
No tricks.
No shortcuts.
No false promises.
Just passionate creativity and uncompromising
respect for the craft of acting and
all that it demands.
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VANCOUVER
ACTING
CLASSES
Top working actors from Canada, the US and abroad train with Ben Immanuel at Haven Studio.
On-camera and scene study classes for beginners and up-and-comers are also available.
We keep our standards high, our class sizes small, and our prices fair.
UPCOMING SCENE STUDY CLASSES
UPCOMING ON-CAMERA CLASSES
SCENE STUDY
with Ben Immanuel
PREREQUISITE:
Ben works with actors with previous training and professional experience.
DESCRIPTION:
Ben Immanuel is the founder, owner, and director of Haven Acting Studio, which he launched in 2002. A multiple award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer, Ben has spent decades honing his own craft while teaching both rising talents and established professionals.
His scene study classes are designed exclusively for committed, ambitious actors with prior training. He offers no false promises, no shortcuts, and no gimmicks—just hard work, genuine passion for the craft, and empowering, common sense guidance.
A longtime student of legendary teachers Ivana Chubbuck, Larry Moss, and Patsy Rodenburg, Ben brings a deeply integrated approach to scene study. His teaching style is highly collaborative and open-minded, helping each student dig deeply into scenes from contemporary plays while honing tools and techniques tailored to their unique process.
As a teacher, Ben has been building craft, confidence, and careers since 1995. Over 30 years later, Haven Acting Studio stands as a testament to his dedication, with a list of credits, awards, and student testimonials that speak for themselves.
Classes are 5 hours long, with a maximum of 12 students per class (13 if working on three-person scenes).
AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available. If you want to speak with Ben before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
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SCHEDULE
TUESDAY NIGHTS - SCENE STUDY (IN PERSON):​
May 20 - June 17 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Max 12 students) SOLD OUT!
Total $460 including GST for 5 weeks of class
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FRIDAY DAYS - SCENE STUDY (IN PERSON):
​​May 23 - June 20 | 10:00am – 3:00pm (Max 12 students) SOLD OUT!
Total $460 including GST for 5 weeks of class
SCENE STUDY
with Loretta Walsh
PREREQUISITE:
These classes are geared towards actors newer to Haven Studio looking to get a solid foundation before joining Ben’s scene study classes.
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DESCRIPTION:
Join award-nominated actor and dedicated teacher Loretta Walsh for a 5-class journey into the heart of acting.
With over 20 years of experience in Film, TV, and Theatre, Loretta offers a supportive but challenging space where actors can sharpen their craft and take creative risks.
Open to both newer actors and seasoned performers looking for a fresh perspective, this class focuses on:
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Deep text analysis for truthful scene work
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Physical and vocal exploration to build specific characters
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Emotional commitment and bold choices
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A fun, safe space to stretch and grow
Scenes are assigned one week in advance, with partners paired by experience level. Each class runs 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on class size.
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AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available. If you want to speak with Loretta before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
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SCHEDULE​
THURSDAYS - SCENE STUDY (IN PERSON)
May 22 - June 19 | 11:00am - 2:30pm (Max 10 Students)
Total: $420 including GST for 5 WEEKS of class
RAISING THE BAR
with Ben Immanuel
PREREQUISITE:
This is an advanced class by invitation only.
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DESCRIPTION:
The Raising the Bar scene study class is by invitation only, for professional actors who have worked extensively with Ben in previous classes.
Requirements include highly developed technique, uncompromising work ethic, and considerable prior training and on-set/on-stage experience. On-going students in this class include many leading actors of stage, film and TV.
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AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available. If you want to speak with Ben before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
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SCHEDULE
SUNDAY - RAISING THE BAR (IN PERSON):
​May 18 - June 15 | 10:00am – 3:00pm (Max 12 students) SOLD OUT!
Total $460 including GST for 5 weeks of class
THE ON-CAMERA ALL INCLUSIVE
with Ben Immanuel, Jason Tremblay, Natalie Moon, Alison Wandzura, Nelson Wong, and Bradley Stryker
PREREQUISITE:
This session is open to newer actors, as well as more experienced actors in need of an inspiring tune up. Scene partners will be paired up according to their level of experience.
DESCRIPTION:
Working with long-established professionals for 6 weeks, you’ll take an in-depth exploration of specific genres and various techniques on-camera, with the ultimate goal of bringing more knowledge, tools, and confidence to your process and career.
