Next Symposium Date:
February 20th - February 21st
Location: Ramada Inn Plaza - 300 Jarvis Street - Toronto
February 20th - February 21st
Location: Ramada Inn Plaza - 300 Jarvis Street - Toronto
Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor
AACTION AUDITIONS
AACTION provides an online Audition and Information Resource site for Canadian Talent. The AACTION Network is your one-stop-shop for information pertaining to the Canadian Entertainment industry. The AACTION Network consists of consists of the following sites:
• Auditions & Open Calls
• Chat Board (Chat with Casting Directors, Agents, Acting Teachers, Talent, etc.)
• Directory of Talent Services (Agents, Acting Schools, Coaches, Photographers, etc.
• Entertainment Events (Theatrical Productions, Film Screenings, etc.)
• Classifieds
EML: admin@aactionauditions.com
• Auditions & Open Calls
• Chat Board (Chat with Casting Directors, Agents, Acting Teachers, Talent, etc.)
• Directory of Talent Services (Agents, Acting Schools, Coaches, Photographers, etc.
• Entertainment Events (Theatrical Productions, Film Screenings, etc.)
• Classifieds
EML: admin@aactionauditions.com

Bronze Sponsor
BUDDIES IN BAD TIMES
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre presents the world premiere of Gay 4 Pay
How many of us have logged onto chat rooms at work, kept a virtual secret from a partner, or lied to friends about how you met your date? Gay4Pay draws the audience into the world of cyber-sex and chat room hook-ups in a performance that transforms Buddies' mainspace into a virtual playground. Gay4Pay explores the world of online sex through the eyes of five characters who log on daily, and the model that is the object of their desires.
Written by Edward Roy
Co-Directed by David Oiye & Edward Roy
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre strives to fulfill the role of the leading alternative facility-based theatre in Toronto. We are committed to work that challenges the boundaries of theatrical and social convention. As a company we celebrate difference and question assumptions. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is committed to theatrical excellence which it strives for through its play development programs, strong volunteer base, youth-mentorship initiatives and ever increasing wealth of Canadian Queer Talent.
TEL: 416-975-9130
How many of us have logged onto chat rooms at work, kept a virtual secret from a partner, or lied to friends about how you met your date? Gay4Pay draws the audience into the world of cyber-sex and chat room hook-ups in a performance that transforms Buddies' mainspace into a virtual playground. Gay4Pay explores the world of online sex through the eyes of five characters who log on daily, and the model that is the object of their desires.
Written by Edward Roy
Co-Directed by David Oiye & Edward Roy
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre strives to fulfill the role of the leading alternative facility-based theatre in Toronto. We are committed to work that challenges the boundaries of theatrical and social convention. As a company we celebrate difference and question assumptions. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is committed to theatrical excellence which it strives for through its play development programs, strong volunteer base, youth-mentorship initiatives and ever increasing wealth of Canadian Queer Talent.
TEL: 416-975-9130

Bronze Sponsor
CORKTOWN RADIO
• Dave Martin
• Paul Irving
• Derek Thompson
•
• Paul Irving
• Derek Thompson
•
Corktown Radio is a one-hour, talkshow-format, Internet radio show. Corktown Radio has streaming audio as well as downloadable podcasts - perfect for time consuming tasks such as driving, working out or taking your dog for a walk. The focus is on Toronto and the Corktown neighbourhood in particular. The show is recorded at the Dominion on Queen which is a lovely beer parlor with a great kitchen, pool tables, live jazz , blues, comedy and poetry - 500 Queen St. E. (at Sumach).

Bronze Sponsor
EXPRESS CAR RENTAL
Weekend Packages, competitive daily rates, insurance direct billing, yearly Fleet Exchange, imports & domestics, cargo vans and cube trucks, 12 & 15 passenger vans, convertibles, 4x4 sport utility vehicles and much much more.
The only rental company with all makes and models.
TEL: 905-273-6122
The only rental company with all makes and models.
TEL: 905-273-6122

