Testimonials.
/I am working on a scene for a theatre audition, and I used the structural analysis that you described in class. It has really helped and I want to thank you.
Jordan Sawyer
I am working on a scene for a theatre audition, and I used the structural analysis that you described in class. It has really helped and I want to thank you.
Also I appreciated the personal feedback you gave me and I am trying to go into everything clear and clean with no baggage and negativity. Now that I know how I sabotage myself I am aware of it for sure.
Just a few words of appreciation from me to you. Thank you.
Karen Skidmore
Your kind words are much appreciated.
Being in a new market has given me extra pressure and anxiety that I have never felt before and it is hindering my art which is frustrating for me as an actor. I constantly feel my disconnect in scenes and that hurts me as I feel I am letting myself down.
Your comments are truly helpful and allow me to move forward and focus, so please know I have gained nothing but positivity and encouragement on how to improve!
Aidan Moreno
Thanks for your email John. I've been feeling my way through the work the last few weeks so it's good to get some feedback. What you say about the sharp comments is so true--a young actor is so fragile, but it's important to learn to separate your work from yourself. Hard to do when you're told "use your self", but I think it's an important step to being able to survive in this business. The comment I made about not tying self-worth to the work or the outcome is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. Exciting and tricky work indeed!
Lara Mrkoci
Great talk today. It's really invaluable being able to discuss as we do. I've never felt so confident in anything I've done (including dance) as I have in acting and auditions over the last bit, which is new for me, and kind of incredible. I'm digging it. I attribute a lot of it to our continued work.
Camille Stopps
Thank you for the feedback. Really wish I could have made it to the last class. You are a great coach and I look forward to working with you again.
Duhin Nanda
John! Pardon my French but....effin great class today! like I've been so discouraged to continue acting for like four years and this is the first time I’ve felt alive. Your class is simple but I got so much out of it. Watching you work with other people is also fantastic! Thank you I got so much out of this and you may not know how this has motivated me.
Tsholo Khalema
I just wanted to say thank you for your coaching the last 4 sessions. I learned a lot, and looking over my journal entries I did on the class, I'm proud of some of my growth. I am looking forward to learning more from you. Thank you for your insight and wisdom.
Casey Assante
And thanks John that means a lot coming from you. I am serious when I say this - your class really taught me a lot and I'm so happy I got to have more time with you in the summer class because the more I do it the more I am learning.
Hannah Whitmore
So, I made it. Still breathing. I think it went really well. I felt their intrigue. I was all there. So present. Got me some laughs and some sorry sighs. Viola was good. I began to hear myself speak a couple of times, but fought back, and re-rooted myself, got back in again. I felt very calm afterwards. Acting is becoming part. You have been endlessly generous with me since I first began at the Centre. Your direction really helped me find the truth in Viola's words. to show you my work individually. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, support, and superior nature John, I just need to gush a little bit about class. I am really enjoying the work so much and all that you're having us do. The improvs with the gun and the fairy tale, your "I'm looking at you" ... your comments are so insightful and the work in general has been so invigorating. I am forever grateful for the environment you have fostered as a means of exploration. Your coaching is invaluable.
Joslyn Rogers
Thanks for all your energy, coaching, and spirit during our circa 100 hours together. I actually just came back from an audition this morning, and I can't tell you how nice it was to feel more gathered…
Nice to be reminded of the parts of the work. You could really see it resonating with people, and I felt it resonate too. Keep coaching, coach. We need to hear this stuff.
You're a big help to me -- in clarifying more and more parts of this world, if we want to call it that.
Just wanted to thank you for offering such helpful language and guidance.
Vanessa Smythe
I feel like the Iconic Moment exercises are becoming rooted in people. Cores are becoming stronger and more versatile and flexible. Good to experience and to witness. It is good Kung Fu. (which literally translates to something along the lines of "achievement of a human being which takes time and dedication.")
The Intensive video: I think it represents the work well. It's simple and unadorned but professional and attractive.
