Category Archives: Testimonials

Lyne Renee

!When I started my work on Motherland Fort Salem in Vancouver I was overwhelmed by the amount of material that was coming my way during our second season after having become a series regular. Our studio had Deb working with the lead girls already in season 1 so when I reached out to her and started working together everything changed…Text analysis, arc for character, accent and dialect. When you work for the machine that is television and getting sides days before Deb became my saving grace. Her timing for comedy is exceptional and Besides working with me on the show I started going to her infamous blue taping room. I taped my audition with Deb when I was invited to read for gossip girl. And we booked it. Deb is a closer. One of the most hardworking women I know and simply a gem.No matter what time, short notices. She’s always there and present to do the work with you. Because Deb is an incredible actress herself, the love for another to thrive and help them do that is there. Even from NY when facing a big audition I will work with her via zoom. I simply can’t praise her enough. Deb thank you for all you’ve done and so looking forward to what we will be doing on the future. 

Gossip Girl, The Gentlemen, Motherland

Ray Panthaki

 

Discovering Deb during my time in Vancouver was true serendipity. She’s an incredible custodian of Uta Hagen’s technique, and through working together opened up a world of bolder choices whilst preserving the essence of realism that is so important to me. Ever since, Deb’s unwavering passion for the craft has been a continual guiding light on my artistic journey.

Boiling Point, Marcella.

Ali Skovbye

Since the first day I started training with Deb I knew I was going to be pushed in ways I hadn’t been before. As a child actor I’ve studied with lots of teachers but Deb helped me take everything I knew and put it to use, making every audition taping nuanced and better than the one before. Her classes are always tough but fun and a safe space to grow and explore the craft. I can’t thank her enough.

Ali Skovbye, Series Lead “Firefly Lane” on Netflix

Sarah Dugdale

I’ve had the pleasure of training under the brilliant Deb Podowski for over a decade. Deb’s dedication and investment in her students is unparalleled. She has been a game changer for me and has given me the tools, the work ethic, and the confidence to succeed in any role that comes my way. From the broad strokes to the tiniest details, Deb transforms actors from proficient to outstanding, and she doesn’t settle for anything but your best. Deb has elevated my work to heights I never dreamed I could reach.

Sarah Dugdale, Series Lead “Virgin River” on Netflix

Garfield Wilson

Deb literally changed the trajectory of my career as an actor and changed my life. She instilled in me the tools I needed to discover not only the craft but challenged me far outside of my comfort zone. She will always be the only acting coach I train with and is the reason I am the actor I am today.

Garfield Wilson, Ivy & Bean

Sarah Grey

Since working with Deb at 16, she has continuously encouraged, inspired, and pushed me to be better. I’ve always admired her ability to, intuitively and sharply, find our strengths and our areas that have room to grow. She’s held a space for me to explore and discover, and I am so grateful for that.”

Sarah Grey, Series Lead in Netflix series “The Order”

Tiera Skovbye

Deb’s dedication and passion as a teacher has given me space to grow and flourish as an actor. She has pushed me and motivated me to dig deeper and do my very best in every aspect of the craft. I’ve grown leaps and bounds under her careful guidance.

Tiera Skovbye, Series Lead “Nurses” 

Curtis Lum


I have 10+ years training with Deb and not only has she been an amazing coach, but she has also become a great friend and mentor. From day one Deb has always been in my corner and treated me with nothing but love and care. I will always appreciate her for never letting me settle for mediocrity; striving to “be better“ and always pushing me to reach higher for my potential.
Thank you Deb!

Curtis Lum, “Siren”

Meganne Young

When I moved to Vancouver in 2018, joining an acting studio was at the top of my list. I wanted somewhere I could meet people, seeing as I knew no one upon arrival, find something to give me a little structure and, of course, work on my craft. Then I discovered Deb Podowski. With laser focus she was able to pinpoint my strengths, what needed work and the walls that needed breaking down. In a relatively short period of time, I can see that my craft has developed leaps and bounds from working with Deb. She has given me the confidence and support I needed to challenge myself and prepared me for the emotional places I’ve needed to take my characters. But the thing that is the most special about Deb is that her passion and support transcend what you need as an actor and is available to you as the complex human you are. She knows when to push you further and when you need to play. She offers you a safe space where you can choose to leave your reality at the door or use your scene to help you unpack your reality. So yes, as an actor I have undoubtedly grown from strength to strength under her guidance, but what I am most grateful for is her love and support outside the room, her kindness, her friendship and her compassion.

Meganne Young, “The Kissing Booth 1 & 2” on Netflix