Act II Studio, Ryerson University

Courses for people 50+ taught by professionals include acting, voice, movement, monologues and audition pieces, scene study, collective and solo play creation techniques, Shakespeare, Grotowski, improvisation, mask, mask making, clown, reader's theatre, playwriting, directing and lecture courses on theatre.

350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3
Tel: (416) 979-5000 ext. 6297
Fax: (416) 979-5286
E-mail: act2@ryerson.ca
Web: www.ryerson.ca/~act2/

The Acting Academy

Ongoing courses utilizing different techniques are tailored for each individual and designed to meet your goals. A creative and fun approach for the beginner, a more serious approach for the intermediate, and the advanced class ends with a production. Scene Study, Monologues, Improv, Camera, Audition Techniques, and The Business of Acting. Weekend Workshops and Private Coaching available.

c/o Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester St., Toronto, ON, M4X 2B2
Tel: (416) 471-4323
Contact: Alan Goodley
E-mail: theactingacademy@rogers.com
Web: www.theactingacademy.info

Actors' Audition Training Institute

Veteran L.A.,N.Y.,/To. teacher, casting director/director/ playwright/author of "The Perfect Monologue", "Callback"& "Casting Directors' Secrets"/in-depth acting classes/the focus on acting for film/tv/ theatre auditions/cold readings/the perfect monologues for YOU/callback preparation/improvs/ presentation skills/rehearsal technique/script interpretation/how to get the part/how to keep the part/associate-protege of Michael Shurtleff, (author of "Audition") "Actors, listen to Ginger; finally someone sensitive to the actor's problem and yet fully aware of the auditor's problem, has come up with a real solution." private coaching for upcoming auditions/ Hollywood stars/working actors-former students.

280 St. George St., Suite #1501, Toronto, ON, M5R 2P7
Tel: (416) 966-9704
Contact: Ginger Howard Friedman
E-mail: howardartact@hotmail.com
Web: www.gingerauditiontraining.com

The Actors Network Film and Television Studio

The Actors Network Televison and Film Studio (Toronto location established in 1988, Montreal location and Los Angeles affiliate locations established in 1999) is Canada's largest professional training facility specializing in "on camera" technique specifically geared toward the North American film and television industry. Each studio location of The Actors Network is a five (3 studio, 2 broadcast) camera film studio with a minimum of six separate modular film sets with real time linear and post production non-linear editing capabilities. The technical aspects of training incorporates the use of of crane-cam, jib, dolly and steadicam with post applications to Chroma Key, ADR, loop, foley and continuity/ replacement filming. Scene study, technique and audition classes run on an "on-going" basis. Application is by interview and waiting list availability. Demo reels, private coaching (in studio and on-set) and taped auditions available.

29 Bloor St. E., Studio #200, Toronto, ON M4W 1A9
Head Office: 1673 A Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M6P 1A6
Tel: (416) 925-FILM (3456)
National Toll-Free: 1-866-925-FILM (3456)
Contact: Robert Tavenor or Anna Silk
Director: Glenn Bang
Web: www.theactorsnetwork.com

The Advisors

Our year-round seminars and one-on-one consultations are your way to take the driving seat in your career. Every performer is in business, selling himself in performance, selling herself in the audition. You need more than talent to make a living from your art.

We specialise in all the things your teachers never taught you. Negotiation, career planning, self-promotion, self-production, decisions about agents, photos, unions. Tax and financial questions of all sorts. For parents, wannabes, students, beginners, and those whose career has stalled. See what clients have said about our work: ”wonderful, knowledgeable, and generous”,”a fair, honest and accurate picture”, “you made such a difference to my career & life”.

The Advisors are a group of entertainment industry specialists co-ordinated by Peter Messaline. Peter has taught Street Sense–The Business of Acting across the country and at Ryerson, George Brown, York, Theatre Ontario, and Equity Showcase. With Miriam Newhouse, he co-wrote The Actor’s Survival Kit and Tax Kit 2000+, and he was the founding publisher and writer of The Agents Book.

1-72 Isabella St., Toronto, ON M4Y 1N4
Tel: (416) 960-9272
Contact: Peter Messaline
E-mail: petermessaline+Advisors@gmail.com
Web: www.petermessaline.com

Bad Dog Training Centre

Learn improvisation at the Bad Dog Training Centre, Toronto's "Home of Improv". Known for over 20 years as Theatresports Toronto today we are the home to numerous hit improv comedy shows and productions. Through our training center we provide fun, affordable, and top-notch workshops in improvisation at all levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and master classes. Our experienced instructors include Canadian Comedy Award Winning professionals who provide excellent coaching in a positive and nurturing environment. Classes are small enough to ensure each student receives individual attention. Try a free drop-in workshop first before signing up.

