Actor Daniel Fischer opens YAS Studio in February 2026, giving young people a creative home to explore acting, animation, filmmaking and photography.

Melbourne is about to gain its first dedicated multi-disciplinary youth screen studio, with the launch of YAS Studio in Kensington in February 2026. Construction on the new creative space is currently underway, with applications for Term 1 now open.

YAS Studio offers something Melbourne has never had: a single, purpose-built place where young people aged 8–18 can train in acting, animation, filmmaking and photography — choosing one discipline or exploring across all four.

This is the first time these creative pathways have existed together under one roof for young people in Victoria.

Filling a Gap Melbourne’s Creative Community Has Been Missing

While Melbourne is rich in arts culture, there has been no year-round space where young people can access filmmaking, animation or photography training outside school or expensive short courses.

This gap becomes especially clear every year during ATAR season.

“Every year we put enormous pressure on young people to decide what they want to do with their future — but how can they know what they’re passionate about if they’ve never had the chance to explore?” says founder Daniel Fischer.

“There is a whole generation of young creatives who haven’t been given access to filmmaking, animation or photography until they’re almost adults. YAS Studio exists to change that.”

Fischer saw this need during his years as Head of Engagement at Collarts, where he worked with thousands of young people by building creative outreach programs and leading industry partnerships with MIFF, ACMI, MIAF, Melbourne Fashion Week, and the Australian Photography Awards.

“Young people shouldn’t have to wait until tertiary study to discover what they’re truly passionate about,” Fischer says.

“Exploration is essential. Creativity shouldn’t be siloed.”

A Studio Designed for Exploration, Not Perfection

YAS Studio is founded on three values: Creativity. Confidence. Courage.

The emphasis is not on performance or output — but on identity, skill-building, imagination and bravery.

Classes are capped at 16 students, supporting individual attention and meaningful creative growth.

An Industry-Connected Teaching Team

YAS Studio’s teaching team includes:

Adrian Ortega — Award-Winning Filmmaker
Credits include Westgate: MIFF 2025, Cerulean blue: Stan in AUS & Amazon Prime in US/UK

Casey Longfield — Photographer & Creative Educator
10+ years experience

Oscar Ramos — Emerging Animation Artist
Trained under a creator of K-Pop Demon Hunters and working with a creative lead from Spider-Verse

Each educator brings both professional expertise and a youth-centred approach to mentorship.

A Purpose-Built Creative Space

The Kensington studio features:
• A flexible film + acting studio
• A photography + animation suite
• A collaborative breakout area
• A warm, welcoming reception
• Professional screen and camera equipment

“I wanted to build a space where young people feel safe to explore, take risks and express themselves, not a room that doubles as something else during the day — but a purpose-built home that inspires them from the moment they walk in the door,” Fischer says.

Holiday Intensives (From April 2026)

Featuring guest creatives including award-winning actors, filmmakers, animators and industry leaders with international and Oscar-nominated credits.

“I’ve had so many members of the industry reach out to me to say they want to teach a holiday workshop,” Fischer says.

“It’s been so lovely to hear how much everyone just wants to give back and support the next generation of creatives”.

A Purpose-Built Studio Accessible to Families Across Melbourne

Located in Kensington with easy access to public transport, major roads and inner-city connectors, YAS Studio is positioned to welcome young creatives from every corner of Melbourne.

The timetable has been intentionally designed to support families travelling after school or on weekends, ensuring the programs are as accessible as possible.

“We didn’t build this studio just for one postcode,” Fischer says.

“Creative young people are everywhere — and we want YAS Studio to be a place they can all reach and feel at home in.”

Applications Now Open here for Term 1, 2026

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