Vivian WOODS
Acting Teacher, Actress, Executive Coach and Motivational Speaker
Vivian grew up in small town Saskatchewan in a family beekeeping business. From a very young age she learned that ethics, integrity and service were the key to a successful life, both professionally and personally. At the ripe age of 9, her entrepreneurial spir
Vivian WOODS
Acting Teacher, Actress, Executive Coach and Motivational Speaker
Vivian grew up in small town Saskatchewan in a family beekeeping business. From a very young age she learned that ethics, integrity and service were the key to a successful life, both professionally and personally. At the ripe age of 9, her entrepreneurial spirit awakened as she quickly learned the importance of pounding the pavement, literally. She set up a honey stand on the side of the highway, and it quickly became a “toll” passage, as no cars were permitted past without purchase. Her top selling items were her hand crafted “Wax Finger Tubes”, which she proudly made fresh daily by running freezing water over her fingers until they were numb and then dipping them in burning hot wax, and VOILA!, a finger tube which she then filled with honey. Possibly she was the “inventor” of the honey tubes sold in stores now?
Vivian studied business, fashion design and merchandising at Lethbridge College and went on to design her own line which was presented on several platforms, including BC Fashion Week. There she was labelled far ahead of her time.
Vivian has an extensive career in sales, marketing and teaching.
Vivian’s goals professionally include helping children and adults achieve their true potential both personally and professionally through the programs she’s designed and teaches.
On a personal note, she is a proud mom to 3 incredible young men who are pursuing their own dreams to help serve their community. Vivian has overcome many challenges in her life and her future aspirations include helping others to achieve their true potential on a larger platform, establishing a film university focusing on multiculturalism and one day, speaking on stage with Tony Robbins.
Vivian has an extensive career in film and TV. She has well over 30,000 hours teaching and learning as well as performing in theater in her earlier years. Vivian has trained with some exceptional acting schools to include SECOND CITY, MARGIE HABER, KATT SHEA and various online acting and auditioning courses.
About Us
KEN SHAPKIN
David Lereaney
David Lereaney
Set Etiquette and Producing Instructor (2000-Present)
For the past eight years Ken Shapkin has been a leader in the fashion industry in Vancouver, British Columbia. His diverse experience included costume design for film and television, fashion styling for print and commercials, fashion show production for individual designers, fashion w
Set Etiquette and Producing Instructor (2000-Present)
For the past eight years Ken Shapkin has been a leader in the fashion industry in Vancouver, British Columbia. His diverse experience included costume design for film and television, fashion styling for print and commercials, fashion show production for individual designers, fashion weeks and international fashion tours, and clothing manufacturing.
With over 50 projects under his belt, Ken has made a name for top quality, world-class productions. His work has taken him to Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, Monte Carlo, Nigeria, Budapest, and Shanghai. He has worked with such celebrities as: Sharon Stone, Dillon Baker, Timothy Hutton, Kat Dennings, Val Kilmer, Cuba Gooding Jr., Kristana Loken, and Genevieve Nnaji.
"It would be my pleasure to discuss your project needs, large or small I love new adventures and helping peoples ideas take flight."
Ken has also deepened his commitment to producing. Graduated from NYFS. His credits are available on IMDB.
David Lereaney
David Lereaney
David Lereaney
Dialect Coach (2017-2019)
David LeReaney has been acting, directing, coaching dialects and teaching for a living since 1979, appearing in or directing over 250 professional plays and 60 film and TV productions.
He has a busy career in film and TV, appearing in more than 60 productions.
David is a coach and teacher of dialects and accents
Dialect Coach (2017-2019)
David LeReaney has been acting, directing, coaching dialects and teaching for a living since 1979, appearing in or directing over 250 professional plays and 60 film and TV productions.
He has a busy career in film and TV, appearing in more than 60 productions.
David is a coach and teacher of dialects and accents through his company, Dial/Act Inc. having taught at almost every college and university in Alberta.
He has coached Eva Marie Saint, Brenda Fricker, Jacqueline Bisset, Rachel Ward, Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Liam Hemsworth, Aidan Quinn, Jessica Pare, Cynthia Nixon, Matthew Modine, Kerri Russel, Skeet Ulrich, Joely Richardson, Greta Scacchi, Clair Forlani and many more.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: David LeReaney
Carla Kovacs
2020-Present
Carla has been a member of our team for 3 years. She started as an Acting Student and went on to book several roles. Through her continued training she excelled and became a member of our teaching team. Not only is Carla an actress, she also is also an incredible Acting Teacher.
James O'Farrell
James O'Farrell
James O'Farrell
Our Voice Coach (2015-2019)
James O’Farrell, tenor, has performed with Opera Lyra Ottawa, L’Orcherstre Philharmonique du Nouveau Monde, University of Ottawa Orchestra, and recorded opera excerpts for a documentary series on Bravo. He is known for his powerful, resonant voice, intelligent musicianship and a keen sense of emotion and drama.
Our Voice Coach (2015-2019)
James O’Farrell, tenor, has performed with Opera Lyra Ottawa, L’Orcherstre Philharmonique du Nouveau Monde, University of Ottawa Orchestra, and recorded opera excerpts for a documentary series on Bravo. He is known for his powerful, resonant voice, intelligent musicianship and a keen sense of emotion and drama. His repertoire consists of roles such as Don Jose (Carmen), Cavaradossi (Tosca), Rodolpho (La Boheme), Ferrando (Cosi Fan Tutte), and Lenski (Eugene Onegin). In 2015, he created the role of “Big Bill Haywood” for the Cowtown Opera Production of Cowtown Annie - The Story of Annie Davidson.
He has been active as an accomplished voice teacher since 1995, working both as a private teacher and lecturer. Currently he works as a Music/Band teacher for the Calgary Catholic School District.
VITAL STATS March 8, 1970 Height – 6’0” Weight – 195 lbs EDUCATION May 2009 - B.Mus (voice) Magna cum Laude University of Ottawa PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
2015
September: Cowtown Opera - Big Bill Haywood - Annie Davidson Story
2010
December Ottawa Valley Music Festival (OVMF) Haendel -Messiah August OVMF - Viennese Concert Lehar, J. Strauss June Recital – art song - Debussy, Duparc, Brahms, Beethoven April Brahms Choir of Ottawa Brahms - Liebeslieder Waltzes March University of Ottawa Orchestra Mendelssohn- Symphony #2 (Lobgesang)
2009
April: 4th year Graduating Recital U of O - Benjamin Britten’s Serenade for Tenor and Horn March: St. John Apostle Church Mozart - Requiem March: University of Ottawa Orchestra - Bruckner - Te Deum
February: University of Ottawa - Don Jose (Bizet – Carmen)
2008
April Semi-finals - New York Oratorio Society Competition April Bravo TV series “Death at the Opera”
Ahmed Hodelin
James O'Farrell
James O'Farrell
Our Movement and Dance Teacher (2017-Present)
Director, Choreographer & Music Producer. at Locos for Havana Dance Studio
Ahmed is a wonderful and very experienced dance teacher who teaches a variety of dances.
Our Mission
We value multiculturalism in film and tv. We work to create an inclusive learning environment where all cultures are respected and encourage students to work on pieces that represent their culture .
***Note: we update the website as much as possible, however, other Acting Teacher’s may be teaching. Ask for full list.