Justin Tensen
Thank you for choosing me to be an intern. It was a great experience for which I have drawn a great many nourishing thoughts. It was hard to not "work" some of the time I will admit it (especially when really cool gangster births are happening and everyone gets to make out), BUT not working gave my mind the freedom to "stay in the room" longer and allowed me to listen with a greater depth. I find this very useful to my work.
Thank you for everything these two weeks.
Unnamed
I was just reading over some of my past acting notes from your classes and laughed to myself because the last thing that I wrote was to stop writing anything down... which I have been doing for sometime, just living and experiencing. But having read it made me think of you and your classes and how much I enjoy them. I love how you give us actors confidence and freedom.
Nikki Grant
I really respect the kindness you've shown me and appreciate your patience. I hope we can work together soon.
Alex Lee
Just wanted to send this off while it's still fresh; I'm pretty sure I've always done my best to show my appreciation for the help and time and all the little things that you've gone out of your way to do for me, but I felt it was necessary to acknowledge it again.
Karson Mackie
Thank you John for taking the time to write these words. What a pleasant and comforting way to start the morning.
May I ask is it possible to enroll in your next group class? I find your instruction masterful and very helpful!
Pauline Lam
I found what I learnt in your class very helpful for my self tape for my audition, so thank you for that.
Aurianna Althea McPhail
John's On Camera class is unique, thought provoking and effective. His premise of "coming to practice" and working various exercises before and during scenes draws out the unexpected in the actor and leaves them with memorable tools for their future use to access more in depth and compelling work. I witnessed huge development in my fellow actors' work as well as my own from week to week.
Helen Holtham
Thank you very much for these words and it went well, thank you again for everything king legend JB hahaah.
Louco St Fleur
HI John, I see your communique all the time and thought I would drop you a line to say Hi. Everything is fine over here in Smegal land. I am inferring you still going great guns. Anyway we'll have to coffee it sometime, best regards.
Brian Smegal
Also, I wanted to thank you for your NO ICING advice. The timing could not have been more perfect! I am on set of a series (principle role) and today I have 2 lines delivered OS…the shot is taken from the back of me with a close up of my feet going up the stairs lol… setting the scene that someone is coming…reading the piece was timely and greatly appreciated.
Helen Holtham
Thanks John, this is really great. And thanks again for the class, I had a really fun time and learned loads.
Kate Schroder
Thank you. I love this work so much. If I could... I would have a session weekly! Fingers all crossed for much more work on this foggy Eastern Shore.
For now - I shall hold it lightly and bless it all. Have a good weekend.
Laura Kohoot
Thanks so much for your time and advice on the phone the other day.
Jereen Ignatius
There was about 45 minutes after meeting and chatting with Sean where I was just kinda sat back in a daze like, "fuck... how lucky am I? John has brought me into this circle of these really great people... Justin, Sean, Camille, Alex, Mary-Anne... everyone in the discussion group, Bree, Luke... and etc. Some of these people I really admire and look up to--maybe each of them in some way. When I first met Sean it kind of enticed it--I just kind of felt an immediate acceptance from him via the connection with you and Justin probably. Anyways, I genuinely feel really thankful or blessed or something and just wanted to pass on my thanks.
Karson Mackie
I just screened the video on your “intensive” very well done..excellent cutting and a great sense of what the students are getting from YOU..without selling yourself. You look strong and mature and centered and focused…all fine attributes of a good “acting coach”!
Arne Zaslove
Just wanted to send a quick Thank-You again for a great intensive class and kind words. I'll definitely need to get into a better situation agent-wise and I'll be looking to continue practicing as much as I can. I learned a lot that will stay with me even over the course of those few classes. I didn't end up booking the role and should have tried to push the audition lol just so weird with stuff like that. Look forward to working together again in the future!
Nate Friedman
Amen, John. Well said.
Dave Lieberman, David Rottenberger
Just taped my scenes and feel very gooood about them - thanks to you :) gosh, can't tell you how excited I feel to be learning such valuable insights from you. Seriously, I don't just say that.
Are you able to send me the invoice - I'm blanking on your coaching fee again and need to pay you!!
Evelyn Wiebe
Love it John. Hope you are well!
Laura Kohoot
Thank you for taking me on as a peer at your studio and helping me learn to connect to my character. Your various teachings have been incremental to my journey as an actor.
