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MEISNER TECHNIQUE 

FOR THE PRACTICING 

ACTOR

Nurturing truth, dedication, moment to moment exchange and depth - in every performance

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Join Stephanie Jones for dynamic actor training designed to challenge, focus, and inspire. She offers various workshops and six-week intensives in Canada and the United States.

Sessions are grounded in authentic, moment-to-moment performance and tailored for dedicated actors who are ready to engage deeply with their craft. In addition to core training, Stephanie offers individual audition technique sessions and production-based on-camera acting coaching, helping actors refine their skills and deliver truthful, compelling performances both in the room and on set. Each class emphasizes concentrated focus and behavioural freedom as the foundation for authentic work. To view upcoming opportunities, visit the Sessions page. All actors should expect an initial screening process as part of registration.

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MINDSET
”I believe every actor already possesses the creative tools they need—it’s simply a matter of dedicated, focused practice. The right coach doesn’t impose something new, but helps reveal what’s already within, guiding that discovery through behaviour-based work. I’ve had the privilege of being both a working actor and a teacher. My own training and mentorship with master teachers—each with decades of experience—have given me a sharp, compassionate outside eye and a deep respect for the craft. The exercises I offer are just that: practice tools, meant to build trust in your instincts and connection to the moment. Whether you’re brand new to acting or a seasoned professional, every actor deserves a space where freedom and focus can co-exist. I’m grateful to help provide that space.”

As an Actor

On Stage in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Nov. 2024
Director-  Judith Thompson

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As A Teacher

Teaching at The Neighborhood Playhouse

Neighborhood Playhouse 2015

Teaching at The ACTRA Conference - Toronto

Actra Conference Toronto 2014

As a Writer

Scenic View show still with Jason Cadieux

Scenic View - Courthouse Theatre

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John School - First Ontario Performing Arts Centre

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STEPHANIE'S STUDIO JOURNEY

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Group B 2015 - Neighborhood Playhouse

Neighborhood Playhouse Group B - 2016

My Story

I'm an actor, playwright, and educator driven by a deep curiosity about what makes performance truthful and alive. That curiosity led me to explore a wide range of acting techniques and was recognized early on with an Ontario Arts Council Chalmers Award (2011), which supported my apprenticeship in the Meisner Technique at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York—the home of Sanford Meisner’s work. There, I had the privilege of training under Ron Stetson and Richard Pinter, an experience that continues to shape my approach to acting and teaching. I taught the first-year "Group B" for five years (2014–2019).

With over 25 years of experience in theatre and film, I’ve been fortunate to work as both an artist and a mentor. I founded The Essential Collective Theatre to bring new Canadian stories to life and was deeply committed to building a canon of contemporary Canadian plays in the Niagara Region. My passion for fostering bold, honest performance has led me to teach at the Neighborhood Playhouse, Niagara College, and the Canadian Film Centre—and to lead workshops across the country, including in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Montreal.

As an actor, I recently won Best Supporting Actress at the New York International Film Awards for my role as Donna in the feature film EFC.
As a writer, my play Bridge Street—a feminist social justice piece exploring the lives of survival sex-trade workers—was published as part of my Master’s thesis and premiered at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in 2022.

Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in acting performance at the University of Guelph. Whether I’m working on set, in the classroom, or on stage, I’m dedicated to helping actors unlock their imagination, connect deeply with their work, and respond with honesty in the moment.

Canadian Film Centre Actors Conservatory 2023

Canadian Film Centre - 2023

Ms. Jones has been a mentor of the CFC Actors Conservatory Program since 2015

Company Workshops

Group training and collaboration

From small groups of four to larger teams of forty, I offer dynamic workshops designed to awaken imagination, sharpen focus, and enhance authentic connection. Whether you're a film crew, a theatre production, a group of enthusiastic teachers or a sales team, these sessions are tailored to boost collaboration, creativity, and presence—on set, on stage, or in any professional setting

Auditions and On-Set

Private Audition or On-set Coaching

I offer personalized coaching for actors preparing for auditions, helping you bring truth, spontaneity, and confidence to your work. Whether you're looking for one-on-one guidance or need an experienced on-set acting coach to support performance during production, I'm available to help you deliver your best. Let's unlock the depth of your craft and make every moment count.

VIDEO SHOWCASE

Stephanie Jones Acting Studios - Stephanie@stephaniejonesactingstudios.com

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