“Fabulous course! Will get you in the zone writing.”
Erin Thornton Zhurkin
“…. I just wanted to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed the class. It’s the only class I’ve ever been a part of where I’m not looking at the clock waiting for it to end! It’s been the highlight of my week for the past five weeks and I’m very much looking forward to the ten week class. “
Fearghal Traynor, Dublin
Customised Corporate Training
“This course was a real gem! I participated with all the senior female leaders in my team and it worked on a number of different levels: great team building, really practical tips on using your voice and posture whilst presenting and finally the added value of building confidence around communicating in a genuine way as a female leader in what can often be male dominated settings. I highly recommend. “
Fionnuala Meehan, Head of Google Ireland, VP EMEA Google Marketing Solutions,
“I came to Kathleen with some experience as a business owner seeking to improve the quality of my delivery in online video promotion. We spent a few hours in her Dublin studio, working to increase my connection to the audience through the camera, refining my vocal delivery, clarify the intention of my upcoming promotion and rehearsing the scenarios that were envisioned for the shoot. I highly recommend Kathleen for anyone seeking to improve their on-camera delivery. She is experienced, knowledgeable and supportive. Her guidance helped me to crystalize my performance on camera.”
Lulu O’Sullivan, Founder at The Irish Store and Gifts Direct, EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist 2019.
“I have collaborated with Kathleen for many years over different organisations and would highly recommend her expertise and rare talent to bring the best out of people under the wide umbrella of communication. Specifically, Kathleen has helped develop team members with vocal delivery, pitch, capturing the attention of a room, confidence building and improving clarity of delivery. Kathleen would have used camera and online tools to facilitate playback/feedback which was very well received by all participants and consistently delivered outstanding results.”
Mark O’Neill, CEO at DS Biopharma
“I recently worked with Kathleen as part of a public speaking course and found her to be an excellent tutor/mentor. Kathleen displayed years of experience and knowledge in running the course and made everyone feel at ease which ensured that there was a “safe space” created for people to practice and learn. Kathleen passed on some excellent tips and tools to help relieve pre-speaking tension and nerves and this was really invaluable. I’d highly recommend Kathleen to anyone who is looking to undertake or run similar courses.”
Paul Moroney, Partner at PwC Ireland
“I had been apprehensive, but was very impressed by the lead-in, then the practical approach and critiques… For me, it covered all I needed… the trainer was super. (Public Speaking: Find Your Voice course with Kathleen Warner Yeates through Broadly Speaking)
Lorraine Curran, Parliamentary Assistant, Oireachtas
“The Broadly Speaking workshop taught me to trust myself to cope with pressurized public speaking. I am far more natural and beginning to enjoy it! “(Public Speaking: Find Your Voice with Kathleen Warner Yeates)
Deirdre Smith, Green Point Consulting and Independent Director
“Kathleen organised a fantastic acting/improv class! Through effective warming up exercises she was able to get the whole group involved and engaged. The resulting improv sketches were hilarious and the team absolutely loved it! Thanks Kathleen!”
Bob van Winden, Vendor Manager, Google
“The day was very useful. Being a skillful and engaging public speaker is a work skill that can be very important but is often overlooked in the day-to-day haste. Most people can improve at public speaking by working on it, thinking about it and practising. I also enjoyed meeting women from other fields of work and professions, which enhanced the experience.” (Public Speaking: Find Your Voice course with Kathleen Warner Yeates through Broadly Speaking).
Ann-Marie Power, Editor or Entertainment and Music, RTÉ Radio
Teen Acting
“When I first joined Flying Turtle Productions, I immediately knew it was the place for me. With warm teachers and engaged students, I felt right at home in the environment Kathleen Warner Yeates has created. I am so thrilled to be a part of such an incredible group, and look forward to every Saturday so I can do what I love and create with my fellow students and Annmarie. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of such a wonderful course, and I look forward to next term!”
Rebecca Locke, Dublin
“For anyone in Dublin wanting to get involved in acting, Flying Turtle Productions is the place to go. The instructors are kind, knowledgeable and passionate, and they all helped me to flourish as an actor and to build my creativity. But my time at Flying Turtle Productions also helped me to grow as a person. The performances in an actual theatre in front of an audience at the end of each term helped me to build my confidence and self-esteem, and the interaction with like minded peers helped to me make many lifelong friends.”
Oz Russell, Dublin
“Acting was always something I wanted to try as a child, I was lucky enough that my mum found Flying Turtle, a place I now consider a second home. I had always loved creating stories, characters and places and Flying Turtle Productions gave me the confidence and the space to explore these ideas every Saturday. Guided by well trained instructors who encourage you to open your mind and just go for it, myself and my peers were able to create truly wonderful, hilarious and sometimes tragic stories, that we were then able to put on stage and show our friends and families with pride what we had created. Ten years and dozens of productions later, it is still my favourite part of my week and helped me flourish into the young adult I am today. Even if acting isn’t necessarily what you want to pursue, Flying Turtle can definitely surprise you with how much you’ll enjoy it. At Flying Turtle you can build your confidence, self esteem, acting ability and meet fantastic people from all over that can often become brilliant friends you keep for life. The connections I’ve made there will stay with me forever and I’m very grateful for the opportunities the school has given from a professional standpoint. Thanks to Kathleen, Annmarie and all the other instructors I’ve met along the way, I am now pursuing acting as a career.”