Pauline Lam
The way you approach the work was exactly what I needed. I have studied with many different teachers and sometimes I wonder why I didn't find you sooner...
I really feel what I have discovered since working with you is invaluable. You have helped me trust myself again. The ideas, exercises and philosophy you inspire as you teach are the way I have always wanted to approach my acting. You have helped me to believe in that. You have helped me shift some very old narratives and guided me to free my own voice and creativity in my work. I feel I have built a new foundation within my work to grow from.
Natalie Krill
I appreciate the regular appearance in my inbox of your messages and the wisdom which they bring. I read each one several times and hear it in your mellow, rich tones that became so familiar to me.
Simon
Just a few words of appreciation from me to you. Thank you.
Kat Hostick, DGC
Wish you a very Happy New Year... may 2007 be full of wonderful things to come your way...
Richard Donat
John was sensitive to each actor, could give very specific suggestions—and was superb in teaching camera technique—something no other teacher I’ve had has even approached.
Gina Stockdale
But I was thinking some acting teachers had a really negative impact on my very early days, being interested in a creative life, and you had a very positive one. I felt accepted and then fostered, and you've had a tremendous influence on and involvement in my life, creative…
I remember when I started acting and took your class I did a scene from Swingers and I came into the scene from outside and my friend was on the floor under a couch and I pushed it off and lied under it and you told me I had great instincts, and now i'm trained and all my actors on the film will be highly skilled and I wonder how I can get these bastards to stop acting.
Joey Klein, Director
It’s more than friends John, it’s family. That is what we've become. We share a sibling-ship that has been enriched over time…
Roy Lewis, Stratford
You were very welcoming and honest with your comments.
Thinking about all that you said, you make me want to be better and inspire me to work on my accents and confidence to push myself to set my goals at a better level in terms of tv & film work when I get here.
Diana Chrisman
It’s so important to make Canadian films because the Americans will leave anytime they want and then what we will have to show for ourselves. I totally support what you’re doing. It’s completely needed. When you start from the ground up, there’s only one way to go. It’s important to bang the first nail in.
William F. White
…because of the Centre for the Arts...because I helped give rise to it, initiate it...I painted it's walls, took classes there, met friends there...it would ensue that while auditioning for a CFA Young Company play project, I was invited by the director to audition for a film he was casting next door… and I booked my first major lead in a feature film! I am forever grateful to the Centre for the Arts and what it stands for.
Laura Jordan
What I particularly appreciated was how you brought up a point and allowed it to sink in—(in its own time vs.—tell and belabour).
Kevin Lesmister, CBC Vancouver
Before each class John is filled with nervousness, and that in itself is a measure of his authenticity. Fools can easily come up with a formula to teach these kinds of things, but that couldn’t be further from what John is.
I have had many occasions to say that what he has done has made a tremendous contribution.
David Calderisi
It brings industry professionals to kids and teenagers through accessibility. It is an example of what the spirit of the Centre for the Arts is—people coming together to teach kids about films and filmmaking.
Unnamed
I am so happy with the screening. I thought what you said was fantastic...really putting things into perspective.
Saroj Bains
I learned a lot in your class. We’ve been quoting you like crazy in acting class.
Sidne Anderson, Yale School of Drama
Thank-you for pushing me and working me the way that you do.
Jason Palter
Your talent, skill (as practitioner/teacher), dedication, attention to detail and sense of humour are of extraordinary value to us. The benefits for our students are being seen both on Irish and international celluloid.
Patrick Sutton, Gaiety School of Acting
Your class environment is so supportive and healthy! I was surprised by how much of what I've learned from your classes has not only stayed with me but grown with me.
Onwards and upwards!
Birgitte Solem
The response has been overwhelming and the results impressive. The combination of John's years of experience in front of a camera coupled with his natural teaching abilities makes him one of the most dynamic instructors I have come across. The praise does not come lightly.
Cheryl Ashton, National Screen Institute
John is an extraordinary human being and teacher; the latter is more than likely due to the former. He is one of those teachers who is unrelentlessly giving, totally approachable, not to mention thoroughly versed in his craft. In short, I believe him to be an instructor of the highest caliber.