Bronze Sponsor
FIRE ON THE EAST SIDE
In December of 2002, Keir MacRae, Michael Schwarz and Ian Malcolm opened Fire on the East Side in an emerging downtown neighbourhood, just a skip south of Bloor-Yorkville and a nudge west of Toronto’s vibrant Church-Wellesley Village. Offering southern inspired cooking with a global flair, caring hospitality and comfortable surroundings, Fire on the East Side was a quick hit and continues to be an exceptional value.
From an incredible well-priced wine list, a focus on seasonal ingredients and house-made dishes to recruiting and retaining the absolute best staff, Fire on the East Side has lead an evolution toward higher expectations for dining out in Toronto.
A critical success, Fire on the East Side is a 2007 Patron’s Pick recipient and has been awarded a Most Memorable Meal designation by the editors of Where Magazine Toronto.
TEL: 416-960 FIRE (3473)
From an incredible well-priced wine list, a focus on seasonal ingredients and house-made dishes to recruiting and retaining the absolute best staff, Fire on the East Side has lead an evolution toward higher expectations for dining out in Toronto.
A critical success, Fire on the East Side is a 2007 Patron’s Pick recipient and has been awarded a Most Memorable Meal designation by the editors of Where Magazine Toronto.
TEL: 416-960 FIRE (3473)

Bronze Sponsor
HART HOUSE
presents JERRY SPRINGER - THE OPERA
Canadian audiences finally get the chance to experience the much talked about blockbuster and smash hit that took London's West End by storm for over 600 performances. Jerry Springer-The Opera has everything that one has come to expect from the Jerry Springer show including the world's worst sexual deviants in front of a bloodthirsty and carnivorous studio audience. From men in diapers, tap danicng Ku Klux Klan members, to Jesus, and Adam and Eve, the show is not for the faint of heart and has something that will offend and delight almost everyone at every turn.

Bronze Sponsor
HOLDON LOG, THE STANDARD IN PERFORMER ORGANIZATION
Holdon Log, a company founded by working performers, is dedicated to providing the creative community with the organizational solutions they NEED so that they can better maximize their potential in "the business of show". Holdon Log Logbooks and their highly-acclaimed PerformerTrack Webware allow performers to log, track & manage their careers easily and effectively! Not only can you organize everything such as Auditions, Callbacks, Bookings, Income, Expenses, Classes & Workshops…but you can also learn statistics & trends that are unique to your career like Callback Ratios, Booking Ratios, Headshot Success Rates, Role Types (Audition vs. Booking Tendencies), and so much more! With over 8 years in business, Holdon Log is THE company global performers turn to in order to gain the competitive edge needed to move their careers forward!
EML: KH@HoldonLog.com
EML: KH@HoldonLog.com

Bronze Sponsor
RAMADA PLAZA HOTEL
Recently renovated in the spring of 2007 our boutique style hotel, the Ramada Plaza, is centrally located in the Garden District of downtown Toronto. The hotel boasts 102 spacious non-smoking guest rooms and suites. Comfortable and spacious, our newly renovated hotel includes deluxe guest rooms and 1 & 2 bedroom suites. We are 100% Non-smoking and wheelchair accessible.
ACTORS' SYMPOSIUM WEEKEND SPECIAL
We are happy to offer a special rate of $179.00/night for Symposium guests arriving June 20th, 2008 for 2 nights. Our room amenities include complimentary wireless internet access, Serta Pillow-Top mattresses, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, voice mail, hairdryer, Moen Revolution shower heads, soaker style bath tubs, 27" CRT TV or 32" LCD TV, quiet GE Zoneline individually controlled heating and air conditioning units, in-room movies and games by GalaVu Entertainment.
To book a reservation call 416-977-4823 Ext. 0.
Please mention THE ACTORS' SYMPOSIUM to obtain the special rate.
ACTORS' SYMPOSIUM WEEKEND SPECIAL
We are happy to offer a special rate of $179.00/night for Symposium guests arriving June 20th, 2008 for 2 nights. Our room amenities include complimentary wireless internet access, Serta Pillow-Top mattresses, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, voice mail, hairdryer, Moen Revolution shower heads, soaker style bath tubs, 27" CRT TV or 32" LCD TV, quiet GE Zoneline individually controlled heating and air conditioning units, in-room movies and games by GalaVu Entertainment.
To book a reservation call 416-977-4823 Ext. 0.
Please mention THE ACTORS' SYMPOSIUM to obtain the special rate.

Bronze Sponsor
TED SIMONETT PHOTOGRAPHY
• Ted Simonett
An actor for 30 years, Ted has been a photographer for 15 years as well, specializing in headshots for actors. Having been on both sides of the camera, Ted brings a heightened understanding to the process of a headshot session. His experience as both a photographer and an actor has given him a unique perspective that helps put you at ease, and turns a good photo session into a great photo session.