138 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2
Tel: (416) 491-3115 Ext 1
Contact: Ralph MacLeod
E-Mail: workshops@baddogtheatre.com
Website: www.baddogtheatre.com

Bernadette Jones

Bernadette Jones has been a director and teacher in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Los Angeles since 1979. Coaching on-set for TV and film as well as directing extensively for stage, Bernadette is fully informed as to the demands put upon today's professional actors. She has been associated with Michael Shurtleff since 1984 and is Canada's leading authority on the Shurtleff approach, effectively applying the "guideposts" to film/TV role preparation. Bernadette teaches intermediate and advanced on-camera audition and scene study classes. She is also available for one-on-one monologue and audition coaching by appointment. These classes ARE NOT suitable for beginner actors.

Studio 407-90 Sumach St., Toronto, ON, M5A 3J9
Tel: (416) 466-7379
Fax: (416) 466-1207
Contact: Bernadette Jones
E-mail: bernadettejones@rogers.com
Website: www.bernadettejones.com

John Boylan - Centre for the Arts

The Centre offers acting classes at different levels and classes include on-camera, voice, audition, Shakespeare, theatre and teens. John Boylan teaches at the Ryerson Theatre School and taught at The Yale School of Drama. Janine Pearson is the head voice coach at the Stratford Festival and Marcia Bennett, Dixie Seatle, Patrick Garrow, Shannon Barnett and Anthony Lemke are all experienced working actors and teachers. There is a film camp for teens at March break and in August. The Centre screens independent short films regularly, trains teachers and producers, provides rehearsal space to independent film and theatre groups.

Mailing Address: 263 Adelaide Street West, Suite 513, Toronto, ON M5H 1Y2
Tel: (647) 436-2787
Contact: John Boylan
E-mail:enroll@centreforthearts.com
Web: www.centreforthearts.com

Cindy Tanas Actors Studio

A personal and unique approach to the craft of acting. Cindy’s aim is to help actors develop strong, expressive, open and available instruments. A safe, nurturing environment opens the door to the imagination and invites the actor to risk. A wide variety of powerful and successful techniques are applied to help the actor drop out of their head and into their body.

Classes are appropriate for any actor at any level in their training. They are emotionally, energetically, physically and mentally intense. Classes include the Actors Instrument, Scene Study, and Movement. Private Coaching, Life Coaching and Weekend Workshops are also available.

643 Yonge Street
(2 blocks south of Bloor above Roberts Art Gallery)
Tel: (416) 222-6022
E-mail: cindy@cindytanas.com
Web: www.cindytanas.com

The Creative Theatre Company

The focus of CTC's curriculum is on the fundamentals of acting, voice, creative movement, stagecraft, character study, improvisation, focus and concentration, and development of professional etiquette. For children ages 7 and up. March Break and summer programs offered.

P.O. Box 1422, Waterdown, ON, L0R 2H0
Tel: (905) 777-4647
Contact: Claudette Brundage or Jennifer Walton
Web: www.creativetheatrecompany.com

Demo-sistants

Teaching Voice-over Excellence since 1994. We offer in depth classes monthly in fundamental basics of voice-over work and practical exercises focusing on technique, style and behind the mic experience. We also offer an Animation Character Development Workshop that teaches practical exercises and fundamental tools to create characters for animation work. Demo-sistants provides individual coaching for auditions as well as producing customized voice-over demo tapes. Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality of education in the voice-over industry so that the student can apply the tools necessary to achieve excellence in voice-over work.

12 Elmdon Court, Scarborough, ON, M1J 1R1
Tel: (416) 439-8777
Fax: (416) 439-8777
Contact: Claudelle Tremblay or Greg Flett
E-mail: demosist@rogers.com
Web: www.demosistants.com

Dragontrails Drama Studio

Veteran performer, Jill Frappier, provides classes for young actors from 7 to 19. The school runs the gamut from theatre games, improvisations and collective creations to detailed scene study and full scale professional-style productions at downtown theatres. Private TV acting classes also available. Summer TV and theatre day camps are available in July and August. Private coaching also offered.

