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.
“Ben – you have kept the integrity of my work brilliantly — and I love you for it.”
“Ben is a treasure – a rare combination of instinct, intelligence and compassion…”
“[Ben]’s a remarkable teacher and man. Seriously take his class.”
“I credit many of my ‘breakthroughs’ to Ben’s insight, support, and trust, and highly recommend him to any actors seeking to go deeper into the work…”
“Ben is an amazing teacher and mentor…and an inspiring talent.”
“After too many years of lazy television acting, Ben reminded me what my tools are, provided an environment where I felt safe to take risks and gave me permission to jump!”
“Working with Ben is an incredibly deep experience for me as an actor. I feel challenged to ground my work and find truth.”
“Thank you Ben for instilling the habits of professionalism, commitment, belief, and discipline – teachings which have not only influenced my approach to the craft, but what I believe has also contributed to me having a career in acting.”
“Ben’s class is an artistic sanctuary. He cultivates an atmosphere based on kindness, professionalism, and integrity where actors feel inspired to offer their craft the focused discipline that will bring out their best.”
“Ben’s the real deal who sees each student as a potential world class contender in the boxing ring of our industry.”
“I can draw a straight line between Ben’s class and the next few jobs that I was cast in…I’m having a ball, I feel more empowered in my work and that journey was kick-started at Haven.”
“Ben has guided me through years of training, he’s enabled me to break through many barriers and enabled me to fly with confidence and vulnerability.”
“He is, without a doubt, one of the finest teachers I’ve worked with.”
” I can’t recommend Ben’s classes at Haven Studio highly enough.”
Classes
As a writer/director/producer, Ben has helmed 2 award-winning, theatrically released feature films: Down River (9 wins and 12 nominations, including Most Popular Canadian Film at VIFF 2013 and Best Feature at the 2014 Soho International Film Festival, NYC) and Moving Malcolm (4 wins and 1 nomination, including Best Feature Film at the 2003 Washington D.C. Film Festival). He has also written and/or directed and produced numerous short films and web series episodes, has directed Robson Arms for CTV, and has developed several original television series for Canadian networks.
For theatre, Ben has appeared in many plays including This, by Melissa James Gibson, Dinner with Friends, by Donald Margulies, and Italian American Reconciliation by John Patrick Shanley. Early in his career, Ben was nominated for a Jessie Richardson award for his portrayal of “Bobby” in David Mamet’s American Buffalo. He has also directed numerous plays, including the Canadian Premieres of Tommy Smith’s White Hot and Christopher Shinn’s Dying City, as well as Either We Talk Or We Don’t Talk, created in collaboration with actors from Haven Studio. In 2020, Ben wrote and directed the one-man show Casey and the Octopus for the inspiring and dynamic 19-year-old cancer survivor Casey Wright.
Next up for Ben is his television series, Trigger Me, which he created and directed and features many Haven Studio actors in lead roles. HBO’s Westworld director/executive producer Richard J. Lewis has come on board as executive producer.
Ben started his teaching career in 1995, under the tutelage of his mentor Ivana Chubbuck (author, The Power of the Actor). He has also studied with and been greatly influenced by Larry Moss (author, The Intent to Live), Patsy Rodenburg (author, The Second Circle), and Canada’s Mel Tuck.
Having taught acting in Vancouver, Los Angeles and across Canada, Ben established Haven Studio in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood in 2002. He and his team at Haven Studio continue to offer extremely in-demand classes to both top-notch veteran actors and ambitious up-and-coming performers.
NOTE: In 2021, Ben changed his name from Ben Ratner to Ben Immanuel (Immanuel is his middle name) to avoid being repeatedly mistaken for or associated with director/producer Brett Ratner, to whom he has no relation.
Scene Study
with Ben Immanuel
PREREQUISITE:
Ben works with actors with previous training and professional experience.
