Classes & Workshops
Current & Past Offerings. Please see the Calendar page for the current offerings!
The Practice Room offers a variety of classes that give attention to our bodies, minds, imaginations and overall well-being in a welcoming environment.
When in the process of preparing for and/or creating work for the stage and screen, we are able to work on a deeper level if we practice with our peers.
Class costs are determined by each facilitator sharing their practice in the space. Please look to our monthly calendar and our Instagram for the current offerings.
If you are interested in facilitating or creating a class or exploration, please email us at thepracticeroomto@gmail.com for our calendar availability and a description of what you would like to offer.
The Speakers Gym
Class Overview:
These drop-in classes are designed for anyone who is interested in developing their speaking voice and speech skills. Over a lifetime, habits can form that can impede our ability to tap into the full authenticity, power and unique beauty of our voice. Participants will be led through a voice warm-up and learn what it means to be fully present in their bodies, feel the support of the breath, and speak on the breath. Participants are encouraged to bring in text to work on or it can be provided. They will be led through various text exercises enabling them to speak with audibility, clarity, and authenticity whether it's for a meeting, presentation, audition or an important conversation.
Instructor: Peter N. Bailey graduated from the Humber College Theatre Performance Program in 2003. Peter’s theatre credits include: A World Without Shadows, The Wilberforce Hotel, Jumbo, The Real McCoy (The Blyth Festival), Other Side of the Game (Cahoots Theatre Co. and Obsidian Theatre), To Kill a Mockingbird, An Ideal Husband, Richard III, All’s Well That Ends Well (Stratford Festival), Fences (Grand Theatre), Here Are the Fragments (The Theatre Centre), Romeo and Juliet, Sweat, Fairview (Canadian Stage Company), A Few Good Men (Drayton Entertainment). Peter’s voice and dialect coaching credits include: Serving Elizabeth, Much Ado About Nothing, Wedding Band, Get That Hope, (The Stratford Festival), Fat Ham (Canadian Stage Company), Shedding A Skin (Nightwood Theatre) Flex (Obsidian Theatre & Crows Theatre), The National Theatre School of Canada, Canadian Film Centre, and Sheridan College. Peter is a Pasty Rodenburg™ Associate (PRA).
Cost: $30 per class, or $100 for all four classes. Please send e-transfers to: peternbaileyvoicecoach@gmail.com
How to Register: Follow the link below and choose your September date and either the 10am or 12pm class —> www.peternbailey.com/training
To register for all four classes, please send a request to peternbaileyvoicecoach@gmail.com
Embodied Character
Class Overview:
Embodied Character: “Being Human” - A somatic approach to acting. This class is a big experiment, exploring what it feels like to be human. To live at different extremes, in different realities with different experiences, all for the noble purpose of holding a mirror to the audience. We call this work “embodied” as it focuses on using the body to express different energies/parts archetypes and character experiences. Scrapping the “expert model” approach to acting, based in criticism and ideas of “good acting” Embodied Character offers an approach to pleasurably be in the creative-unknown. Encouraging the actor’s ability to intuitively create character-experiences within their own body, using the body and its wisdom as a way into understanding the character’s reality. Embodied Character recognizes that acting is simply about the experience of being in character. The class draws on bodywork, group-therapy, clown-work, shadow-work, polarities and a bunch of other stuff too. The class supports the Actor's creative growth not only as an artist but as a human and leader in the world.
Instructor: Dov began his acting career at the age of 12 when he was cast as the lead in a short film (LOVE CHILD with Neve Campbell) out of Young People's Theater in Toronto. He quickly piled up a series of credits before moving to NYC when he was cast along side Judd Hirsch in Broadway's revival of A THOUSAND CLOWNS. Throughout his career Dov has been committed to growing his craft and studying technique while seeking out the world-class teachers. Dov began training in Linklatter Technique with David Smukler and Natsuko Ohama as well as Meisner at the Atlantic. Upon moving to Los Angeles Dov trained with legendary coach Sandra Seacat who's Jungian dream work helped Dov lessen the perceived divide between character and self, then continued with the excellent Kerrie Keane who emphasized Energetic Openness and Spontaneity. Dov then studied with Michael Beckett who's been teaching at HB studio for over 50 years and was trained by founding teachers Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen, where his understanding of the finer points of craft, the role of the artist and technique have been sharpened. Dov has been coaching actors for many years. Currently facilitating a master class in Toronto as well as holding workshops in NYC. He’s currently in training and seeing clients in the field of Somatic-Psychotherapy.
