VANCOUVER ACTING
CLASSES + WORKSHOPS
No tricks.
No shortcuts.
No false promises.
Just passionate creativity and uncompromising
respect for the craft of acting and
all that it demands.
VANCOUVER
ACTING
WORKSHOPS
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
INTERESTED IN UPCOMING WORKSHOPS WITH
CARL BESSAI, MICHAEL D. COHEN and VEENA SOOD?
EMAIL INFO@HAVENACTING.COM TO BE FIRST ON THE LIST!
.jpg)
2 DAY ON-CAMERA FILM & TV SCENE STUDY INTENSIVE
with Carl Bessai
DESCRIPTION:
Join acclaimed director Carl Bessai for a two-day intensive scene study workshop that blends traditional script work with collaborative, improvisational exploration.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Acclaimed filmmaker Carl Bessai has helmed 25 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.
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."
Day 1: Scripted Foundations
Students will be paired in two-hander scenes carefully chosen to match their unique personas, drawn from a wide range of styles and genres. Working in groups, each pair will perform their scene and receive detailed feedback and direction from Carl and fellow participants.
Day 2: Improvised Discovery
Using the same scenes, students will break away from the script through guided improvisation. This process will uncover emotional depth, hidden dynamics, and new creative directions, leading to more personalized and layered performances. The group will collaborate to reshape the work based on collective insights.
Both sessions will be filmed, giving students a valuable record of their on-camera growth and performance evolution.
Open to actors looking to deepen their craft, expand their range, and engage in a collaborative creative process.
SATURDAY, June 21 & SUNDAY, June 22 - 10AM-3PM
$245 EARLY BIRD including GST, paid by June 14
$299 Regular including GST
DESCRIPTION:
Unlock your comedic potential with Michael D. Cohen’s holistic approach to comedy! In this workshop, you'll work on sitcom scenes, dive into comedic text analysis, and master jokes, tone, and pacing—all while bringing your authentic self to the role. Learn essential audition techniques and scene study to stand out in the industry.
_edited.jpg)
Michael D. Cohen, a series regular on Nickelodeon’s Henry Danger and Danger Force, brings 20+ years of acting, writing, and directing experience to the table. He’s worked on hit shows like Modern Family, The Mindy Project, and films like Whiplash and Suburbicon.
Don’t miss this fun, informative, specific genre workshop with Los Angeles based industry pro Michael D. Cohen!
AUDIT POLICY:
To maintain the safest and most focused atmosphere for the students in class, drop-in audits are not available.
SCHEDULE:
ACTING FOR SITCOMS WORKSHOP with MICHAEL D. COHEN (IN PERSON)
MAY 12 (6pm - 10pm) and MAY 13 (6pm - 10pm)
Total: $325.00 including gst - COURSE COMPLETED - REGISTER BELOW FOR FUTURE DATES
2-DAY IMPROV for ACTORS WORKSHOP :
Master Storytelling, Bold Choices, and Dynamic Performances
with Veena Sood
DESCRIPTION:
Led by award-winning performer/educator Veena Sood, this dynamic 2-day improv course is designed for actors looking to enhance their craft—whether you're preparing for scripted work or looking to perform improv live on stage. Veena's unique approach draws from her 35 years of experience working with Improv master Keith Johnstone and her extensive career in theatre, film, TV, and improv.
You’ll dive into full-length improv scenes that create compelling stories, moving beyond simple jokes to craft engaging narratives. In this course, you’ll learn how to:
-
Let yourself be shaped by your scene partner.
-
Make your fellow actors shine and support their performance.
-
Embrace bold choices that push your boundaries.
Veena also brings her expertise in exploring Status relationships, teaching exercises that help you make meaningful connections on stage. You’ll learn how to focus on creating relationships rather than focusing on trying to be “good,” resulting in deeper, more authentic performances.
In addition to improv games, the course will include exercises that are perfect for rehearsing text, designed to help you unlock your creativity and spontaneity. Veena will guide you in exercises that allow you to release personal barriers, helping you unlock a freer, more dynamic version of yourself in every scene.
With her background as an instructor at the Motion Picture Arts program at Capilano University, an onset acting coach, and a co-founder of TheatreSports, Veena’s class will equip you with powerful tools to enhance your performances both on stage and on screen.
Whether you're refining your improv skills or expanding your approach to rehearsed text, this course will give you the tools to create memorable, spontaneous moments that captivate both onstage and in rehearsals.
2-DAY IMPROV FOR ACTORS WORKSHOP with VEENA SOOD
(IN PERSON)
SATURDAY MARCH 29 (11am - 3pm) and SUNDAY MARCH 30 (4pm - 7pm)
Total: $245.00 including GST - COURSE COMPLETED - REGISTER BELOW FOR FUTURE DATES