DESCRIPTION:
Students are assigned scenes from stage plays, and are expected to be off-book and rehearse with their scene partners between classes. There are 5 classes per session. There are 5-6 scenes per night, and each class is 5 hours long. 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 Ben before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
TUESDAY NIGHT SCENE STUDY (IN PERSON):
June 28 – July 26 | 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Max 12 students) *WAITLIST ONLY
Total $440 including gst for 5 weeks of class
August 9 – September 6 | 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Max 12 students)
Total $440 including gst for 5 weeks of class
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
“I wish I had known Ben Immanuel when I first decided to become a professional actor. Such a relationship then would have spared me a lot of heartbreak and a lot of money… Ben is a treasure – a rare combination of instinct, intelligence and compassion…”
~ Brian J. Smith
Tony Award, Olivier Award & Drama Desk Award nominee for The Glass Menagerie, and star of Netflix series Sense8
“The combination of the demanding material, the commitment and talent of my classmates and Ben’s forceful yet passionate direction and guidance made me into the actor I am today – a confident and working one! He’s a remarkable teacher and man. Seriously take his class.”
~ Ali Liebert
Strange Empire, Lost Girl, series lead Bomb Girls,
Canadian Screen Award & Leo Award-winning actor
~ Jadyn Wong
series lead Scorpion, Rookie Blue, Spun Out
Raising the Bar
with Ben Immanuel
PREREQUISITE:
This is an advanced class by invitation only.
DESCRIPTION:
Raising the Bar is a scene study class for actors with considerable training and/or professional experience, especially those who have worked extensively with Ben in his on-going scene study classes. It is by invitation only. Students are assigned scenes from stage plays, and are expected to be off-book and rehearse with their scene partners between classes. There are 5 classes per session. There are 5-6 scenes per night, and each class is 5 hours long. 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 Ben before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
SUNDAY NIGHT RAISING THE BAR (IN PERSON):
July 10 – August 7 | 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Max 12 students) *WAITLIST ONLY
Total $440 including gst for 5 weeks of class
August 21 – September 18 | 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Max 12 students)
Total $440 including gst for 5 weeks of class
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
~ Brian J. Smith
Tony Award, Olivier Award & Drama Desk Award nominee for The Glass Menagerie, and star of Netflix series Sense8
~ Ali Liebert
Strange Empire, Lost Girl, series lead Bomb Girls,
Canadian Screen Award & Leo Award-winning actor
“BEFORE I met Ben, I didn’t feel or consider myself to be an actor. AFTER I met Ben, I jumped and took the plunge. Thank you Ben for instilling the habits of professionalism, commitment, belief, and discipline – teachings which have not only influenced my approach to the craft, but what I believe has also contributed to me having a career in acting.”
~ Jadyn Wong
series lead Scorpion, Rookie Blue, Spun Out
Audition Breakthrough
with Nelson Wong
MASTERING YOUR AUDITIONS
PREREQUISITE:
This class is for actors with previous acting training.
DESCRIPTION:
In this fast-paced online audition workout led by seasoned actor Nelson Wong, you will learn and refine the vital skills necessary to deliver unique, confident, well-prepared auditions that will help you break through your fears and enjoy the casting process.
This weekly workout seeks to demystify the audition process and help actors own their creative space. Actors will receive feedback and practice while exploring camera technique, genre, character choices, and personal stakes with the goal of being able to create a confident and creatively dynamic process for every audition.
Students receive their class footage each week via Dropbox.
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 Nelson before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
WEDNESDAY (IN-PERSON)
July 6 – August 10 (No Class July 20) | 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Max 12 students)
Total: $375 including gst for 5 WEEKS of class
September 7 – October 5 | 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Max 12 students)
Total: $375 including gst for 5 WEEKS of class
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
For all Audition Breakthrough registrations, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
“Nelson’s class exceeded my expectations in every way. He creates a comfortable and welcoming space for everyone to come in and do the work in a relaxed but focused environment. He offers an absolute wealth of knowledge, and really opened my eyes to numerous tips and techniques that weren’t even on my radar prior to learning from him! I thoroughly enjoyed the material every week, and his unique approach to recreating the audition process creates a very fun overall class dynamic that keeps everyone engaged and involved.”
~ Lauren Maynard
SIX, Man in The High Castle
“Auditions have always been a bit out of focus for me. Nelson has acted like a perfectly crafted pair of prescription glasses, opening my eyes to the audition process and presenting all of the wonderful possibilities a scene can offer in a clear, creative, and fun way. Nelson challenges you to take risks, dares you to bring your true, authentic self to the audition, and gives you the confidence to handle the many curve balls your auditors will likely throw at you. Since studying with Nelson, I walk into the room with complete confidence in my preparation, and my call back ratio has leaped to over 70%! Nelson gives you the tools to create a lasting impression that will get you seen over and over again.”