This session's instructors include both on-going Haven teachers and special guest instructors Bradley Stryker and Jason Tremblay.
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Break through your creative blocks, refine your process, and amaze yourself with what you are capable of when you fully commit to your growth as an artist.
This challenging, yet always safe and supportive 6 week intensive is open to both newer and experienced actors. Scene partners will be paired up according to their level of experience with new material assigned each week.
Participants will receive a link to their on-camera work and be offered a 10 % discount on their next session of any class or workshop at Haven Acting Studio.
WEEK 1:
AUTHENTICITY ON CAMERA with BEN IMMANUEL
Haven Studio founder/director/teacher BEN IMMANUEL has a 4-decade spanning career as an award-winning actor and filmmaker. His feature films Moving Malcolm and Down River were both released theatrically, played at festivals all over the world, and won numerous awards for the actors who performed in them under Ben’s direction. His upcoming feature film, Are We Done Now? features many of his acting students in lead roles, and will be premiering in 2024.
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In this workshop, Ben will work with actors to discover more about your perceived strengths and challenges. Through a series of exercises one-on-one and with the group, Ben will guide you toward the vital steps of opening up, dropping in, and letting go. This first class is not about delivering text: It is about listening, watching, thinking and breathing to be completely present, alive, and authentic in that magical time between “action!" and “cut!"
WEEK 2:PLAYING COPS and DETECTIVES with JASON TREMBLAY
So many actors audition for and hopefully book parts playing police officers of all kinds: rookies, veterans, detectives, sergeants, good cops, crooked cops and more. From day-players to series leads, there will always be police roles up for grabs in film and television. But how many actors know what’s required to play the role of a police officer accurately and truthfully?
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The week will cover the basics, including:
Prop firearms handling, handcuffing technique, using the police radio, thinking, walking, and talking like a cop, proper conduct and protocol and proper wardrobe.
In addition, this week will give you a first-hand insider's view into:
Police culture, the differences between rookies, veterans, and “bosses”, police slang and codes, how cops handle emotions (or how they don’t), drinking/gossip and inter-office relationships, hazing the rookies, the “boys club” and the complexities of being “loyal to blue.”, racism, politics and gender issues and off-duty lifestyle and conduct.
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WEEK 3:
DOMINATING DIFFICULT DIALOGUE with NATALIE MOON
Natalie will be teaching how to tackle tech talk. With specially curated scenes from local shows that challenge your brain, your intonation and your articulation. Whether medical terms, a news report or sci-fi tech talk, you will not only be confident in handling jargon but also the technical aspects of these difficult auditions to help you tape with confidence.
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WEEK 4:
EMBRACING THE TV MOVIE with ALISON WANDZURA
As an experienced on-camera performer, Alison has appeared in over 20 Hallmark and Lifetime television movies, and received the 2019 Leo Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Movie. She is well-versed in the archetypes and performance style required for the MOW. While Alison has played a handful of buoyant best friends on Hallmark and poker-faced detectives on Lifetime, her extensive credits also include So Help Me Todd (CBS), Blockbuster (Netflix), The Good Doctor (ABC), The Healing Powers of Dude (Netflix), Van Helsing (SyFy), and most recently CBC's new procedural drama series Allegiance.
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Using television movie scenes from Hallmark and Lifetime scripts shot in Vancouver, Alison will work with students to make practical choices that align their performance with the expectations of the MOW world. By learning about the archetypes found in MOWs and how we each uniquely fit within them, as well applying specific audition “do’s and don’t”, we make ourselves more castible in this staple genre that is a prominent source of work for Vancouver actors.
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WEEK 5:
NEXT LEVEL SELF TAPES with NELSON WONG
This high-energy class is focused on the professional demands of the casting process from cold reads to zoom callbacks. After the class you'll be given footage for review, with Nelson will also share his personal audition check list, created after many years of coaching, taping and teaching countless actors to successfully take charge of their audition choices.​​​
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WEEK 6:
BLOCKING ON CAMERA FOR SELF TAPES AND ON SET with BRADLEY STRYKER
You get that audition, your heart rate spikes with excitement; and then you read the wildly complex sides that they would like you to boil down to brass tax in your tiny little self tape room. Whether the action is three scenes as one; tons of physical action; standing to sitting; intimacy; rage manifesting in destruction; a gunfight; eating food; getting shot or stabbed; your character is pacing; this list could literally go on forever -- we will address how best to tackle each and every one of these issues. An audition by nature is a challenging task; so for this class we will decode and simplify some often found speed bumps and road blocks to hopefully make your lives as actors easier; and to make the audition process as a whole, just that much more enjoyable.
