Testimonials
Melinda Macdonald
"Just when i thought i'm done and dusted with acting Carl Drake comes along! And guides me through Intuitive Acting. All the acting technique i've absorbed over the years took a back seat and ate takeaways.
The simplicity with how this works is something you have to experience at any Actor level".
Anaia Barnett
“It was truly a breath of fresh air to engage in the Y Method after having attended many acting classes over the years. To be given permission to stop trying to second-guess how a casting agent "wants me to act", and instead focus on genuine connection (and what that means) was like finally being able to breathe.
Carl holds a safe space to unleash yourself and find truth in the moment.
Very refreshing.”
Isabella Falconer
“One acting lesson with Carl completely changed how I approached my craft. The teacher introduced a technique and thought process that made perfect sense to my brain. As someone who is neurodivergent, I often find traditional approaches stressful or confusing, but this lesson gave me a way to approach acting that feels logical, accessible, and freeing. It has taken so much pressure off my process and allowed me to connect with my acting in a way that genuinely makes sense. I can’t recommend it enough! I went from confused and unsure to owning auditions and now booking roles.”
Loki Smythe
“Carl is someone who has deeply inspired me in his attitude. His attitude towards the arts, towards coaching, towards life in general. Most teachers might say something that resonates with you every so often - as long as you're patient and engaged enough - but with Carl it feels like I'm making realisations every few minutes. Urgent realisations that my mind has been begging to put together subconsciously. Things I felt I always knew but couldn't put to words.
His approach is in the moment, his passion is infectious, and his admiration for human behaviour showcases his emotional intelligence in a way that I've never seen before first-hand. Sometimes it's as if he can sense that I'm falling into a new emotional state before I've even registered it as such. I often find he'll understand why I'm feeling the way I am or why I'm saying something before I've gotten the rest of the thought out of my mouth.
He's a bit of a mind reader, that Carl. I still remember one time when a new student got into class. She began subtly controlling authentic emotions that came up in order to shape a character. I'm not sure if anyone else picked up on her doing this. When Carl softly asked, "Did sadness come up for you there briefly?" to paraphrase, I still remember her going wide-eyed and blurting, "How are you so in my head!?" The room erupted into laughter, because we all knew how she felt. There's a vulnerability to showing that authentic side of ourselves and our emotions, but Carl sees that and proves time and time again that it's our biggest strength.
I'm eternally grateful that I found Carl when I did. I feel like I have grown monumentally as an actor and artist over the last few years, that goes without saying. However, what I couldn't have initially prepared for, was how much he would influence me as a person. His calm and caring example is one I live by. His willingness to learn with others and make connections from anyone in the room, actively looking out for everyone emotionally and making sure they realise they are enough. I look forward to seeing Carl and falling into the groups' collective imagination every week. I'm so glad to be a part of everyone's individual journey, and I'm beyond proud to call Carl my coach and mentor.”
Peter Feeney
“Carl possesses a rare talent. I’ve seen the shift that he has wrought in an actor.
It’s fundamental; a gear change into the kind of nuanced, subtle work that brings out the full personality and resources of the actor – and books work.
I recommend his classes unreservedly.”
Jennifer Onyeiwu
“Carl’s mind is an exciting playground for artistry. As an actor, I’ve been wanting to find more authenticity, joy, and instinct in my work. With unique and fresh approaches, not only does he facilitate that in my acting but also in my life. Life imitates art, isn’t that how it goes?
Carl’s empathy, intelligence, and humour knows no bounds.
It’s a real privilege to be directed by someone at Carl’s calibre time after time; and he’s only going up!
Thank you for your continued guidance and making acting joyful and exciting. I look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate.”