~ Jesse Carroll
Travelers, Untold Stories of the ER, Morning Show Murders
“Nelson books a lot of acting jobs. He’s clearly doing something right in those audition rooms, and he’s eager to share his experience, passion and insight with his Audition Breakthrough students. I respect and trust Nelson completely and I’m very glad to have him teaching this class at Haven Studio.”
~ Ben Immanuel
Scene Study
With Nelson Wong
PREREQUISITE:
These classes are geared towards actors newer to Haven Studio looking to get a solid foundation before joining Ben’s scene study classes.
DESCRIPTION:
Since 2002, Vancouver’s top working actors have been training at Ben Immanuel’s Haven Studio. Many of Ben’s students, past and present, are working in lead and recurring roles in film and television projects, as well as stage productions, across North America and abroad.
Haven is also home to a great many ambitious up-and-coming actors, and this Scene Study class with Nelson Wong is your chance to see for yourself what makes Haven so special. This is an intensive scene study class, every Saturday afternoon for 5 weeks in a row. You’ll be performing long scenes from great contemporary plays, with a maximum 12 students in class. You’ll be working on the key steps to becoming a solid, strong, prepared actor – ready to face the realities of working professionally.
You’ll be challenged to work on clearly understanding the story you’re telling, developing the techniques required to deliver your part confidently, and you’ll be encouraged and guided as you discover the freedom and creativity that follows a lot of hard work.
FORMAT:
Students are assigned scenes from stage plays, and are expected to be off-book and rehearse with their scene partners between classes. There are 5 classes per session. There are 4-6 scenes per night, and each class is 5 hours long. 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 Nelson before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
SATURDAY SCENE STUDY (IN PERSON):
***PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED.
TBD | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Max 12 students)
Total $375 including gst for 5 weeks of class
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
“Nelson’s scene study class is just what I needed. I was getting hung up on the self tape process so much that I needed to get grounded and back to basics in order to put forth my best work. I can’t say enough about Nelson’s positive approach. Thank you Nelson.”
~Jai Braithwaite
Siren (Freeform), You Me Her (Audience), Hitler’s Last Stand (NatGeo)
“Nelson is knowledgeable, fun, humble, kind-hearted and totally passionate about the craft. I trust him completely to guide his students in an always challenging, but totally safe atmosphere. That’s what Haven is about, and Nelson fits right in.”
~ Ben Immanuel
Using scenes from contemporary plays, Jill’s class focuses on voice, clarity of storytelling, creating complex characters and building a strong connection to scene partners. From script analysis torehearsal process, to final performance, Jill’s Scene Study class will help you “find your wings” and fly!
Selected credits for Jill include A Million Little Things, Mean Girls, Supergirl, National Parks, Maid, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Project Blue Book, The Good Doctor, Motherland, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Package Deal, Imaginary Mary, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Healing Powers of Dude and Benchwarmers, and too many MOWs to mention!
Scene Study
With Jill Morrison
PREREQUISITE:
This class is geared towards actors newer to Haven Studio who are looking to build a solid foundation before applying for Ben’s scene study classes.
DESCRIPTION:
Scenes from contemporary stage plays will be worked on for the five week session, focusing on Haven Studio‘s “3 C’s”:
Comprehension, Clarity and Commitment.
Do you truly understand the story you are telling? Do you have the instrument to communicate your ideas without technical/emotional obstacles? How far will you go, how much will you give, how hard will you work to deliver the goods in a truthful, entertaining, and original performance?
Take the plunge in Haven’s challenging, yet always supportive atmosphere, lead by this veteran performer of of stage and screen. Jill will guide you in taking your work to the next level, and prepare newer students for admission into Ben Immanuel’s advanced scene study classes.
