Comments from people in the business

“Bernadette has the distinction of being the very best. There is no other teacher to compare to her skills in handling actors and in imparting to them a system whereby they will have the specifics of how to solve any acting problem for the rest of their acting lives.” (Michael Shurtleff, Los Angeles – 1997)

Michael Shurtleff: Casting Director/Playwright/Teacher/Author - AUDITION

“Coaching with Bernadette is one of the BEST investments I have made in my career. Her knowledge and expertise are invaluable. But more importantly, Bernadette's positive and encouraging approach make it a pleasure to work with her again and again. I hope she never retires!”

Jane McLean, Toronto and Los Angeles

“GREAT news...

I had an audition last Thursday (and only found out about it late Wednesday!) and it was the BEST audition of my life. I did the guideposts, I reviewed my notes from class, I was a "person" first, and I had FUN with it. On my way to the audition, I kept repeating your words in my head: "An audition is a chance for me to express my potential to play this part, it's not supposed to be a final performance...acting is fun, acting is fun, acting is fun!!" And, it was fun. I left the audition thinking, "Wow...I have no way of knowing what they're looking for BUT it doesn't matter - I gave it my best shot and I'm calling it a success."

So, the very next day I found out that I got the part!! (This is a large principal role in a SAG feature film starring Ray Wise of Twin Peaks fame). CRAZY!”

Vicki Rivard, Actor, Toronto - 2008

“Just writing to let you know that I got the part! Thanks to you!”

William Ellis, Actor, Toronto - 2008

“It was a Monday morning and I was on my way to my first audition since working in Bernadette's Audition Skills Class. I was excited and confident because I knew I had a few tricks up my sleeve that could hopefully land me the role. My schedule time was 11:50 am and by 4:00pm that same day, my agent called and said, 'They wanna book you!" And in the same week, I filmed my first commercial that gave me my apprenticeship into ACTRA. The skills Bernadette teaches really do work!”

Alyssa Mariano, Actor, Toronto - 2008

“Just wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful time in your classes. I learned exactly the things that were missing in my audition skills. I look forward to working with you again.”

Tan Arcade, Actor, Toronto - 2008

“Bernadette, you always help me focus, and concentrate on the specifics, WHILE encouraging emotional involvement. And for a person, such as myself, who is always concerned about the emotional life I should have as a character, being true to the art and as a professional, such great advice has helped cement moments, and nourishes confidence. Especially when it comes to a profession no matter how much you work at, and no matter how much experience you can have or get, it's always like getting back up to plate in the Major Leagues for the first time with every new audition.”

David Rego, Actor, Toronto

“Your workshop was by far the best acting coaching I have ever received in my career. The Michael Shurtleff technique came through so clearly in your intuitive approach. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you again.”

Kellie Haines, Actor/Ventriloquist, Vancouver

“My agent loved the taped audition (‘As The World Turns’), thanks! She said, ‘Wow, you were actually able to make something of that awful material!’ Thanks for your insight. You have really helped me be a better actor in the short period we have been working together.”

Lara Kelly, Actor/Producer, Toronto

“I really found your coaching effective and watching my tape last night I also found the result exciting as well. It is so interesting to be able to get a feel for the true differences between theatre and film.”

Gord Rand, Actor/Director/Writer, Toronto

“Last night I sat down with my girlfriend and we watched the DVD of the class. It reinforced in my mind that this was definitely the best acting class I’ve taken in my career. I really, really enjoyed myself. Great people in the class, but above all, your wonderful personality and insight really helped me make needed and necessary changes to every role.”

Dan Abramovici, Actor, Toronto

“I wanted to thank you for your audition technique as well. It was very informative and I feel well equipped and very excited for my next audition.”

Brendan Rowland, Actor, Toronto


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	Comments from people in the business “Bernadette has the distinction of being the very best. There is no other teacher to compare to her skills in handling actors and in imparting to them a system whereby they will have the specifics of how to solve any acting problem for the rest of their acting lives.” (Michael Shurtleff, Los Angeles – 1997) Michael Shurtleff: Casting Director/Playwright/Teacher/Author - AUDITION “Coaching with Bernadette is one of the BEST investments I have made in my career. Her knowledge and expertise are invaluable. But more importantly, Bernadette's positive and encouraging approach make it a pleasure to work with her again and again. I hope she never retires!” Jane McLean, Toronto and Los Angeles “GREAT news... I had an audition last Thursday (and only found out about it late Wednesday!) and it was the BEST audition of my life. I did the guideposts, I reviewed my notes from class, I was a "person" first, and I had FUN with it. On my way to the audition, I kept repeating your words in my head: "An audition is a chance for me to express my potential to play this part, it's not supposed to be a final performance...acting is fun, acting is fun, acting is fun!!" And, it was fun. I left the audition thinking, "Wow...I have no way of knowing what they're looking for BUT it doesn't matter - I gave it my best shot and I'm calling it a success." So, the very next day I found out that I got the part!! (This is a large principal role in a SAG feature film starring Ray Wise of Twin Peaks fame). CRAZY!” Vicki Rivard, Actor, Toronto - 2008 “Just writing to let you know that I got the part! Thanks to you!” William Ellis, Actor, Toronto - 2008 “It was a Monday morning and I was on my way to my first audition since working in Bernadette's Audition Skills Class. I was excited and confident because I knew I had a few tricks up my sleeve that could hopefully land me the role. My schedule time was 11:50 am and by 4:00pm that same day, my agent called and said, 'They wanna book you!" And in the same week, I filmed my first commercial that gave me my apprenticeship into ACTRA. The skills Bernadette teaches really do work!” Alyssa Mariano, Actor, Toronto - 2008 “Just wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful time in your classes. I learned exactly the things that were missing in my audition skills. I look forward to working with you again.” Tan Arcade, Actor, Toronto - 2008 “Bernadette, you always help me focus, and concentrate on the specifics, WHILE encouraging emotional involvement. And for a person, such as myself, who is always concerned about the emotional life I should have as a character, being true to the art and as a professional, such great advice has helped cement moments, and nourishes confidence. Especially when it comes to a profession no matter how much you work at, and no matter how much experience you can have or get, it's always like getting back up to plate in the Major Leagues for the first time with every new audition.” David Rego, Actor, Toronto “Your workshop was by far the best acting coaching I have ever received in my career. The Michael Shurtleff technique came through so clearly in your intuitive approach. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you again.” Kellie Haines, Actor/Ventriloquist, Vancouver “My agent loved the taped audition (‘As The World Turns’), thanks! She said, ‘Wow, you were actually able to make something of that awful material!’ Thanks for your insight. You have really helped me be a better actor in the short period we have been working together.” Lara Kelly, Actor/Producer, Toronto “I really found your coaching effective and watching my tape last night I also found the result exciting as well. It is so interesting to be able to get a feel for the true differences between theatre and film.” Gord Rand, Actor/Director/Writer, Toronto “Last night I sat down with my girlfriend and we watched the DVD of the class. It reinforced in my mind that this was definitely the best acting class I’ve taken in my career. I really, really enjoyed myself. Great people in the class, but above all, your wonderful personality and insight really helped me make needed and necessary changes to every role.” Dan Abramovici, Actor, Toronto “I wanted to thank you for your audition technique as well. It was very informative and I feel well equipped and very excited for my next audition.” Brendan Rowland, Actor, Toronto