Bronze Sponsor
TELUS
Mobile Phone Sponsor
TELUS is focused on being more than just a full-service telecommunications company. We are about the convergence of voice and data, IP and wireless: integrated communications solutions, customized to meet the needs of each customer. We are driven by our cultural values and have structured our organization around customer-based business units to deliver faster, more efficient, customized and convergent solutions.
Advertisers

ACTOR FRIENDLY
• Richard McKenna
RICHARD McKENNA is one of the most respected, dynamic and innovative acting teachers in the country. His techniques are used by working actors all over the world... for more information, click the "Bio" tab, above. For an update on the remarkable successes enjoyed by some of Richard's students, visit his website and see the "KEEPING TRACK" section.
TEL: 416-538-6455
EML: richardmckenna1@hotmail.com
TEL: 416-538-6455
EML: richardmckenna1@hotmail.com

ALEJANDRO ANTEQUERA PHOTOGRAPHY
• Alejandro Antequera
Company bio coming soon
TEL: 416-434-6721
TEL: 416-434-6721

ALZA ACTING STUDIO
• Walter Alza
Walter is the founder of The Alza Acting Studio (Alza 44films ltd child). Alza acting Studio will help you develop your instrument and guide you to get work. You'll be working with award winning Actor/Director Walter Alza and best casting directors in the city and award winning actors and filmmakers ready to share their tools with you. Whether you are a professional, starting up, or crossing from Theatre at Alza Acting Studio is here for you. No excuses, and YES YOU CAN!
Walter Also has taught at the Faculty of Equity Showcase as well he teaches all over Ontario and overseas giving conferences and workshops and is frequently invited as a guest speaker and moderator for ACTRA (THE ACTORS UNION) Conference and Film Festivals. Walter teaches dancer how to find their character in their dance form, has also taught at the arabesque academy of belly dance. Walter also teaches his workshops with casting directors and other industry professionals.
Alza has worked in USA, Cuba, Ireland, London and Argentina among many places.
TEL: 416-850-8936
EML: class@walteralza.com
Walter Also has taught at the Faculty of Equity Showcase as well he teaches all over Ontario and overseas giving conferences and workshops and is frequently invited as a guest speaker and moderator for ACTRA (THE ACTORS UNION) Conference and Film Festivals. Walter teaches dancer how to find their character in their dance form, has also taught at the arabesque academy of belly dance. Walter also teaches his workshops with casting directors and other industry professionals.
Alza has worked in USA, Cuba, Ireland, London and Argentina among many places.
TEL: 416-850-8936
EML: class@walteralza.com

CASTING WORKBOOK
Casting Workbook is an industry recognized communication system designed to allow the transfer of actor portfolio materials (photos, resume, audio and demo reels) between the Talent Agency, Casting Director and Engager and Production Team.
TEL: 416-593-1051
TEL: 416-593-1051

DAVID MAKEPEACE
• David Makepeace
David Makepeace has been in business for over 20 years.
With over 1200 Reels to my credit, I have the process down to a science. I work quickly and efficiently - allowing maximum time for creativity and collaboration. I evaluate all scenes with you – make strong suggestions – and guide the session fully. During the average session, we will spend the first hour digitizing all your select scenes into the computer and about two hours polishing the final cut.
TEL: 416-203-6720
EML: info@davidmakepeace.com
With over 1200 Reels to my credit, I have the process down to a science. I work quickly and efficiently - allowing maximum time for creativity and collaboration. I evaluate all scenes with you – make strong suggestions – and guide the session fully. During the average session, we will spend the first hour digitizing all your select scenes into the computer and about two hours polishing the final cut.
TEL: 416-203-6720
EML: info@davidmakepeace.com

ELEMENTZ OF FOTOGRAPHIE
• Judy Cormier
Who is Judy? I am Elementz!!
Coming from a background of graphics and communications, an extensive interest in photography became a catalyst for a change in careers back in 1999. After leaving the corporate world behind, I decided to try my hand at being an entrepreneur. Elementz of Fotographie was formed and started off with a bang ...literally. In my first year as a wedding photographer, I photographed 30 weddings. The rest is history. From that point, I worked hard to make Elementz one of Toronto's most well known wedding and portrait photography companies.
Everything at Elementz receives my special attention and I treat all of my customers as good friends. What I enjoy most is the process of getting to know you. Being your photographer is not just about photographing you, but also about capturing the essence of who you are and your personality. That is very important to me and something that I feel I achieve every time I pick up the camera.
I pour my heart and soul into every image. So a little bit of me goes into the process as well. I want my clients to give themselves over to me and to trust me to with their heart and soul!
TEL: 416-886-8240
EML: weddings@elementzoffoto.com
Coming from a background of graphics and communications, an extensive interest in photography became a catalyst for a change in careers back in 1999. After leaving the corporate world behind, I decided to try my hand at being an entrepreneur. Elementz of Fotographie was formed and started off with a bang ...literally. In my first year as a wedding photographer, I photographed 30 weddings. The rest is history. From that point, I worked hard to make Elementz one of Toronto's most well known wedding and portrait photography companies.
Everything at Elementz receives my special attention and I treat all of my customers as good friends. What I enjoy most is the process of getting to know you. Being your photographer is not just about photographing you, but also about capturing the essence of who you are and your personality. That is very important to me and something that I feel I achieve every time I pick up the camera.
I pour my heart and soul into every image. So a little bit of me goes into the process as well. I want my clients to give themselves over to me and to trust me to with their heart and soul!
TEL: 416-886-8240
EML: weddings@elementzoffoto.com