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 5 classes per session. There are 4 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 Jill before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
MONDAY SCENE STUDY (IN STUDIO/IN PERSON):
July 11 – August 15 (No Class Aug 1)| 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Max 12 students)
Total: $400 including gst for 5 WEEKS of class
August 22 – September 26th (No Class Sep 5)| 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Max 12 students)
Total: $400 including gst for 5 WEEKS of class
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
Nancy Drew, iZombie, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce
Loretta is also the founder of theatre company Kindred Entertainment and has starred in over 30 plays including: Dinner with Friends, Lobby Hero, Sex with Strangers, THIS, Either We Talk or We Don’t Talk, White Hot, Othello and Hamlet.
Loretta has studied with Ben Immanuel for over a decade and been an acting teacher at Haven Studio for 7 years. After a brief hiatus she is happy to be returning to the studio to teach Scene Study.
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.
DESCRIPTION:
Loretta is currently shooting her 9th season as a series regular on When Calls the Heart, but she misses Haven and is returning to her home base to teach this high energy class! Scenes from contemporary stage plays will be worked on for the five week session, focusing on Haven Studio‘s “3 C’s”:
Comprehension, Clarity and Commitment.
Do you truly understand the story you are telling? Do you have the instrument to communicate your ideas without technical obstacles? How far will you go, how much will you give, how hard will you work to deliver the goods in a truthful, entertaining, and original performance?
Take the plunge in Haven’s challenging, yet always supportive atmosphere, lead by this veteran performer of of stage and screen. Loretta will guide you in taking your work to the next level, and prepare newer students for admission into Ben Immanuel’s advanced scene study classes.
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.
WEDNESDAY SCENE STUDY (IN STUDIO):
***MAXIMUM 10 STUDENTS PER CLASS. PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED.
May 4 – June 1 | 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Total: $375 including gst for 5 WEEKS of class
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
“Working with Loretta has been a wonderful experience. She is constantly pushing you to strive for honesty and challenging you to push limits in your craft. Her passion for acting has inspired me to pour 110% into my work. Loretta creates a safe and open environment to explore aspects of yourself as well as characters. She creates a feeling that you are among friends, while guiding you to step outside of your comfort zone. I felt like I really learned what it means to jump into things without hesitation and to let go of my fear of judgement with her. Her support and encouragement have given me so much confidence!”
~ Melissa Roxburgh
Manifest, Star Trek Beyond, Travelers
“Loretta is such an exceptional teacher and no wonder, she was taught by the best, Ben Immanuel. I am grateful to have the pleasure of studying with Loretta in her Actors’ Cross-Training and Scene Study classes. She is such a talented and lovely human being that is so nurturing and caring to the point of guiding you until you get what is needed to fulfill your objective as an actor. She is so supportive and encouraging in a way that guarantees to bring out your best in any circumstances in a very safe environment. Loretta’s classes are invaluable to any actor. Much Respect. Highly recommended!”
~ Jerry Trimble
Supernatural, The Flash, iZombie, Heat,
Green Hornet, Charlie’s Angels, The Package
“Loretta is uncompromisingly passionate about taking herself and the actors she works with to new heights. I am totally confident that anyone who studies with her will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of my scene study class and the realities of what’s required to compete as a professional actor.”
~ Ben Immanuel
Workshops
Using scenes from contemporary plays, Jill’s class focuses on voice, clarity of storytelling, creating complex characters and building a strong connection to scene partners. From script analysis torehearsal process, to final performance, Jill’s Scene Study class will help you “find your wings” and fly!
Selected credits for Jill include A Million Little Things, Mean Girls, Supergirl, National Parks, Maid, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Project Blue Book, The Good Doctor, Motherland, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Package Deal, Imaginary Mary, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Healing Powers of Dude and Benchwarmers, and too many MOWs to mention!
2-DAY ON-CAMERA COMEDY WORKSHOP with JILL MORRISON
PREREQUISITE: Both veteran and newer actors are welcome, and scene partners with similar experience will be paired up together.
DESCRIPTION: In an encouraging, challenging and always fun atmosphere, actors will work with partners on multiple scenes on-camera.
The focus of this energetic class will be on breathing and rehearsal tools, camera technique, broad comedy vs more grounded styles, and the specific differences between multi and single camera approaches. Using scenes from film and TV, Jill will work closely with each actor to help bring out and nurture their unique comedic voice, while building the specific skills that are required to work in numerous professional environments where funny is money!
FORMAT: Students are assigned scenes from film and TV.