Session Details: Every Sunday from 6pm-9pm. For more information: https://www.embodiedcharacter.com
How to Register: Email Dov.Tiefenbach@gmail.com to register and for more information.
The Actor & Your Voice on Camera Workshop
Class Overview:
Rediscover the foundation of your craft through breath and body connection. Learn to reveal character truthfully and fully. This session explores how to optimize your vocal resonance specifically for the camera — clear, present, and connected.
Instructor: Conrad Coates has acted in theatre, film, television and radio since 1985. Conrad’s performed in more than 70 stage productions across the continent, including two seasons at The Stratford Shakespeare Festival and has more than 140 television and film credits to his name. He directed Soulpepper’s theatre’s production of Nina Simone: written and performed by Shakura S’aida and Jackie Richardson as well as Stephanie Herreras one woman Toronto Fringe hit show, Am I Pretty Now! Since 1998-2018, Conrad was the associate drama teacher and director with SuiteLife: Arts For Youth, a not for profit educational and performance community organization. For more than 10 years, along with his commitments to his continuing success as an actor, Conrad is a professor of acting at Toronto's Seneca College, York University campus. Conrad is a member of the Screen Actors Guild (U.S.A.) ACTRA and the Canadian Actors' Equity Association.
Cost: $425 per session. (9am-6pm)
How to Register: Please register via the link HERE: https://www.coatesandcompany.com/theactorandyourvoiceoncamera
Breathwork
Class Overview:
BREATHWORK is a simple yet powerful and transformative active breathing meditation designed to move stuck energy and help you reconnect with your body and mind. The session starts with a brief introduction, followed by a demonstration. After finding a comfortable place to lie down, we’ll engage in active breathing to music for 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute rest and recharge. We'll close the session with a thank-you and a light snack. This practice is heart-opening and grounding, bringing ease, fun, and an overall sense of well-being. It’s like a great workout for your mind, body, and spirit, allowing for deep relaxation and transformation. What to bring: Water, lip balm, yoga mat, blanket, eye mask or small towel. Dress in layers, people often get cold doing this work.
Instructor:
Marjorie Campbell (she/her) has been an artist for many years, using different mediums to express her feelings—until those feelings began to take control. Seeking more balance for her body, mind, and spirit, she discovered Breathwork in 2018 through Erin Telford. This led her to study with Telford's teacher, and since 2019, she has been assisting healers David Elliott and Julie Brinkley in New Mexico four times a year. It's rigorous work, but she loves it. Sharing Breathwork has become her life's passion, helping others connect with their senses and choose a life grounded in love. She is also a proud mom of two creative children.
Cost: $25 per session. Please send e-transfer to littleminventions@gmail.com.
How to Register: Email littleminventions@gmail.com to confirm your spot, including the dates you wish to participate. Limited spaces available!
Access Bars
Cost: $45 for a 50 minute, one on one session.
How to Register: Email Padma at padmapv@gmail.com with your preferred date and time.
Class Overview:
As a licensed Access Bars practitioner, I guide you through a powerful process to release thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that no longer serve you. Access Bars are specific points on the head that, when gently touched, help clear away mental clutter, allowing you to receive without judgment.
If you’re ready to explore possibilities beyond what you’ve imagined, I invite you to join me for a session. What if now is the time to ask for the greatest possibilities you’ve never considered? Let's embark on this journey together.
Instructor:
Padma Panchapakesan is a licensed Access Bars practitioner. Access bars are points on one’s head that are used to release thoughts, emotions, ideas and beliefs that no longer serve us. It also helps us to receive without judgment. When I had my bars run for the first time, I felt as if I had an energetic massage – I felt relaxed, happy and rejuvenated, all at the same time.
Story As Medicine
Class Overview:
In its purest form storytelling is a sacred activity, bringing community together to co-create, co-imagine and process the realities in which we find ourselves. Story in its true form, can offer medicine to the individual and collective soul. During this container, participants will be guided in improvisational storytelling and somatic techniques that interweave vocal, movement and stillness to tune into the body’s wisdom. Together we will engage in playful imaginative processes that enhances connection, inner authority and collective power.