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AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available. If you want to speak with an instructor before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
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SCHEDULE
​THURSDAYS ALL INCLUSIVE (IN PERSON)​
MAY 15 - June 19 | 6:00pm - 10:00pm (Max 10 students)
Total $500 gst included for 6 weeks of class​​
ON-CAMERA FILM & TV SCENE STUDY
with Award-Winning Director/Writer/Educator Carl Bessai
The acting landscape is evolving, and self-taping has become a vital skill. But true acting remains a collaborative, dynamic art form. This 5 week class is designed to prepare Film and TV actors to excel in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of modern productions.​
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This class will equip you with the skills to take direction, collaborate effectively, and deliver exceptional performances under pressure.
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This course is ideal for both aspiring and working actors looking to refine their on-camera skills and gain insight into the realities of being a working professional actor in 2025.
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By the end of this course, participants will:
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Understand the unique demands of on-camera acting in 2025.
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Develop the ability to take direction and make adjustments in real-time.
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Gain confidence in performing under tight timelines and high stakes.
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Learn techniques to deliver consistent performances from multiple angles in one or two takes.​
For the last class of the session, Carl will be writing custom scenes for the actors, based on what they have been working on during the previous classes.
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YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Acclaimed filmmaker Carl Bessai has helmed over 20 feature films in Canada, The US, and internationally. He has also directed numerous episodic and TV Movies. He has directed many of the top actors in the industry, from Academy Award nominated actors like Sir Ian McKellen and Bruce Dern, to younger stars like Cory Monteith (Glee) and Amanda Crew (Silicon Valley).
Carl’s distinction as an actor’s director comes from a deep respect for the collaborative process between actor and director, and a long history of filmmaking across many genres, from drama, to comedy, to horror and beyond.
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Haven Acting Studio founder Ben Immanuel has acted in 8 of Carl’s feature films. Says, Ben, "Many of my most rewarding experiences as an actor have come while collaborating with Carl Bessai. He gives absolutely everything he’s got to his actors and demands the same in return."
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AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available. If you want to speak with Carl before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
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SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAYS - ON-CAMERA FILM & TV SCENE STUDY with CARL BESSAI
​April 16 - May 14 | 6:00pm - 10:30pm (Max 12 Students)
Total: $425.00 including GST for 5 WEEKS of class
FILM & TELEVISION FOUNDATIONS:
Building Confidence in Front of the Camera
with Award Winning Series Regular Tom Stevens
Are you an actor expanding your skills from theatre or commercials to acting for film and television? Or perhaps you have some experience with film and TV, but need to stay sharp and refine your on-camera skills.
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Join this fun and inspiring class at Haven Acting Studio, where the focus is on helping newer or rusty actors feel informed, confident, and at ease in front of the camera.
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This class is led by Tom Stevens, a seasoned performer with extensive on-set experience as a leading actor. His recent credits include a multiple award-nominated role on CBC/CW’s series Moonshine, as well as numerous lead/guest star roles in productions such as Moonshine (CBC/CW), Deadly Class (Syfy/Netflix), Wayward Pines (Fox/Disney+), The 100 (CW/Netflix), Allegiance (CBC).
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Using scenes from popular films and television shows, this 5-week session will guide you toward delivering well-prepared, effective and above all, creative performances in a challenging yet always playful and supportive atmosphere.
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Topics in class will include:
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Understanding the transition from theatre to Film/TV
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Basics of on-camera etiquette and terminology
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On-camera exercises to build comfort and confidence
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Breaking down scenes from film and TV scripts
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Developing on-camera presence and awareness
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Analyzing and interpreting characters in Film/TV scripts
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Scene work with a focus on emotional authenticity and effective story-telling
With his uniquely playful, energetic and always supportive approach, Tom will give you a head start on how to properly prepare material and deliver unique and memorable performances in those magical moments between “action” and “cut!”
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AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available. If you want to speak with Tom before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
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SCHEDULE
SATURDAYS - FILM & TV FOUNDATIONS with TOM STEVENS (IN PERSON)
​April 5 - May 3 | 10:00am - 1:00pm (Max 10 Students)
Total: $325.00 including GST for 5 WEEKS of class
BOOKING TV MOVIES:
Scene Work and Auditioning with Top Industry Pros
with Peter DeLuise, Lucie Guest, Nelson Wong and Alison Wandzura
PREREQUISITE:
This session is open to newer actors, as well as more experienced actors. Scene partners will be paired up according to their level of experience.