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 Jill before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
2-DAY ON-CAMERA COMEDY WORKSHOP with JILL MORRISON WORKSHOP (IN PERSON):
(Maximum 12 Students)
July 16 – 17 | 11am – 4pm
Total: $260.00 including gst
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
Nancy Drew, iZombie, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce
2-DAY Acting on Camera Workshop
with Brandon Jay McLaren
It is no exaggeration to say Brandon J. McLaren is one of the busiest, most versatile actors working internationally in film and television today.
A Haven Acting Studio alumnus, Brandon is currently shooting the Freeform comedy Everything’s Trash. Other notable performances **include fan favourite ‘Xavier Watkins’ on the Disney + comedy/action series Turner & Hooch, ABC’s action series The Rookie, alongside Nathan Fillion, and as ‘Buckley’ on season 5 of the acclaimed FX series Snowfall, created by Dave Andron, Eric Amadio and John Singleton. A genre-hopping actor with killer comedy chops, smoking hot dramatic intensity and effortless charm, Brandon wants to share his experience, techniques, and stories with you, exclusively at Haven Acting Studio, in this on-camera intensive.
Utilizing scenes from top-notch shows that he has worked on, as well as other dynamic current productions, day 1 will be focused on dramatic scenes and day 2 will be an exploration of contemporary comedy.
Brandon will be focusing on on-set skills including:
- taking direction on the fly
- having agency over your craft
- the ability to be versatile
- taking educated chances
What makes this workshop even more unique is that that Brandon generously donating his entire teaching fee to REACH WITHIN, a charity dear to his heart that helps transform childhood trauma into healthy living.
Haven Acting Studio will also be making a $250.00 donation to Reach Within and anyone else who wants to learn more about what they do or donate, please check out www.reachwithin.org
This workshop is geared toward students with previous training and on-set experience. Only 12 spots available.
2-DAY ACTING ON CAMERA WORKSHOP with BRANDON JAY McLAREN (IN PERSON):
(Maximum 12 Students)
August 6 – 7th (11am – 3pm)
Total: $260.00 including gst
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
Jason has been an active police officer in the city of Vancouver for 20 years. He’s worked as a patrol officer in all four districts of Vancouver. During his time as a police officer Jason has also worked on the riot squad, as a recruiter, and a detective. Jason has experience as a high level interviewer and interrogator, as well as in high level undercover work.
In addition to a career in policing, Jason has managed and coached his three children who all have thriving and active acting careers.
Jason works as an actor himself and has numerous credits, including several roles as a police officer in different capacities.
How to Play Cops for Film and Television
with Jason Tremblay
HOW TO PLAY COPS FOR FILM AND TELEVISION
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?
THE BASICS
- PROP FIREARMS HANDLING
- PROPER HANDCUFFING TECHNIQUE
- USING THE POLICE RADIO
- THINKING, WALKING, AND TALKING LIKE A COP
- PROPER CONDUCT AND PROTOCOL
- PROPER WARDROBE
TAKING A DEEPER DIVE, THIS WORKSHOP WILL ALSO GIVE YOU A FIRST-HAND INSIDERS VIEW INTO:
POLICE CULTURE
- 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.
- OFF-DUTY LIFESTYLE AND CONDUCT)
With 20 years experience as a police officer/detective, Jason Tremblay has played law enforcement of various types on shows including Day of the Dead, Maid, Demonic, Loudermilk, Spontaneous, Virgin River, BH90210, Power Rangers, Law & Order, Lifetime and Hallmark movies, and more. Coming from an acting family, he has spent countless hours on film and TV sets. He has seen it all, the true version and the showbiz version, and strongly believes if someone is going to play a cop, be they a good cop or a bad cop, they should start by knowing what it’s
like to be a real cop.
Sides from shows, improv, role playing, and lots of discussion and Q & A will all be incorporated into the day.
Everyone will be up on their feet participating in this intense, yet safe look behind the blue line.
This workshop is also open to writers.
1 DAY HOW TO PLAY COPS FOR FILM & TV WORKSHOP (IN PERSON):
***PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED. (Maximum 12 Students)
April 24th (12pm – 4pm)
Total: $125.00 including gst
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
Acting and Career Building for Kids and Their Parents
AN EXCLUSIVE 2-DAY WORKSHOP HOSTED BY JASON TREMBLAY
Jason Tremblay and his wife Christina have extensive experience in helping their kids, Jacob, Emma, and Erica work steadily as actors, while taking on the challenges that come with being a “professional” kid.