Michael Greer, Moving Images Group
Your workshop has taught me things that I didn’t expect…it was, perhaps, life changing.
Laura MacLean, Ottawa
Thank you for your time, knowledge, and thoughts this last month or two. It has been eye opening and inspiring.
Zach Eisenstat
My models who took a transition course into film and television acting swear by your course.
Jeff Andrews, Ford Talent
You were truly a wonderful guide. I can’t recall ever having such an observant, articulate, gentle instructor so committed to his craft. Talk about models to aspire to!
Jennifer Overton, Halifax
…something about your teachings kept with me. …some of the personal barriers you somehow found. It's been stuck with me ever since.
Greg Hovanessian
I just wanted to thank you so much for the past 4 weeks. Thanks again for all of your help, I feel like I grew a lot in my work and want to keep going with what I was finding.
Katie Witkowski
John has a very pleasant way of giving feedback. He’s encouraging, has a fine sense of humour…I felt safe to try out things…
Liz MacRae, Montreal
Awesome work! Thank-you for fighting for us!
Zenna Davis-Jones
(Letter against cutbacks at Ryerson University)
Wow. These are really impressive endorsements.
It’s amazing how far you’ve come with The Centre For The Arts. You should be very proud of what you’ve built there.
I had a crazy day yesterday and so didn’t get a chance to send you a note to say that your self-tape for Les Olyphant (or whatever it’s called) is very good. Nice work man, I think you captured that character beautifully.
Rich Caplan
John controlled the room and was strict with everyone which made the course more realistic.
Brunella Battista, CBC Vancouver
My best to you, the Centre for the Arts, and all that you have going on artistic and personal.
Jeff Roop
Your perspective is always excellent - nothing extraordinary becoming just that! :)
Rebecca Davey
I loved the class. It was pretty awesome. You are a gifted teacher. I would not only recommend your class, I would insist that actors take it!
Janice
John was a pleasure to work with. Great to access the way he was thinking.
Marie Koehler, Moving Images Group
Overall, I would wholly recommend that arts/fine arts students visit the Centre for the Arts, for the placement program or otherwise, and take advantage of the many resources it has to offer.
Jocelyn Geddie
I've worked with John in 2 intensives, and in many of his weekly classes and I cannot say enough about the importance of the work I've done. He has helped my work become closer to my core, more relaxed, and stronger all around by helping me form my own opinion and talk about what I do in my own words so it makes sense to me. John's exercises and drills recreate what it's like to be on set and make you more comfortable taking your space and doing the work that needs to be done.
Ian Ronningen
I had been thinking about this within the last few days. I think I'm finally understanding what it means to not push or force anything. It took me years for what you've been saying to sink in.
Brett Geddes
Thanks for your words John, coming from you that means a hell of a lot!
Craig Thomas
I loved doing the mini-intensive so thank you for having me.
Speaking of things I love, your Directing workshop sounds excellent! What specifically resonated with us was how to move an actor forward and not 'give up' on performance.
Dane Clark, Director
This workshop will be vital to all future drama directors…
Noam Gonick, Director
Merry Christmas to you Sir!!! Hope your 2007 is divine.
Kate Zenna
Thanks John. Camille and I speak often of you with much love and gratitude!
Enjoy the holidays :)
Amanda Chung
Thank you very much for the New year wishes and kind words John, God bless and I hope that the centre continues to grow and succeed. The centre has always been a warm and comfortable place for me to grow as an actor.
Tino Salo
I also wanted to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed the intensive, it was a great time for me to learn and as you would say "take it easy".
Sean Connelly Affleck
BEST AUDITION YET! We worked three redirects for the second scene & she loved the last version. I can't thank you enough for last night! I was totally at home walking into the room...just took my space & played the situation how I would. Thank you!
Katie Evans
I was thinking this morning, while driving to set, about this storm and acting...
The trees stay rooted and grounded, secure in the storm no matter how rough it gets, and that can be just like our work. Not letting yourself get torn out of the ground whenever uncertainty or insecurity or pressure starts weighing you down/blowing. Not letting yourself and what you need get blown over.
