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.
KaiShakti Yoga Summer Solstice Celebration: for Creativity and Vitality
Class Overview:
In this workshop, we will align with the vitality and creative energies of the Sun! Within the class, we will enjoy:
~ Gentle yet powerful breath practices that balance our energies, calm the nervous system and help us tune into our natural healing powers
~ Moving Meditations and Asanas that unlock mind and body blocks~ and freeing our Creative Zest
~ Immerse ourselves in the transformative healing energy that is available through the Yoga of Sacred Sound and Chanting
All levels of experience are welcome. The content of this workshop is wonderfully suited to artists of all disciplines~ and to anyone who seeks a deeper connection to creative flow in any area of life.
Instructor:
Katherine Duncanson is certified in Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, Reflexology, and holds a BA in Music. Over the decades, Katherine continues to study and practice deeply, under the tutelage of many international master teachers, in the areas of Music, Mantra, Meditation, Yogic Philosophy and various Somatic and Energy modalities.. The seamless integration of all these elements into her yoga classes have come to be what she calls KaiShakti Yoga, and has made Katherine a unique and specialized teacher. Sharing her practice with her students, brings her great joy.
Cost: SLIDING SCALE, payable via e-transfer to kyogavoice@bell.net. Registration is required. through e-transfer
How to Register: Please contact me at kyogavoice@bell.net to register, for details, and with any questions. A minimum of 6 people is needed for this workshop to go ahead, so please register sooner than later.
Joy of Movement
Cost: $25 per session. Payment can be made in cash, or via e-transfer to LalitaArachna@protonmail.com.
How to Register: Please contact LalitaArachna@protonmail.com to register, and with any questions.
Class Overview:
Based on 5-rhythm ecstatic dance and authentic movement practices, this workshop is for: Dancers & performers seeking to untether from form, Health care professionals exploring embodiment as a partner in healing, All who yearn to experience joy of movement as direct communion with the inner self. Through both intimate dyads and group witnessing circles, we’ll practice: Moving from impulse (eyes closed, no choreography), Honoring the body’s spontaneous language, Bearing witness without projection, Translating motion into shared reflection. No experience needed – just willingness to meet yourself in motion.
Bring: Comfortable clothes, water, and curiosity
**Limited to 12 participants to preserve the container ( 6 people minimum)
Instructor:
Lalita has been accomponying people on their journeys of healing and self discovery for nearly 30 years, first as a Registered Nurse (RN), psychodynamic therapist (MA Psych), body-focused therapist (Hakomi and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy), Tibetan Buddhist meditator (Shambhala), Yoga Teacher (Shivananda yoga) as well as a spiritual guide drawing on his apprentenship with sacred plant medicines in ceremonial settings. Lalita found his deep love of spontaneous movement in the mid 90s through authentic movement method and later in 5-rythms ecstatic dance. Aside from incredible joy of spontaneous movement, Lalita finds it a very helpful avenue of self-exploration, of healing and creativity.
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/