Karen Ivany | Actor & Acting Instructor
Congratulations To All!
Testimonials
HALLEA JONES
"EDEN HAWKINS"
SERIES REGULAR
LOCKE & KEY
3 Seasons
(Netflix)
"My time in class with Karen will always stick with me as some of the best I've had practicing what I love doing most. I carry the techniques and wise words she shared with me to this day. The skill and love Karen has is hard to come by, and I encourage anyone to challenge themselves in one of her classes."
KARLEENA KELLY
PERFORMER
UPRIGHT CITIZEN'S BRIGADE
NYC
"Karen Ivany was my first acting coach in Toronto. I still remember my first day in class with her as I hung onto every word. She was efficient; yet patient. She was engaging; yet constructive in her critique. She was intense and truthful while allowing you to fully experience what you were doing, as she coached you to your truthful place...She taught me more about myself as an actor than any school ever did. She's done more for me than she ever had to, and I truly owe her my success."
MYLES DOBSON
"NICK"
CAST MEMBER
THE NEXT STEP
3 Seasons
(CBC GEM)
"During the first years of my career, Karen was the person I turned to for guidance, knowledge and support. She recognized my strengths almost immediately in class, and knew when to give me challenges outside my comfort zone, when to build my confidence in roles within my wheelhouse. She was, quite selflessly, the port in the storm I needed as I learned the ins and outs of the industry. I can not recommend highly enough training with her. I literally owe her my career."
MOJEANE SADR
"CHARLENE"
RECURRING
WORKIN' MOMS
1 Season
(CBC, Netflix)
"Karen has become an integral part of my process since first becoming my instructor at Second City in 2018. The wide-range of classes she offers has helped me in auditions, scene work, on-camera work and so much more. She has so much insight and experience in the industry and given me many tips and tools for success. She's also the kindest and most patient instructor, who really connects with all her students. If you have a love for Harry Styles too, that's a bonus because she totally gets it."
ERIC SEBASTIAN
"CHRIS GALLAHORN"
ALASKA DAILY
(ABC)
“It’s difficult to express with words how integral Karen has been to my development professionally as well as personally. She leads with love and courage, and that’s infectious. She fosters such a nurturing environment it’s impossible to leave that room without curiosity and play—a gift for the actor and a pillar to success for sure!”
ROBYN MATUTO
"JENN CHANG"
GAY MEAN GIRLS - 8 eps
(TIFF Next Wave/ CBC GEM )
"Karen's guidance has been invaluable in my career. I've taken many classes around the world but the space she cultivates for her students encourages vulnerability, compassion, creativity, and growth like no other class I've taken."
VINUJA SHANTHASORUBAN
"EMMY"
THE PRICE OF FITTING IN
(Lifetime Movie Network)
"Karen finds a way to tap into each individual's talent and creates a safe and fun environment to learn. Her dedication to her students is unmatched and I can easily say her support has been essential to my growth as an actor."
DANIEL CHRISTIAN JONES
"MR. BAILEY"
BEST ACTOR - winner
MISSING PERSON
(Toronto International Short Film Fest 2022)
"My time in her acting and audition classes, as well as, personal coaching, continues to be significantly grounding and laid a solid foundation for my career. Not to mention, she’s a whole lot of fun to boot!"
SHRANNA JAGGER
"CARLI"
PERFECTLY UNRAVELLED
(C&C Films)
"I highly recommend training with Karen. She has a unique ability to get you to dig deep into your character's motivations and state of being. Her techniques help you get present to the point where your impulses just flow naturally through you as extensions of the character you are portraying. My performances definitely became more believable with every opportunity I got to work with her. If you're lucky, you might get awarded the Timothee Chalamet Acting Gold Star, but you'll have to take her class to find out what that is. I have never felt more confident moving forward with my acting until working with Karen. "
SAM CALLEJA
"VICKY JONES"
LAW & ORDER TORONTO
CRIMINAL INTENT
(CITY TV)
"I’d only ever participated in a one day acting workshop, so I felt very out of place joining Karen's class. However, I was so pleasantly surprised by the intimacy and comfort that Karen fosters in her classroom. The space that Karen creates allows us to actively critique ourselves in discussion with her and our classmates. She understands that actors care about what other actors have to say, so she facilitates an environment where our feedback holds as much significance as her own. I can’t understate how much her class improved my confidence and my ability to see myself beyond the typecast I felt I was stuck in. I’m looking forward to finding myself in one of her scene study classes next!"
