Studying with Deb not only has been transformational in my professional life, but my personal life too. She challenges me to dig deeper than I think I can, push past my own limitations and to always find truth in whatever material I’m working on. Deb’s commitment to her craft and students is second to none and is a testament as to why she is one of the most sought after acting coaches in town. I have found a life long teacher and mentor in Deb Podowski.
Shannon Chan-Kent, Series Lead “You”
I moved to Vancouver in 2008 with the hopes of becoming an actor. I didn’t know where to start. I found Debs class online back even before it was the Mecca of success and guidance it is now. I was immediately hooked by how involved she was with each student and how EACH AND EVERY class EVERY student was given the opportunity to grow.
Without her persistent effort to make me a better actor there is no way I would be where I am today. No way.
I don’t know how a coach can somehow take a personal interest in each of her students and cater to each of their individual needs and growth but Deb does just that. She has a passion and drive for this industry that is reserved normally for coaches of athletes and trainers. Her coaching style isn’t to “try and sound like a coach” by using fancy jargon or outdated methods but to get you where you need to go how YOU need to get there; to make you a more complete compassionate actor and more importantly, a better scene partner.
If you’re looking for classes and a coach that involve you in a community of good people, no ego, and a way to grow yourself exponentially, this is the class and coach for you.
Acting progression shouldn’t be counted by how much you work, I don’t believe in that, but that being said, I have never seen people go from “a rut” to “working actor” faster than when they join her studio.
It’s not magic, it’s effort and hard work and it’s something she instills in your soul, and then let’s you fly on your own.
I know this was supposed to be just a testimonial but the best testimonial is a thank you and that’s what this is, to the coach and mentor who changed my life.
Go to her class. Thanks Deb.
Sachin Sahel, (Jackson) “The 100”
I could talk about her love and dedication for the craft, her years of experience as an actor and professional in the industry or how her students love her…but I would rather let her credentials speak for themselves and speak directly to the kind of person she is.
In this industry, one thing is clear; you have to have exceptional people around you to make the project work.
With Deb in my corner in the fray of filming, I felt supported and held so I could do my best work.There is only the greatest assistance whenever Deb is concerned. She tailors her support to the needs of the individual, she sees the details but always holds the bigger picture for the project as a whole.She will hold space but never crosses the line. She advises but never pushes. She is what I always hoped for in an acting coach.
Jessica Sutton, Series Lead “Motherland”
Deb has pushed me as an actor and as a person in so many different ways. She taught me how to utilize my real life experiences and put them into my work. The tools she gave me will continue to carry me through my acting career.
Lola Flanery (Madi) “The 100”