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

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

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

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”

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” 

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”

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

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”