Testimonials
Testimonial from Zoie Palmer - Dr. Lauren Lewis - Lost Girls
"Anna Mackay-Smith is someone I highly recommend to anyone beginning their training as an actor. My time with her was extraordinary and it continues to guide me in my career today. Even with a full class Anna has the ability to see behind the actor and into the particular student and teaches with specificity in a way they can best learn. As a student I looked to Anna for reassurance in those moments when I thought I might be making a mistake becoming an actor, and she was there. She always is. It must be said, her expectation from her students is high; commitment, truth, a willingness to fail and and a desire to go deeper than you believe you can, are things she demands. It is this, combined with her talent to see who you are, her compassion and her unwavering commitment to her students and the craft that makes training with Anna Mackay-Smith invaluable."
Sergio Di Zio - Gemini winner 2011, "Spike" on Flashpoint
It takes a lot of courage to get into this profession. I was lucky enough to study with Anna at the beginning of my career. If it wasn't for her compassionate and skillful way of teaching, I sometimes wonder if I would have stuck with it. What is most unique about Anna as a teacher is her ability to allow her students to each find their unique inner light, to help them trust in it and to give them the tools to let that light shine through the work. Her faith in her technique and the potential she sees in her students emboldens actors to believe in themselves which may be one of the greatest gifts that a teacher can bestow an actor. Much of the faith I have developed in my abilities over the years, can be attributed to Anna. And it's that faith that gets you through lean years, through auditions, through the challenges that any actor should expect in this profession. I'm very grateful I happened on Anna and very excited for any student who gets to work with her.
Colin Doyle (multi Dora nominated actor in theatre)
Anna was the first teacher I had in my first year in the acting conservatory and I could not have asked for anyone better. She cared, was committed, creative, and dedicated to sharing her knowledge of acting and making sure that her students were all the better for it. I am thankful for Anna's teachings, especially around specificity, as I continue it to bring to my work."
Jason Jazrawy
"Simply put, I would not be where I am today without the support and guidance of Anna. When I was just starting out in my career as a professional actor and facing the challenges and disappointments which can plague young actors, her mentorship kept me moving forward, and in the right direction."
It takes a lot of courage to get into this profession. I was lucky enough to study with Anna at the beginning of my career. If it wasn't for her compassionate and skillful way of teaching, I sometimes wonder if I would have stuck with it. What is most unique about Anna as a teacher is her ability to allow her students to each find their unique inner light, to help them trust in it and to give them the tools to let that light shine through the work. Her faith in her technique and the potential she sees in her students emboldens actors to believe in themselves which may be one of the greatest gifts that a teacher can bestow an actor. Much of the faith I have developed in my abilities over the years, can be attributed to Anna. And it's that faith that gets you through lean years, through auditions, through the challenges that any actor should expect in this profession. I'm very grateful I happened on Anna and very excited for any student who gets to work with her.
Colin Doyle (multi Dora nominated actor in theatre)
Anna was the first teacher I had in my first year in the acting conservatory and I could not have asked for anyone better. She cared, was committed, creative, and dedicated to sharing her knowledge of acting and making sure that her students were all the better for it. I am thankful for Anna's teachings, especially around specificity, as I continue it to bring to my work."
Jason Jazrawy
"Simply put, I would not be where I am today without the support and guidance of Anna. When I was just starting out in my career as a professional actor and facing the challenges and disappointments which can plague young actors, her mentorship kept me moving forward, and in the right direction."
"Anna's Building a Solid Foundation and Script Analysis classes were exactly what I wanted but didn't know existed. As someone who could not attend full time theatre school, The Actors Space gave me the structure, confidence, and insight that I believe I would have received in full time institution - but in a part time setting. In addition, Anna's patient and encouraging nature allowed me to feel free enough to explore
something new about myself each and every class. There is still so much more to learn and I will definitely continue learning with Anna."
Nia Cummins
" Through Anna's classes I have been able to grasp certain concepts that other teachers had tried explaining to me but I never really understood. Her classes are always fun and very enlightening and her guidance helps create an environment that as an actor you can feel comfortable taking risks and finding out what best works for you."
Nathan Periera
"From the first day in class Anna taught me how to be confident not only in acting but in what I do in life. Anna is so passionate and loves what she does and she has the power to share it with others. I know that from her help I'm not the same actor or person as I was before I started her classes."
Melvin Oppong
"Take a bow, Anna!!!! I can't thank you enough for offering the Foundations and Scene Study class."
Darcy Campbell
"Thank you, Anna! Such an amazing class that I was so sad it was over :(
Helen Cortez