Unit 1A Felim Court, 1444 Dupont St., Toronto
Mailing Address: 5 Churchill Avenue, Toronto, ON M6J 2B3
Tel: (416)536-6553
Fax: (416) 536-4366
Contact: Jill Frappier
E-mail: info@dragontrailsdrama.com
Web: www.dragontrailsdrama.com

Equity Showcase Theatre

Equity Showcase Theatre exists to provide a range of training and professional development opportunities to professional actors, directors and stage managers.

By actively pursuing artistic collaboration and mastery of their disciplines, EST students develop their talent, enrich life-long careers and make a distinctive contribution to the body of dramatic arts in Canada. Voice, Movement, Monologue, Modern & Classical Scene Study, Audition Technique, Acting for Film & Television, Stage Combat, Clown, Career Management, Stage Management and Directing Performance – featuring top Canadian and International Instructors.

651 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 2B2
Tel: (416)533-6100 ext. 21
Fax: (416) 533-2449
Contact: Registrar
E-mail: registrar@equityshowcase.ca
Web: www.equityshowcase.ca

Humber College, Continuing Education

Evening and Weekend classes taught by experienced professionals mirror the quality of our full-time program. Entry level acting classes lead to more advanced scene study, audition and on-camera classes. We also offer professional-level summer intensives: Shakespeare Intensive (two weeks in May) and Fighting for Film (one week in July). All classes take place at our historic Lakeshore Campus (Kipling & Lakeshore), readily accessible by TTC.

3199 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Toronto, ON M8V 1K8
Tel: (416) 675-6622 ext. 3414
Fax (416) 251-5829
Contact: Joe Bowden, Administrator, Theatre Performance Program -- School of Creative and Performing Arts, Humber College
E-mail: joe.bowden@humber.ca
Website: www.humber.ca/creativeandperformingarts

Jane Gibson - Professional-Track Film Acting

Actors learn to master the skills needed to play a lead role in film. Utlilizing an update of the complete Stanislavski System, classes focus on two essential actor preparations. Preparation alone - analyzing the full screenplay; creating outer and inner character; making moment-to-moment choices. Preparation on set - trigger images; playing actions; experiencing reactions. All private one-on-one coaching, followed by work with a scene partner. Jane Gibson's system is distilled from her actor training in Paris and New York, her 30 years of professional experience, plus her MFA from Columbia Film School, where she studied with directors Brian DePalma and Stefan Sharff (who apprenticed under Sergei Eisenstein). Actors she has directed on film include Thomas Gibson and Marcia Gay Harden, winner of the 2001 Best Supporting Actress Oscar for "Pollock". Ms. Gibson is writing a book for actors on the "ABCs of Acting" by Constantin Stanislavski.

22 McCaul Street, Unit 315, Toronto M5T 3C2
Tel: (416) 593-9981
Contact: Jane Gibson

Kevin McCormick - Actors' Tutorial

Kevin offers private coaching and career counseling as well as conducting several Conservatory Training programs throughout the year. Please click here for the brochure, or visit the website.

Mailing Address: 12 St. Clair Ave. E., P.O. Box 69016, Toronto, ON  M4T 3A1
Tel: (416) 368-0943 (voice mail)
Contact: Kevin McCormick
Website: www.kevinmccormickdirector.com

Lori Pearlstein

Lori Pearlstein has been acting in film, tv, commercials and theatre for over 25 years. In addition to acting, she started working for casting directors to learn more about the other side of the business which led her to a career in casting as well. She studied acting in New York for 5 years with some of the most talented people in the industry and she's been sharing her wisdom by teaching ever since. Lori offers classes & private coaching in house and on set.

Classes available in Toronto, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and Aurora.

Classes offered: Be prepared for the big audition, Bring power and reality to your craft, Acting Technique, Scene Study, Improv, Relaxation exercises for your body & voice, and writing stand up comedy. Some of the techiniques she uses: Stanislavski, Strasberg, Linklater, Boleslavski, Meisner and Hagen.

Tel: (416) 648-9055
Contact: Lori Pearlstein
Email: loripearlstein@yahoo.ca
Website: www.lorip.ca

Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People - Drama School

Since the late 1960's, LKTYP's vibrant drama classes have provided a unique opportunity to participate in the excitement of the theatrical process. Our program also aims to stimulate the imagination, promote self- expression and develop self-confidence.