Ella Mooney, Dublin
Youth Drama
‘I have only wonderful things to say about Flying Turtle productions. My son, now 18 years old started taking drama classes with Kathleen at the age of 8 and we have just recently enrolled his younger brothers. Kathleen’s approach is very child centred and every child is given a voice and a chance to shine. Kathleen really listens to the kids and plays to each individuals strengths. The kids are very much part of the whole creative experience. From writing to staging to performing. This is no stage school. All of the productions are completely original. My son was challenged and stretched creatively and he gained so much confidence. For this I cannot thank Kathleen and her colleagues enough. She was always so kind and supportive and my son loved going to his classes every week.’
Nicky Russell, Dublin
“My 8 year old daughter wanted to do acting…not dance or singing just pure acting. I found many places that combined music and dance with drama but eventually found Kathleen and Flying Turtle youth drama. It was the perfect fit and the best find ever. 10 years later and the now 18 year old is in a Drama Foundation Course and still attending Flying Turtle. It was the most creative, worthwhile, enjoyable activity of her childhood into teen years. My son also went 8 -11 years. He loved it too. They learned how to devise and create plays with their group and an amazing tutor and produced wonderful pieces with themes both fun and dealing with their issues growing up. They became more confident and skilled, so much so they were chosen for two professional opportunities in a national TV ad and educational video which they loved doing. I cannot recommend Kathleen and Flying Turtle Drama more……………this was the best find as a parent looking for a wonderful creative outlet for their child. Thank you Kathleen!”
Nikki Brennan, Dublin
“My three children have been attending weekly classes in Flying Turtle Productions for the last 5 years. In the classes there’s a big focus on using their imagination and building their confidence and I’ve seen a big change in my children in this regard over the years. My oldest son was very reserved at the age of 7 (which is why we initially started the class) and at age 12 he’s confident and outgoing. When developing the plays, the children come up with the ideas themselves and create a devised original drama under the guidance of a skilled and experienced facilitator. The result is entertaining, map-cap and highly engaging. I’d highly recommend these classes.”
Kate Conran, Dublin
“I would like to thank Lisa and Kathleen for the great work they do teaching and encouraging the youth drama. My daughter Lucy has really enjoyed the drama classes and the final performance was a great day for all of us . It’s wonderful to see them performing so confidently on stage and enjoying themselves thoroughly!”
Eileen Buckley, Dublin
“We were looking for a drama class for our daughter – not a stage school, but a workshop class that was about working together as an ensemble, sharing ideas back and forth, and letting imaginations run wild. Flying Turtle’s classes are perfect. Gemma is wonderful – she creates an environment where the children feel totally secure and confident throwing in ideas and trying out new things. Even over these last few months, on Zoom, she’s somehow managed to keep the ensemble feel of the class and keep them all completely engaged. And our daughter comes out of every class laughing and saying, ‘That was SO MUCH FUN!'” – Tana Walsh, Dublin
Learn English Through Drama
with Miriam Stewart
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Kathleen Warner Yeates as Actor (press reviews on link)
“As a working and active director and producer (and former ICM Agent), I have seen my share of actresses but I have to say Kathleen is one of the best actresses I have ever had the pleasure of watching. She has a huge heart and uses it in her work, which can not help but affect and engage the audience intensely. Her authenticity, precision and spirit has few peers. I can’t wait to work with her again.”
Jim Jermanok, Film Writer, Director, Producer, New York City
“I recently directed Kathleen as an actor on a short improvisational film project. Kathleen is an incredible artist to work and collaborate with, with an incredible emotional range and an intricate and highly impressive knowledge of her craft. As I learned very quickly on the production Kathleen’s ability to improvise and push a scene dramatically is second to none. I would recommend Kathleen to anyone looking to work with an astonishingly talented actor.”
Adam Rael, Film Director and Writer, Dublin
Kathleen Warner Yeates as Directing Actors for Film Specialist
“Kathleen’s knowledge and experience when it comes to developing characters is wonderful. Working with Kathleen we discussed casting techniques, and she helped provide key insight into how to bring out the best performance from film actors. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Kathleen and would recommend her to any director or production team.”
Marie-Elena Doyle, Director, Pull The Trigger Ireland Films, “Goodbye, Darling”
I contacted Kathleen when I was working on some very sensitive film work for a domestic violence charity. Kathleen was amazing to work with, she knew the right type and temperament of young person I needed to cast in some quite challenging roles. Kathleen also worked with the cast and I in rehearsals, working through difficult scenes and helping create very real emotions when required within in the actors without overworking or over-rehearsing, which is a very special talent.
Her approach to each character, scene and demand is extremely well gauged and her keen sense of collaboration within a working crew is invaluable to any production. I very much enjoyed working with Kathleen and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her!”
Niamh Heery, Company Director, Swansong Films
“During the pre-production stages of my short film, Kathleen provided in-depth analysis of the characters, suggestions on how to develop them and the best approach to casting. Kathleen’s knowledge and experience when it comes to developing characters is unrivalled. The main characters in this project were children and as a director who was working with kids for the first time I was nervous. Kathleen’s guidance and coaching help me to succeed in casting talented child actors, effectively execute fun and productive rehearsals and encourage the best performances from the actors on set. Kathleen was a fountain of knowledge when it came to coaching young actors, interacting with them and finding out the best ways to motivate their actions on screen.
I would be quick to recommend Kathleen to any Director or Production team looking to develop their characters and strengthen actors performances”.
Eleanor Walsh, Writer/Director, ‘Me Buddy Muhammad’
“Kathleen was a huge help to me during the auditioning process. I had never auditioned children before and didn’t realise just how crucial it is to talk to them in a certain way. Her tips and tricks were a massive help to me in finding my actors, a process which would have been much longer without her input and expertise.”
Eimear Callaghan, Director “Groundless“: Winner Best First Short Drama – Galway Film Fleadh 2016
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