Karen Ivany | ACTING STUDIO
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."
OLIVIA ST. LOUIS
"Mrs. Van Every"
ALL IS FINE IN '89,
Feature Film
"I absolutely loved Karen's scene study class!
I appreciate Karen trusting me with big emotional scenes and giving ample time to really work them. I saw a great improvement in my work from start to finish. I've always struggled with the first beat and we worked on this specifically. I learned new tools for delivering a strong first beat and I feel more confident starting scenes now"
MOJEANE SADR
"Noor Carrier"
FALESEHOOD, Feature Film
"Sadia"
MUSTACHE, Feature Film
"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."
MYLES DOBSON
"Nick"
CAST MEMBER
THE NEXT STEP
4 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."
SHRANNA JAGGER
"Officer Sanchez"
THE JANE MYSTERIES
(Hallmark+)
"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, CW)
"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"
MICHAEL ROGOFF
"Adam"
QUANTICO
(Disney+, ABC )
“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 SOLANA
"Ensign Alvardo"
STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS
(CBS, Paramount+)
"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."
TINISHYA 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
"Patty"
BIZARRE MURDERS
(True Crime Network, Amazon, Apple TV)
"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."