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.” (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 (Jane's latest film is 'Time Traveler's Wife')

“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

"When I studied with Bernadette 10 years ago, I booked every audition she coached me on! Including a feature film with Lucy Lui! Without her, my auditions have been hit and miss. It made logical and financial sense to come back to study with Bernadette. There is no one as skilled in the world of film and television acting as Bernadette. She knows her stuff. And then she gets to know me too, and I now feel I have a partner in this business. Doing the work seems to get easier and easier, as I get better and better with Bernadette's guidance. Bernadette Jones is the real thing. And she's in it for the long haul. Like me! I love you Bernadette! My bank account loves you!"

Anne Marie Scheffler, Actor/Writer/Comedienne, Toronto (and soon LA!)

“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

"Film and TV is where my passion is right now. I can't wait for my next audition! I used to get SO NERVOUS at auditions and my nerves would get in the way of my performance. But because of your classes I am chomping at the bit to go to my next audition as a HUMAN BEING and have fun doing what I love to do, which is act! So thank you thank you thank you!"

Anthony McLean, Actor, Motivational Speaker, Toronto

"You couldn't imagine how much I got from the class this past weekend. Not only did I sharpen up my skills with a superior acting coach, I learned from the wonderful stories and perceptive wisdom generously shared by a fellow actor. It was a fulfilling weekend from which I will have much to ponder and be inspired by over the coming months. Thank you!"

Ben Wong, Actor, Calgary

"I just wanted to write and let you know about a job that I just booked. I auditioned for a feature film (Dog Pound) in June, and just found out last night that I was cast in one of the principle roles. I'll be in Eastern Canada shooting for the next month. The techniques I got from the Audition Skills class and the private coaching sessions, were exactly what I needed to launch my career!!!

The director’s last feature film played at both Cannes and TIFF. Incredible!!!"

Thank you so much!

William Ellis, Actor, Toronto

“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

"You are a wonderful teacher, nothing gets by you:) Actually, I never told you this, but before the very first class, the one that began back in September, I wrote out your words of inspiration and pasted them on my wall and fridge. It helps me remember why I'm doing what I'm doing but also the reality of this business. Keeps me inspired."

Puja Uppal, Actor, Toronto

"I just wanted to thank you for class on Monday. I had such a great time. I always feel really inspired after leaving your class!"

Rachel MacMillan, Actor, Toronto

“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

“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


	ABOUT bio film & tv theatre testimonials	CLASSES current classes private coaching on-set coaching apply & pay f.a.q.	THOUGHTS acting notes inspirations news	CONTACTS Bernadette


	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.” (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 (Jane's latest film is 'Time Traveler's Wife') “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 "When I studied with Bernadette 10 years ago, I booked every audition she coached me on! Including a feature film with Lucy Lui! Without her, my auditions have been hit and miss. It made logical and financial sense to come back to study with Bernadette. There is no one as skilled in the world of film and television acting as Bernadette. She knows her stuff. And then she gets to know me too, and I now feel I have a partner in this business. Doing the work seems to get easier and easier, as I get better and better with Bernadette's guidance. Bernadette Jones is the real thing. And she's in it for the long haul. Like me! I love you Bernadette! My bank account loves you!" Anne Marie Scheffler, Actor/Writer/Comedienne, Toronto (and soon LA!) “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 "Film and TV is where my passion is right now. I can't wait for my next audition! I used to get SO NERVOUS at auditions and my nerves would get in the way of my performance. But because of your classes I am chomping at the bit to go to my next audition as a HUMAN BEING and have fun doing what I love to do, which is act! So thank you thank you thank you!" Anthony McLean, Actor, Motivational Speaker, Toronto "You couldn't imagine how much I got from the class this past weekend. Not only did I sharpen up my skills with a superior acting coach, I learned from the wonderful stories and perceptive wisdom generously shared by a fellow actor. It was a fulfilling weekend from which I will have much to ponder and be inspired by over the coming months. Thank you!" Ben Wong, Actor, Calgary "I just wanted to write and let you know about a job that I just booked. I auditioned for a feature film (Dog Pound) in June, and just found out last night that I was cast in one of the principle roles. I'll be in Eastern Canada shooting for the next month. The techniques I got from the Audition Skills class and the private coaching sessions, were exactly what I needed to launch my career!!! The director’s last feature film played at both Cannes and TIFF. Incredible!!!" Thank you so much! William Ellis, Actor, Toronto “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 "You are a wonderful teacher, nothing gets by you:) Actually, I never told you this, but before the very first class, the one that began back in September, I wrote out your words of inspiration and pasted them on my wall and fridge. It helps me remember why I'm doing what I'm doing but also the reality of this business. Keeps me inspired." Puja Uppal, Actor, Toronto "I just wanted to thank you for class on Monday. I had such a great time. I always feel really inspired after leaving your class!" Rachel MacMillan, Actor, Toronto “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 “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