HELEN TANSEY PHOTOGRAPHY
• Helen Tansey
As one of North America's most dynamic portrait photographers, Toronto's Helen Tansey has worked with many celebrated actors, entertainer and authors. Her remarkable images are the result of Tansey's unique ability to capture the essence of her subjects. She oversees every detail. After a complete consultation with each expectant mother, Tansey goes to work on the elements that make each picture perfect, supervising hair, wardrobe, makeup, props and backdrops.
TEL: 416-504-5130 or 1-888-901-8630
EML: helen@helentansey.com
TEL: 416-504-5130 or 1-888-901-8630
EML: helen@helentansey.com

LISA MININNI PHOTOGRAPHY
• Lisa Mininni - Photographer
TRUST YOUR IMAGE TO AN EXPERT!
Lisa has been making Toronto performers look their best for 15 years. Having been in front of the cameras as a performer herself,--- Lisa later went on to study photography at Humber College and Ryerson Unversity. Combining her technical skills and her first-hand knowledge of show-business, (including the requirements of agents and casting directors) , she is well-qualified to help others.---She does so with PATIENCE, EMPATHY--and a lot of ENTHUSIASM, ----in an informal, relaxed, friendly environment. Her advice is from the heart, ---her aim, to bring out the best in the performer --to capture his/her SOUL
People feel at easy with Lisa, she makes the session painless and fun. Prior to the shoot, she will give you suggestions re. clothing . She will also book a top hair/makeup artist , if you so desire. Her involvement doesn,t end with the shoot; she oversees every step of the printing process from colour correction to retouching (free of charge --if it is not extensive)--and there is no extra set-up fee for adding name and/or agency logo.
Lisa truly CARES!
HER photos will get you WORK!
TEL: 416-258-8843
EML: lisa@lisaphoto.ca
Lisa has been making Toronto performers look their best for 15 years. Having been in front of the cameras as a performer herself,--- Lisa later went on to study photography at Humber College and Ryerson Unversity. Combining her technical skills and her first-hand knowledge of show-business, (including the requirements of agents and casting directors) , she is well-qualified to help others.---She does so with PATIENCE, EMPATHY--and a lot of ENTHUSIASM, ----in an informal, relaxed, friendly environment. Her advice is from the heart, ---her aim, to bring out the best in the performer --to capture his/her SOUL
People feel at easy with Lisa, she makes the session painless and fun. Prior to the shoot, she will give you suggestions re. clothing . She will also book a top hair/makeup artist , if you so desire. Her involvement doesn,t end with the shoot; she oversees every step of the printing process from colour correction to retouching (free of charge --if it is not extensive)--and there is no extra set-up fee for adding name and/or agency logo.
Lisa truly CARES!
HER photos will get you WORK!
TEL: 416-258-8843
EML: lisa@lisaphoto.ca

LORI PEARLSTEIN
• Lori Pearlstein
Lori Pearlstein has been acting in film, tv, commercials and theatre for over 25 years. In addition to acting, she started working for casting directors to learn more about the other side of the business which led her to a career in casting as well. She studied acting in New York for 5 years with some of the most talented people in the industry and she's been sharing her wisdom by teaching ever since. Lori offers classes & private coaching in house and on set.
TEL: 416-648-9055
EML: loripearlstein@yahoo.ca
TEL: 416-648-9055
EML: loripearlstein@yahoo.ca