From biz basics like headshots, agent shopping and learning the audition process, to advanced experiences such as travelling the world to collaborate with A-list actors and directors, to attending the academy awards and exciting, yet gruelling press junkets, the Tremblays have taken the ride, and seen and done it all.
Jason is also a working actor himself and brings his own first-hand experience to the process.
Some of the actors the Tremblay kids have worked with include:
- BRIE LARSON
- JULIA ROBERTS
- MATT DAMON
- SETH ROGAN
- DAVEED DIGGS
- PETER DINKLAGE
- MERYL STREEP
- OLIVIA MUNN
This two-day workshop is focused on acting fundamentals, preparing for auditions, on- set dos, and don’ts, and working effectively with agents. Most of all it’s about creating a healthy and fun parent-kid working relationship as you navigate your way through the thrills and challenges of the professional film and TV industry!
Joining Jason for the second day of the workshop will be veteran kid’s acting coach Morgana Wylie. Morgana brings many years of specialized on-set, in class, and private coaching to this workshop, and will be working with the kids on audition skills and basic fundamentals that will serve them, and their parents, for many years to come.
DAY 1 (SATURDAY JUNE 25th – 10am – 1pm)
PARENTS ONLY!
We will be discussing all aspects of the biz, including
- training
- agent/parent responsibilities
- auditions (self-tape and in-room)
- headshots
- on set responsibilities for both child and parents
- when it may be necessary for lawyers and publicists to join your team
- working with unions
- on set wellness and safety
- and much more!
DAY 2 (SUNDAY JUNE 26th – Group 1: 9am – 12pm Group 2: 1pm – 4pm) PARENTS AND KIDS
Working on sides and audition techniques with experienced kids acting coach Morgana Wylie.
This will be a practical hands-on day. We will be reviewing and having each parent and child film a home self tape and do a mock in the room audition, while we coach, critique and review.
Sides will be given one day in advance, and each child will perform a prepared audition in front of the class. There will also be some surprise last minute sides thrown at the kids to see what it’s like to cold read new characters with little or no notice.
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the class and day in which you are interested. Include the start date.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
Natalie was fascinated with voice, linguistics, phonetics and deconstructing language during her studies and realised she had a real aptitude for accents and dialects which quickly became a passion for her. Natalie can confidently and naturally perform accents from around the world. Originally from England however, she specializes in accents from the United Kingdom.
Star Trek Beyond, Brahms: The Boy II (alongside Katie Holmes), DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow (CW), Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal (Lifetime), FIFA (EA), multiple commercials and more.
Perfect Your British Accent
British Scene Study Workshop
With Natalie Moon
PREREQUISITE:
Both veteran and newer actors are welcome, and scene partners with similar experience will be paired up together.
DESCRIPTION:
Perfect your British accent whilst delving into scenes from contemporary theatre.
The first class will focus on accent specifics and attributes, consonant omissions and changes, vowel changes, placement and flow.
We will explore Haven Studio‘s “3 C’s”: Comprehension, Commitment and Clarity
We will warm up using British texts and sounds. Throughout the five classes we will focus on objectives and analysis of the text. We will also look at how an accent can influence a character, how it makes you feel, and how it makes you behave. Over the course of the round, we will constantly improve and hone your RP accent until you feel confident and eager to get out there to share what you have learned for auditions, and in your work on stage and screen.
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 5 classes per session. There are 4 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 Natalie before signing up for a class, however, we are glad to arrange that.
WEDNESDAY SCENE STUDY WORKSHOP (IN STUDIO/IN PERSON):
***Maximum 8 Students. PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED.
TBD | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Total: $350 including gst for 5 WEEKS of class
“I recommend Natalie all the time! Natalie is an absolute joy to work with and a constant professional on set. She’s incredibly gifted with accents and more importantly, she puts people at ease and creates a safe space to practice for actors of all skill levels. “
– Stef Armstrong, producer (Beyond, Motherland, Ghosting)
“I had the great pleasure of working with Natalie on a production that required accents from each cast member (none of whom shared a natural accent). Natalie methodically prepared the cast, not just for the individual accent required, but explained why and how those accents existed within the greater class structure of the UK. Her knowledge and calm consistency were invaluable, helping each of us shape our characters and feel grounded on the stage.