Instructor:
Auset Rose is a multi-disciplinary artist and facilitator, based in T’koronto. She is an alumni of Oya Black Arts Collective’s Scale-Up Immersive Program, whereby she was the Narrative Designer for immersive climate-Justice VR experience entitled, “Protectress VR.” She also has published short story works, such as “Antuk Healings: She Breathed into Her Body,” published in the Peak Mag. She is trained in Interplay; a technique developed by American dance artists Cynthia Henry Winton-Henry and Phil Porter). Interplay is an improvisational storytelling practice that honours the multi-dimensionality of the human being and is the foundation of her Story as Medicine series. Story as Medicine has been offered within both mental health and arts-based organizations, and has supported individuals on their journey to authentic expression. Story as Medicine series Some of her other works include her short films “Delayed Echoes” (Cinefem Official Selection), “Gaia’s Awakening,” and “Body as Technology” (Art Gallery of Mississauga and Regent Park Film Festival).
Cost: Sliding Scale, $10-$25** per session (payable via e-transfer or cash)
How to Register: Email Auset at info@ausetrose.com
**No one will be turned away for lack of funds
Improv
Class Overview:
Most people will say they are terrified to take an improv class because they aren’t clever or funny. Improv is not about being funny, it’s a life skill that changes the way you experience the world. K8’s classes are a dynamic blend of connection, creativity, and play. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these classes will challenge you to connect with others through movement, group exercises, and engaging scene work. You'll stay present, embrace failure as part of the process, and most importantly—rediscover the joy in what you do. It's yoga for your brain, designed to enhance focus, foster deep partnership, and reignite your passion. Come for the growth, stay for the fun. I love what I do.
Instructor:
Kate Ashby has taught in many academic, corporate, creative and therapeutic environments across Canada, the U.S and Europe. During her 15-year tenure at Second City, Kate developed one of the Training Centre’s most successful programs; it still runs today. K8 has taught at Ryerson Theatre School, Humber College, George Brown, Sheridan College, Workman Arts (CAMH), Shaw Festival, Tarragon and Soulpepper. She is currently teaching at the Canadian Film Center and Ivy Business School in London. The Kate Ashby Academy, successfully launched in 2010 in Toronto, and has full enrolment with five unique classes where all are welcome.
How to Register: Please email k8@kateashbyacademy.com for enquiries.
Igniting The Imagination
Class Overview:
Get out of your head and into your body by unleashing your imagination, igniting joy and embracing play, as we explore the essential tools of the Michael Chekhov technique. Michel Chekhov developed his acting technique from his early years with Stanislavsky and his tireless search for an alternative to the over analytical approach to acting. Chekhov wanted to free the creative process from the critical mind. His refusal to exploit the actor’s personal feelings in his art ultimately separated him from Stanislavsky’s teachings. He believed there should be a clear differentiation between the actor as a person and the actor as an artist. Chekhov also noticed actors were losing their most valuable tool - the ability to transform themselves through their imagination. He developed a series of simple and accessible exercises focusing on the development of the imagination, the psycho-physical connection and creative individuality.
“An actor has to burn inside with outer ease.” Michael Chekhov
Instructor:
Rena Polley is a Toronto based actor, director, producer and teacher. She has worked in theatre, television and film for over thirty years. Rena originally studied with Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof in New York City. She has studied with master teachers from the Michael Chekhov Association for over twenty years including Joanna Merlin, a student of Michael Chekhov. She has her Teacher Certification in the technique, has sat on the board of The Michael Chekhov Association and is a member of the International Michael Chekhov Studio Co-op of independent studios from around the world. Rena has taught at George Brown College, the Canadian Film Centre and teaches online to the international community. Rena is co-founder of Michael Chekhov Canada and is the Artistic Director of The Chekhov Collective a theatre company inspired by the principles of Michael Chekhov.
Cost: $100 for 4 classes or $30 drop in fee
How to Register: Please email: michaelchekhovcanada@gmail.com
For more information: https://www.michaelchekhovcanada.com/