RAPIER WIT
• Daniel Levinson
Rapier Wit is Canada's oldest continuous stage combat school and production company - founded in Toronto, Canada by Daniel Levinson in 1991, and established its first permanent studio in 1996.
Rapier Wit’s goal is to promote action-motivated theatre and the art of stage combat by training actors, stunt people, directors, and stage management in the art of theatrical violence. We do this through structured and unstructured classes, fight direction and choreography, special workshops, various productions and our comic fight troupe, The Rude Mechanicals.
TEL: 416-534-1947
EML: daniel@rapierwit.com
Rapier Wit’s goal is to promote action-motivated theatre and the art of stage combat by training actors, stunt people, directors, and stage management in the art of theatrical violence. We do this through structured and unstructured classes, fight direction and choreography, special workshops, various productions and our comic fight troupe, The Rude Mechanicals.
TEL: 416-534-1947
EML: daniel@rapierwit.com

SEARS & SWITZER
• Theresa Sears
• David Switzer
• David Switzer
Sears & Switzer is perhaps the best known acting school or actors' studio in Toronto, based on the work of Theresa Sears and David Switzer. We work with some of the best, busiest and most interesting professional actors in Canada. Whether you want to study acting for film or acting skills suited for stage or screen, becoming a more accomplished performing artist will make a difference to your career and to the way you live.
TEL: 416-516-4612
EML: mail@searsandswitzer.com
TEL: 416-516-4612
EML: mail@searsandswitzer.com

SECOND CITY TRAINING CENTRE
The Second City Training Centre is the training ground for many of this generation's finest actors, writers and directors. The Second City has trained actors in Toronto for over 25 years. Alumni from the Toronto Company have performed at Stratford, Canadian Stage, Princess of Wales and the Royal Alex; they have won Doras, Geminis and Canadian Comedy Awards. We offer an introductory improv class specifically for actors. Improv for Actors is an accelerated program that teaches the fundamentals of improvisation using theatre games and scene work. Improvisation can help you with spontaneity, focus, being in the moment, comedic timing, and the collaborative creative process. Learn to develop subtlety and reality to your comedic work.
Applicants for Improv for Actors must be an ACTRA/Equity member or have a theatre degree. The Training Centre also offers many other programs and classes for actors at various stages in their career.
TEL: 416-343-0011 or 800-263-4485
EML: training.to@secondcity.com
Applicants for Improv for Actors must be an ACTRA/Equity member or have a theatre degree. The Training Centre also offers many other programs and classes for actors at various stages in their career.
TEL: 416-343-0011 or 800-263-4485
EML: training.to@secondcity.com

SENECA COLLEGE
• Lisa Ballantyne
• Melanie Rubens
• Melanie Rubens
The Seneca College Theatrical Performance Certificate Program provides the preparatory groundwork necessary for the rigorous long-term training that is characteristic of the acting profession. Students gain a practical approach to acting for theatre, film, or television. Many of the program's students and alumni are now working in a wide variety of fields within the business including: theatre, film, television, commercials, writing, directing and producing. Others use what they learn to increase their creativity and communication skills in the workplace, in teaching, at school, or in their personal lives.
EML: fce.acting@senecac.on.ca
EML: fce.acting@senecac.on.ca

THE ACTORS NETWORK
• Glenn Bang
• Robert Tavenor
• Robert Tavenor
THE ACTORS NETWORK Television and Film Studio (Toronto location established in 1988, Montreal and Los Angeles affiliate locations established in 1999, with Vancouver and Ottawa per basis locations established in 2004) is Canada’s largest professional training facility specializing in “on-camera” technique specifically geared toward the North American film and television industry.
All instructors at THE ACTORS NETWORK Television and Film Studio abide by the mandate set out by the Toronto Association of Acting Studios. Their various levels of experience (as instructors and also as performers) are utilized in a combination of hands-on technique both in classroom theory and in-studio "on-camera" applications.
TEL: 416-925-FILM (3456)
EML: theactnet@aol.com
All instructors at THE ACTORS NETWORK Television and Film Studio abide by the mandate set out by the Toronto Association of Acting Studios. Their various levels of experience (as instructors and also as performers) are utilized in a combination of hands-on technique both in classroom theory and in-studio "on-camera" applications.
TEL: 416-925-FILM (3456)
EML: theactnet@aol.com

TOM TKACH PHOTOGRAPHY
• Tom Tkach
I've been a photographer in the film industry for over 15 years, and I know what Casting Directors want. When you shoot with me you can be confident you are going to get what you need. Over 80% of the actors that I photograph find work within a month. Remember "Show Business" is a business, and you need every possible advantage that you can get.
TEL: 416-461-5004
EML: studiolt@sympatico.ca
TEL: 416-461-5004
EML: studiolt@sympatico.ca

TOM TODOROFF - ACT NOW
• David Faria