DESCRIPTION:
TV movies are a vital part of film and TV production in British Columbia and across Canada. From the lighthearted charm of Hallmark-style films to the intense drama of Lifetime-style shows, they provide steady work for countless actors and crew. In challenging times, these productions help sustain the industry and keep it moving forward, while giving actors the opportunity to learn new performance styles, have fun, and bring in paycheques.
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At Haven, we know you’re eager to learn, grow — but let’s face it, most of all you want to book jobs. That’s why our new course is entirely focused on the TV Movie genre, one of the most reliable sources of work in the industry.
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This four-class session is led by veteran actor-teachers and top directors with extensive experience in TV Movies.
You’ll learn how to:
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Bring your unique self to the genre.
Understand specific demands of different styles of TV movies and related series.​
Gain insider insights to help you stand out and excel in auditions and on set.
WEEK 1 - March 13Peter DeLuise
Peter's class will be focused on auditioning and actor/director communication.
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Extensive credits include producing and directing 12 seasons of When Calls the Heart for Hallmark and numerous other Hallmark originals.
WEEK 2 - March 20Alison Wandzura​
Alison's class will be focused on tailoring performances for the more "dramatic" Lifetime TV Movie genre.
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Leo Award winner for her supporting role in Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder in D Minor, with dozens of credits spanning Hallmark, Lifetime, and other major productions.
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WEEK 3 - March 27 - Nelson Wong
Nelson's class will be focused on the self tape process for the "romantic" and "romantic comedy" Hallmark TV Movie genre.
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Featured in 30 Hallmark movies and counting, along with many other TV Movie and series credits.​
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WEEK 4 - April 3 - Lucie Guest
Lucie's class will be focused on taking direction "on the fly" for both Lifetime and Hallmark TV movies.
Accomplished director with numerous TV Movies to her name, including The Santa Class, Christmas Under the Lights, Ms. Match and Sealed with a List.
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Get ready to level up your skills and step in front of the camera with comprehension, clarity, and commitment in this thriving genre.
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AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available. If you want to speak with an instructor before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
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SCHEDULE
​THURSDAYS BOOKING TV MOVIES (IN PERSON)​
MARCH 13 - APRIL 3 | 6:00pm - 10:00pm (Max 10 students)
Total $350 GST Included for 4 weeks of class​​
JUMPING IN FOR NEW ACTORS
with Award-Winning Actor, Director and Educator Jennifer Clement
PREREQUISITE:
This class is geared towards actors newer to Haven Acting Studio who are looking to build a solid foundation before applying for Ben’s scene study classes.
DESCRIPTION:
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Always dreamed of becoming an actor but don’t know where to start?
Returning to the craft and in need of a fresh perspective?
Feeling stuck as a performer and seeking extra guidance and encouragement?
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JUMPING IN with award-winning actor, director, and educator Jennifer Clement is the class for you!
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This 6-week deep dive into acting technique and creativity will help you:
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Build essential acting skills.
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Discover and develop your unique talents
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Sharpen your foundation for advanced training.
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Perfect for beginners or those with some acting experience, this class creates a solid foundation for anyone aspiring to take the next step in their acting journey—whether it’s honing your craft or preparing for advanced scene study classes at Haven Acting Studio.
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Why choose JUMPING IN?
In a challenging yet supportive & inclusive environment, you’ll be guided by Jennifer Clement, a renowned instructor with over 30 years of experience as a theatre, film/tv actor, director, and educator.
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With a focus on: an embodied approach
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Connection to voice, body & breath
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Authenticity rooted in strong script analysis
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Scene work in discovery
You'll gain confidence, improve your craft, and—if you're ready—take significant strides toward building a career as a “real” Professional actor.
FORMAT:
Students are assigned scenes from stage plays and are expected to be familiar with the scene and rehearse with their scene partners between classes. There are 4 classes per session. There are 5 scenes per night. Every scene works every week.
AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available. If you want to speak with Jennifer before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.​
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SCHEDULE
MONDAY NIGHTS - JUMPING IN FOR NEW ACTORS (IN PERSON)​
​January 13 - February 17 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Max 10 students)
Total: $500 including GST for 6 WEEKS of class ​​