165 Front Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 3Z4
Tel: (416) 363-5131 X242
Fax: (416) 363-5136
Contact: Peter Gallagher, Drama School Director
Email: pgallagher@lktyp.ca
Website: www.lktyp.ca

Miriam Laurence - Integrated Acting System

One of the most respected film/television coaches and teachers in Toronto for over 15 years, Miriam teaches Beginner/Intermediate/Working Professional levels. Miriam's Integrated Acting System classes cover Method-based and other exercises, cold reading/audition techniques, monologues and scene study for theatre and film. Scenes are extensively taped on digital video in order that students become used to the rigours and demands of filming. Ms. Laurence's Ensemble Film Group Projects Programs incorporate a process-oriented improvisational approach. Actors develop a shooting script which is shot on dv and professionally edited. Miriam Laurence has directed four short films.

Tel: (416)221-9933 x1
Contact: Miriam Laurence
E-mail: miriamlaurence@yahoo.ca
Web: www.miriamlaurence.com

The New School of Drama

Recognized as Canada's foremost centre for Meisner Technique, we have been training professionals since 1980. Diploma program available as well as individual workshops. Classes for beginner to advanced, offered in day or evening classes. Our instructors are working actors with years of teaching experience including: Louise Nolan, Michael C. Smith, Michael Connolly, Audrey Jolly, Martin Randez, Janet Lemon and Colombe Demers. Our classes are small and the emphasis is on personal attention to the students' growth. Private coaching, audition preparation and career counselling are available.

184 Munro Street, Studio 4, Toronto, ON, M4M 2B9
Tel: (416)461-9790
Contact: Tony Pearce
E-mail: newdrama@idirect.com
Web: www.newschoolofdrama.com

The Players Academy

The Players Academy offers a rigorous eight-month full-time acting program, which lays the foundation for your future as a professional actor. Over twelve courses are taught throughout the year by Canada's most prestigious acting, film, voice, movement, stage combat, clown and mask instructors. We offer everything you need to start your career or develop your existing skills into a finely- tuned process and technique. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to work with other committed actors and industry professionals in this life changing program. Artistic Directors Rosanna Saracino and Melanie Windle, founded by Anna MacKay-Smith. Open to ages 18 and over. The classes are held Monday to Thursday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM at Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Avenue in Toronto.

Mailing address: #2 151 Beatrice Street, Toronto, ON, M6J 2T2
All classes held 805 Dovercourt Ave. Toronto
Tel: (416) 551-5275
Contact: Melanie Windle
E-mail: info@theplayersacademy.com
Web: www.theplayersacademy.com

Rapier Wit

Founded in 1991, Rapier Wit, is Canada's oldest continuous stage combat school and production company.  Our goal is to promote action-motivated theatre and the art of stage combat by training actors, stunt people, directors, teachers and stage management in the art of theatrical or dramatic violence. We do this through structured and unstructured classes, fight direction and choreography, special workshops, and various productions.  We proudly offer Fight Directors Canada's curriculum in our classes and present numerous opportunities to receive FDC certification throughout the year.

Please feel free to use Rapier Wit as your stage combat resource.  We are based in Toronto, Canada, but are happy to work throughout wherever we may be needed.  If you are looking for a fight instructor, fight director, or choreographer, please don't hesitate to contact us.

575 Wellington St. W., Toronto M5V 1G3
Tel: (416) 534-1947
Fax: 775 923-4159
Contact:  Daniel Levinson
E-mail: Daniel@rapierwit.com
Web: www.rapierwit.com

Rose Dubin and Company

Experienced respected professionals teach practical workable approaches to Acting, Scene Study, Improvisation, Audition Technique, On-Camera. Beginner to Advanced levels. Reasonable fees. Certificate Program and intensive workshops available. Develop your skills and technique in a caring atmosphere.

Seneca College, Continuing Education Division,
70 The Pond Road, Toronto, M3J 3M6
Tel: (416)491-5050 x4112
Contact: Rose Dubin
E-mail: rose.dubin@senecac.on.ca
Web: www.senecac.on.ca/parttime/theatricalperformance

Sears and Switzer

Beginner to advanced levels. Professionally focused workshops. Theresa Sears and David Switzer have been creating, producing, and training performers in film, theatre, radio and television since 1978. Focus on Film Acting, Acting Fundamentals, Creating the Camera Relationship, Scene Study, The Voice-over Weekend, the Director's Boot Camp, TV Commercial and Audition Immersion classes.

626 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 1M7
Tel: (416) 516-4612
Contact: Theresa Sears, David Switzer
E-mail: mail@searsandswitzer.com
Web: www.searsandswitzer.com

The Second City - Workshop Training Centre

The Second City Training Centre welcomes aspiring improvisers, energetic teenagers, business professionals, and you! Classes are held year round in a fun, supportive and professional environment. Focuses include Improvisation, Sketch Writing, Stand Up, and Acting. Weekend intensives or once a week classes are available. Submit photo & resume if interested in Conservatory or Improv for Actors Programs. The Second City is the training ground for many of this generation's finest comedic actors, writers, and directors.