MICHAEL ROGOFF
"ADAM"
QUANTICO
(Disney-ABC TV)
“Karen’s experience as an actor and teacher make her second to none in the private coaching realm. She is attentive, passionate, inciteful and most importantly caring to everyone she teaches. Our sessions together have left me inspired, confident and excited to audition and work. Do yourself a favour, learn with Karen!”
CAROL HUSKA
"JUNE BARTLETT"
RECURRING
1 Season
HEARTLAND
(CBC, Netflix)
"She has helped me become a more well-rounded actor. Whether learning basic techniques or honing the intricacies of your performance,
Karen Ivany can do it all!"
LIAM MARSHALL
"DERBY TASKER"
MURDOCH MYSTERIES
(CBC)
"The kind of environment you need to succeed is a place that nurtures creativity and invites risk. Karen fosters that environment with grace. I still have all the notes I took in her class! It was in her classroom, I first heard the name Meisner. I probably would have quit this (acting) thing a long time ago if not for her encouragement. Small seeds grow in to big things and Karen has a green thumb. Terrible metaphor, I know, but trust me, you'll learn something, you'll learn a lot, maybe even about yourself."
NEERAJA RAMJEE
"MELISSA DERFLER"
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
(ABC)
"I had just moved back to Toronto and was looking to navigate my way and signed up for Karen's on camera audition class. It was an excellent class, very informative on how to navigate the industry, and very specific notes and techniques/tools on how to act for the camera. Would highly recommend Karen!"
DOUGLAS HANN
"JIMMY"
FEAR THY NEIGHBOR
(Disney+)
"I've been working with Karen for over two years and I learn something new about myself with every class. If you come to her class prepared, she will show you how to make that work pay off. Karen is a delight to work with and I'm pleased to consider her a mentor."
JOSE GUTIERREZ-SOLANA
TV ROLES
PRETTY HARD CASES, DARE ME, & DISASTERS AT SEA
"As a former student of hers, she is not only able to give you the building blocks to grow as an actor, but she can help refine the unique qualities that you bring to a role as your own."
MACKENZIE WATSON
"MEGHAN"
SECRETS IN THE WOODS
(Lifetime Television)
"Karen Is the bestest acting coach!"
AMY J. LESTER
"MELANIE"
GONE WITH THE WIND
"When I worked with Karen, I had fun learning about the places I could go as an actor that weren't obvious to me. Her training and talent working with actors made my transition from performing in comedy and theatre to on camera acting challenging and meaty! I felt like she 'got' me."
KEN FERGUSON
"BEARDED MAN"
TRANSPLANT
(NBC)
"She gives honest reviews & practical advice for navigating the business. Her coaching & personality make her an instructor to seek out."
TINIHSHYA GILLIS
MULTIPLE COMMERCIALS
AND PRINT
"I've been taking acting classes with Karen since 2019, both virtually and in-person. She creates an amazing, fun and safe space for actors to explore and trust. Karen never fails to see and believe her students full potential in their work and themselves. Before taking classes with Karen, I wasn't confident. I questioned myself and was confused about what to do next with my career. Karen helped push me out of my haze of uncertainty; with her help, devotion and love of the arts, I've flourished like I never thought I would!"
EMILY CLARKE
"NATALIE"
THE PERFECT CHEERLEADER
(Lifetime Television)
"Karen creates an environment that makes you feel comfortable enough to truly relax and explore what is possible as an actor. When I first started private coaching with her, I had a lot of insecurities and hang ups. After working with Karen I came away from our sessions knowing what it means to trust my own instincts and abilities. Her insight, experience and personal knowledge of the industry continues to be absolutely invaluable."
MATT HABER
"MIKE"
FEAR THY NEIGHBOR
(Discovery+)
"Aside from being a wonderful person, Karen is an accomplished actor and can help you prepare for any audition. She has a sharp eye when analyzing scenes and will heighten all aspects of your performances, finding nuance in every line."