About Our Instructors

Patrick Day, Director

Patrick Day has been an instructor at Young Actors Space since 1993, joining its founders Diane Hill Hardin and Nora Eckstein. He is an alumni of the University of Southern California, earning his BA in Theatre with an emphasis on Directing. In his tenure at YAS, Mr. Day has taught and worked with literally hundreds of today's brightest young stars.

Mr. Day's teaching methodology is strongly rooted in 30 years of experience as a professional actor and teacher of the art. His method can be broken down into six core segments designed to create a truthful, intuitive performance: Analyze, Memorize, Personalize, Relax, Listen and React. In his rare spare time, he is co-authoring a book based on highly successful method.

Mr. Day's list of credits include: Huckleberry Finn in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, series regular Chris Pressfield on Tribes, Bobby Wayne in the cult favorite Ernest Goes to Camp, Jude Lafayette in the indie comedy Waiting for Ophelia starring Yeardly Smith (The Simpsons), and roles on TV shows such as Designing Women and JAG. complete list of credits @ IMDB

Mr. Day has directed hundreds of plays throughout his career. His original play Cynics, which he co-wrote and starred in, received both L.A. Weekly Pick of the Week and was recommended by the L.A. Times.

In addition to running Young Actors Space, Mr. Day travels throughout the United States to present coaching seminars based on his method. His clients include: PBS American Playhouse, Barbizon International, the Pasadena Playhouse, and various schools and universities.

For more about Mr. Day, log onto www.patrickdayfilms.com. If you would like to schedule a seminar in your area, please email info@patrickdayfilms.com to request further information.

Gilmer McCormick, Associate

Gilmer attended Carnegie Mellon University graduating with a BFA Degree in Theatre Arts. In 1971, she originated the role of "Gilmer" in the Broadway hit musical Godspell. She later earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for that role in the film version of Godspell, directed by four-time Emmy Award-winning David Greene.

Gilmer has over thirty years of professional experience in theatre, television and film. Her roles include an Emmy-nominated performance of Marian Adams in The Adams Chronicles; Kurt Vonneguts' Slaughterhouse Five, directed by George Roy Hill; Starting Over, directed by Alan Pakula and Fearless, directed by Peter Weir.

From 1981- 2003, Gilmer was co-founder and Artistic Director of the Advent Theatre in North Hollywood. In that capacity, she produced, directed and acted in scores of plays including Ancestral Voices with Robert Foxworth, Love Letters and I Do, I Do with Susan and Bill Hayes of "Days of Our Lives", and Arsenic and Old Lace with Donald Petrie, director of such films as Mystic Pizza and Grumpy Old Men.

In 1981, she produced the Tenth Anniversary Reunion of Godspell, reuniting nine members of the original cast of ten.

In 1997 (and again in 2008), she directed "Godspell" at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre in Ferndale California, which was the highest grossing show in that theatre's history.

Also in 1997, she was Director of the Roland Contemporary Keyboards Dealer Show at the "NAMM Festival" (National Association of Music Merchandisers) in San Diego.

In 2003 she joined the teaching staff at Young Actors Space combining her theatrical training, directorial expertise and industry knowledge proving to be a perfect match for the professional, encouraging environment of YAS.

Leanna Spear , Instructor

Leanna Spear began her time at Young Actors Space at age 15 as a student in Patrick Day’s class. After falling in love with YAS’ methods, she expressed an interest in teaching. Three years of instructor training later, Leanna joined the staff.

As a working actress, Leanna possesses up to date knowledge of the industry and the projects for which her students audition. She has worked on shows such as Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”, Nickelodeon’s “Zoey 101”, Comedy Central’s “Tosh.0”, the indie feature “Me and You, Us Forever", and the web-series “Lovin Lakin”, “The Bartender Hates You”, and “Roomies”. Leanna also co-wrote and co-produced three original plays directed by Patrick.

Leanna’s youthful energy and appearance allow her to connect with YAS’ youngest students. Through play, the young actors learn how to be truthful, focus, listen and take direction.

Leanna is currently working towards her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater with an emphasis on Acting from the University of Southern California.