70 Peter Street, Lower Level, Toronto, ON, M5V 2G5
Tel: (416) 340-7270 or 1-888-340-7270
Contact: Erin Conway
E-mail: training.to@secondcity.com
Web: www.secondcity.com/tc

The Sirius Theatrical Company

Professional training from beginner to intermediate levels since 1989. Classes are small. The environment is dynamic. The core of the program is the belief that creativity and ability are supported and strengthened by the development of specific acting skills. Solid techniques, taught using a combination of improvisations and exercises as well as scene study, create a strong foundation for all future acting studies. Acting Technique, Scene Study, Audition Technique, Cold Reading, Text Analysis, Character Develoment, Relaxation and Sensory Work. Monologue and Audition Coaching also available. Heather Dick is a veteran actor, director and coach with over 30 years in the business. She has taught classes for Ryerson Polytechnic University, The New School of Drama, Theatre Ontario, The Brooke Studio and numerous community theatres.

Studio Location: 119 Mimico Avenue, Etobicoke, Ontario.
Tel: (416) 236-9011
Contact: Heather Dick
E-mail: info@siriustheatre.com
Web: www.siriustheatrical.com

The Toronto Youth Music Theatre Company

T.Y.M.T.C.’s nine-month program for enthusiastic young performers (ages 11 – 17) focuses primarily on the three disciplines of musical theatre – acting, singing and dance/movement.  Weekly training classes, involving take-home assignments, culminate in a full stage production at the program’s year-end in May.  Our faculty consists of professional performers from the entertainment industry who are currently on staff at Sheridan College, George Brown College, as well as University of Toronto.  Admission is by audition only.

Sunday afternoon classes will be centrally located within the city of Toronto.

Tel: (416) 986-0281
Contact: Robin Perlmutter
E-mail: r.perlmutter@torontomusictheatre.com
Web: www.torontomusictheatre.com

Theatre Ontario

We offer access to a wide variety of services designed to provide information and support to emerging and established theatre artists, educators and companies. Audition postings, Summer Courses for Youth and Adults, Getting Started Seminars, Non-union talent files for actors, Talent Bank and grant information for established artists, individual counselling, and newsletter.

215 Spadina Ave., Suite 210, Toronto, ON, M5T 2C7
Tel: (416)408-4556
Fax: (416)408-3402
Contact: Cornelia Persich
E-mail: info@theatreontario.org
Web: www.theatreontario.org

Theatre Resource Centre

This company is based in the pioneering work of Richard Pochinko. Sue Morrison, who was Pochinko’s apprentice, teaches the unique beautiful work of Clown Through Mask. She also teaches Master Classes in Clown and also the genre of the grotesque, Bouffon.

3 Pine Cres., Toronto, ON, M4E 1L1
Tel: (416) 694-8123
Fax:(416) 694-8681
Contact: Sue Morrison
E-mail: jeremy.w@sympatico.ca
Web: www.canadianclowning.com

Voiceworx

Voiceworx offers in studio voice-over training for radio and television commercials, documentary narrations and cartoons, in various recording studios in Toronto. All Voiceworx instructors are professional performers, directors and producers who make their living in the entertainment industry.

338 Walmer Road, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2Y4
Tel: (416) 944-0444
Contact: Libby Lennie or Mike Kirby
E-mail: kirby@voiceworx.com
Web: www.voiceworx.com

The Youngest Shakespeare Company®

The Youngest Shakespeare Company® is a Theatre School for children and young people who are serious about the study of Drama. All training is at a professional level. Instruction includes Speech, Voice, Movement, Shakespeare, classic and modern text. Classes are held on Saturday mornings at the Trinity - St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor West. A full production of a play by Shakespeare takes place in May at the Robert Gill Theatre, University of Toronto.

The teachers: Christine Stewart Kierans, who is a Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (London). She has taught and directed for many years, including at the National Theatre School of Canada. John Tomasino has a Diploma in Acting from Drama Studio London/USA and a B. Ed. He is an experienced actor and director.

Christine also does private coaching for audition preparation. Her students have been accepted in Canadian colleges and universities, including the NTS, as well as in Drama Schools in the UK and the USA. She also offers scene study classes.

Tel: (416) 588.8077
Contact: Christine or John
Web: www.newallegro.com