I highly recommend Natalie as an accent coach and am very much looking forward to working with her again!”
– Kate Isaac, producer/actor (Batwoman, The Good Doctor, Chesapeake Shores)
“Natalie Moon has coached me in different British dialects three times for different roles. Her widespread grasp of many accents and dialects is truly impressive, and her coaching is very thorough and encouraging. I look forward to future coachings from Natalie.”
– Chris Cope, actor (When Calls The Heart, Bletchley Circle, DC Legends of Tomorrow)
“I contacted Natalie about polishing up my British RP accent for an audition. I had a good grounding but Natalie’s specificity, knowledge and tips and tricks definitely helped me secure the role but most importantly helped me to ensure my RP accent felt natural and easy for this audition and the future.”
– Giacomo Baessato, actor (Once Upon a Time, Arrow, Motive, The X-Files, Nancy Drew)
“Natalie’s dialect coaching in RP British helped me book a role as Camilla Parker Bowles in Lifetime’s Harry and Megan: A Royal Romance. She is a consummate industry pro who is fun and thorough!”
– Deborah Ramsay, actor (A Million Little Things, The Twilight Zone, The Magicians)
Veena has taught Improv workshops to the animators of Lucas Film & Disney, has been an TV/film on-set coach, as well as teaches improv at Capilano University’s Acting programme. You can see Veena in numerous television & film productions such as Twilight Zone, Loudermilk, Charmed, Riverdale, Salvation, & The Murders.
Recently Veena was honored by The North Shore Fund for the Arts for a Distinguished Artists’ Award. In 2017 Veena was honored by UBCP/ACTRA with The Lorena Gale Woman Of Distinction Award. UBCP/ACTRA also awarded Veena the Sam Payne Award for her contributions in humanity, artistic integrity and encouragement of new talent.
Veena is a 3-time Jessie Richardson nominee/winner for her theatre work, as well as a 2-time Leo Award nominee/winner for her film/television work over the years. Currently Veena is the Artistic Director of Keith Johnstone’s The Life Game (Vancouver), which she co-produced 10 episodes for CBC.
www.veenasood.com
Improv Workshop
with Award-Winning Actor
Veena Sood
PREREQUISITE:
This workshop is suitable for both newer, and veteran actors. Please submit your current headshot and resume. Enrolment is limited to 12 students.
DESCRIPTION:
This workshop will focus on using Improv exercises to allow oneself to be more present, accepting your impulses, and give you valuable tools to assist you in your scene work, auditions and on set.
There is no pressure to ‘be funny’ but rather the focus will be on learning how to free your mind, unleash your imagination, and release your spontaneity.
This workshop is suitable for both newer, and veteran actors. Enrolment is limited to 12 students.
Improv Workshop with Veena Sood
TBD | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Total $250 including gst for a 2-day intensive
*Maximum 12 students*
This workshop is suitable for both newer, and veteran actors.
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name and dates of the workshop in the subject line.
Please also attach your current HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
“Improv skills are an essential tool to have in your back pocket during the audition process. Learning how to quickly think on your feet can put you a step ahead. What a great fortune to have in our own back yard one of the founders of TheatreSports, Veena Sood, available to guide actors towards excellence using the world of improv.”
~ Coreen Mayrs, Casting Director
Most recently, Richard has come on board as an Executive Producer on Ben Immanuel’s series *Trigger Me,* which was created in collaboration with students at Haven Studio, and is being repped by Thunderbird/Great Pacific Entertainment.
Richard will be bringing his passion, experience and love of the actor/director process to Haven Studio.
2-Night Online Scene Study Workshop with Richard J. Lewis
Exclusively at Haven Acting Studio
PREREQUISITE:
These workshops are geared toward experienced actors. Please submit your current headshot and resume. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
DESCRIPTION:
This is a chance to be closely guided by director/producer Richard J. Lewis, exclusively at Haven Studio.