Camille Stopps
the pleasure is and will always be minez...
thank you for your coaching... ur mentoring...
it has been oh so beneficial!!!
i too look forward to tango'ing in the 09...
salsa and marenge too...
it would be pleasure to continue to assist in c'ing the centre grow...
thank you for YOUR continued support
Poetically
Al Saint Lewish! (Al St. Louis)
Thanks again for the help you've given me with the classes, I can't express how much it means.
Eddie Petru Gheorghe
Happy New Year to you John.
Neil Schell
John's director's workshop isn't just a class - it's an experience. He creates an environment for the director and actor to creatively embrace and get down to the heart of a scene, helping you understand the process of the actor's craft. There is no right or wrong way. No critique. It's all about doing, discussing - experiencing. Taking his workshop has stepped my game up as a director to a whole new level.
Sign up for it, now.
Adam Schafer
Having taught for ten years you have married the performing experience with the teaching one and bringing this experience to the Actors Centre will be extremely beneficial.
Michael John, Actors Centre
Having led a workshop for the Centre for the Arts I have seen the calibre and standards of the students. The classes and film camps provide a realistic opportunity for young people to discover and recognize what the film and tv industry is truly about; and not a fantasy world lived simply through going to the movies. I would therefore encourage your support of the CFA.
George Bloomfield, Director
A wonderful open, friendly environment to learn and work in...it surpassed all my expectations! Thank you!
Caroline Lesley
I am deeply appreciative for your insights! And will continue to look back on your email in the times ahead to remind myself that slow and steady wins the race. Rome was not built in a day!
I am sending you much respect…
Victor Dolhai
I've been meaning to write you to thank you for everything in the intensive. It was the best decision I could have made, to start my year off in your class. I can't tell you how much your teaching and approach to the work has helped to reinforce my confidence. The biggest thing I have taken with me is ownership over my work. Just like I said at the beginning of one of the classes, every little "win" that I've had has gone into my confidence bank, and I have been a new actor walking into those audition rooms. The class I got to work with was wonderful, you put together a great dynamic and I'm very happy to have met them and call them friends and colleagues. Thanks so much for a wonderful experience, I truly look forward to working with you again.
James Hawksley
It's good for me being in class. I am often moved, watching young actors grow and open up in front of me. And the stuff I am learning is really useful.
Greg Campbell
We believe the proposed placement will enrich Sam’s grasp of the arts beyond the classroom and are honoured by your considering this request. Former students working with your institution have had extraordinarily rich experiences and learned much from the opportunities you provided.
Aynne Johnson
(Dramatic Arts Education, Co-Coordinator, Artist-in-Community Education, Queen’s University)
You are a perceptive fellow and very astute about the banality of the commercial world.
Arne Zaslove
Centre for the Arts is more than just a space for artists, it is literally the center for the arts, a Mecca for all artists to converge. It has allowed me to develop my passion for the arts by providing a venue whereby I can meet, discuss, and work with a diverse group of artists and attempt set design and lighting for a stage show. It is imperative that a place like Centre for the Arts exists in order to create support and awareness for the importance of the arts in our community.
Zaxhary Cox, Ryerson University
This was a very cool camp and it made me learn things I didn’t know before.
Amedeo Dragonieri
This camp was so amazing. I love it so much. I’m one lucky girl to be involved with this camp. I appreciate everyone behind the scenes. I give this camp 5 thumbs up. I love this camp.
Denise Collins
You are one of your country's truly ‘world-class’ Master Teachers…
Jonathan Wolff, Montview Academy of Theatre Arts
Been years since I played like that.
Reminded me why I chose this life, suffered all the rejection, and kept on trying. There is a payoff. Capture the great moments and put them in your pocket and bring them out when you need them.
I would do this again in a heartbeat.
I think every director should take the workshop. Even the very experienced. It's a perceptive and practical window on the actor’s process and preparation.
I felt like a kid again.
John Howe, Director
Lately I’ve really learned about the dynamics of creating in a group, each with equal ownership. The camp really allowed some great organic creations and allowed for a new perspective on one another’s work as artists.
Matt Austin