Dustin Hoffman, Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffery Wright, Ed Harris, Minnie Driver, Paul Giamatti, Thandie Newton, Anthony Hopkins … these are just a few of the actors Richard has worked with in over 30 years as an award-winning film and TV director. Richard’s other credits include A Million Little Things, CSI, Person of Interest and feature films Barney’s Version and Whale Music.
Most recently, Richard has come on board as an Executive Producer on Ben Immanuel’s series Trigger Me, which was created in collaboration with students at Haven Studio, and is being repped by Thunderbird/Great Pacific Entertainment.
Richard will be bringing his passion, experience and love of the actor/director process to Haven Studio.
FORMAT:
Students are assigned scenes from Film and Television Shows, and are expected to be off-book and rehearse with their scene partners between classes. The scene will then be performed live on Zoom with their assigned partner.
All scenes will be recorded and sent to you via Google Drive.
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.
2-Day Scene Study Workshop with Richard J. Lewis
TBD | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Total $250 including gst for a 2-day intensive
*Maximum 12 students*
These workshops are geared toward experienced actors.
Email info@havenacting.com and specify the name of the workshop and dates in which you are interested.
If you are new to Haven Studio, or you haven’t attended in a long while, please also attach your HEADSHOT and RESUME, with your first and last name as the beginning of the file names for both.
As a writer/director/producer, Ben has helmed 2 award-winning, theatrically released feature films: Down River (9 wins and 12 nominations, including Most Popular Canadian Film at VIFF 2013 and Best Feature at the 2014 Soho International Film Festival, NYC) and Moving Malcolm (4 wins and 1 nomination, including Best Feature Film at the 2003 Washington D.C. Film Festival). He has also written and/or directed and produced numerous short films and web series episodes, has directed Robson Arms for CTV, and has developed several original television series for Canadian networks.
For theatre, Ben has appeared in many plays including This, by Melissa James Gibson, Dinner with Friends, by Donald Margulies, and Italian American Reconciliation by John Patrick Shanley. Early in his career, Ben was nominated for a Jessie Richardson award for his portrayal of “Bobby” in David Mamet’s American Buffalo. He has also directed numerous plays, including the Canadian Premieres of Tommy Smith’s White Hot and Christopher Shinn’s Dying City, as well as Either We Talk Or We Don’t Talk, created in collaboration with actors from Haven Studio. In 2020, Ben wrote and directed the one-man show Casey and the Octopus for the inspiring and dynamic 19-year-old cancer survivor Casey Wright.
Next up for Ben is his television series, Trigger Me, which he created and directed and features many Haven Studio actors in lead roles. HBO’s Westworld director/executive producer Richard J. Lewis has come on board as executive producer.
Ben started his teaching career in 1995, under the tutelage of his mentor Ivana Chubbuck (author, The Power of the Actor). He has also studied with and been greatly influenced by Larry Moss (author, The Intent to Live), Patsy Rodenburg (author, The Second Circle), and Canada’s Mel Tuck.
Having taught acting in Vancouver, Los Angeles and across Canada, Ben established Haven Studio in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood in 2002. He and his team at Haven Studio continue to offer extremely in-demand classes to both top-notch veteran actors and ambitious up-and-coming performers.
NOTE: In 2021, Ben changed his name from Ben Ratner to Ben Immanuel (Immanuel is his middle name) to avoid being repeatedly mistaken for or associated with director/producer Brett Ratner, to whom he has no relation.
Loretta is also the founder of theatre company Kindred Entertainment and has starred in over 30 plays including: Dinner with Friends, Lobby Hero, Sex with Strangers, THIS, Either We Talk or We Don’t Talk, White Hot, Othello and Hamlet.
Loretta has studied with Ben Immanuel for over a decade and been an acting teacher at Haven Studio for 7 years. After a brief hiatus she is happy to be returning to the studio to teach Scene Study.
Using scenes from contemporary plays, Jill’s class focuses on voice, clarity of storytelling, creating complex characters and building a strong connection to scene partners. From script analysis torehearsal process, to final performance, Jill’s Scene Study class will help you “find your wings” and fly!
Selected credits for Jill include A Million Little Things, Mean Girls, Supergirl, National Parks, Maid, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Project Blue Book, The Good Doctor, Motherland, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Package Deal, Imaginary Mary, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Healing Powers of Dude and Benchwarmers, and too many MOWs to mention!
