Audition Coaching and On-Set Prep for Actors.
Actors aren’t meant to work in a silo. We are collaborators by our very nature.
My job is to help you bring out your very best - something that is already inside of you.
From a place of joy, we will chip away at your fears and unlock your potential to create a space where the only thing left to do is breathe and reveal yourself.
Acting is hard, sometimes.
Whether you’ve got an audition, booked the job or want to start deepening your craft before an opportunity comes, I can help you get there. With my 15+ years of experience, I will collaborate with you to elevate your work.
I am currently working with clients over Zoom and In Studio.
Rates
Audition & Career Coaching
30 minutes - $75 CAD
45 minutes - $100 CAD
60 minutes - $125 CAD
75 minutes - $150 CAD
90 minutes - $175 CAD
On Set Prep Session - $200 CAD
Developmental Session - $200 CAD
*Plus HST
Questions?
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Working with a coach is one of the best ways to ensure you are bringing your A game to every opportunity you get. We can shoot your tape together at my studio or you can zoom me in to your setup.
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Whether you have an audition for a specific production or a general for a major theatre company, we will work together on your material to bring the text to life.
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Congratulations, you booked the role! Now what? I work with established and emerging actors to deepen their prep so that they arrive on set confident and ready to play.
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I work with actors (solo and in small groups) that are interested in increasing their confidence and skill set on camera or on stage. We work in person at my home studio or over zoom.
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Feeling stuck on the business side of things? Questions about agents, marketing and visibility? Book in the time slot you’d like and we’ll get started.
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I have been a guest artist at the Canadian Film Centre, the Soulpepper Youth Academy, Project Humanity, Stratford Festival’s Education Department, EveryBODY on Stage’s Leading Players Project, SpiderWebShow, Toronto Metropolitan University, Humber College, and The University of Waterloo. I teach text analysis, performance, Shakespeare, and directing. Please reach out for details.
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Coaching sessions for a training program can increase your confidence and strengthen your skills. I have coached many actors who were accepted into major theatre training programs across North America.
Previous Client Bookings
FAQ
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Plans can change! If you cancel or reschedule your session 24 hours in advance you will not be charged. However, due to increased demand, any changes made less than 24 hours in advance have to be charged at the full rate as I’ve often turned down clients to keep the time reserved.
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A lot of actors I work with like to book 30 minutes per scene for their tape. This gives us a chance to dive into the material. However, every artist is different - some actors book 15 minutes a scene while others book 45 minutes. Think about your connection to the material, your ease with the text and how much you like to dig in to the material when determining your session length time.
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I usually have clients back to back so I am not able to adjust the time of our session unless I’m notified 24 hours in advance.
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I love empowering actors to choose their own takes and decide when they want their scenes to start and end. However, if you’re in a time crunch, or just hate editing, I am happy to edit your tape and send you the link for $15.
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Unless you want to add on editing, please bring an SD card or laptop so I can load up the footage directly.
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Nope! Send me the sides and breakdown in advance and I’ll read them off my device.
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I will send you an individual zoom link right before our scheduled session. Normally clients place their laptop next to their camera to use me as an eyeline and scene partner. We often start the session by reading the text aloud then work through blocking and eyelines. We will then work on the material together in the time we have to get you the strongest takes.
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In person sessions are done at my home studio in Toronto. I have a high quality camera, mic, lights and backdrop that will give you a professional tape. We often start the session by reading the text aloud then work through blocking and eyelines. Then we’ll do a first pass and watch it back on a tv screen so we can pinpoint any moments that need shifting and highlight what’s already working. We’ll continue to work on the material together in the time we have to get you the strongest takes.
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Yes! I use softbox lighting with the option of overheads.
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I have some dedicated props for tapes but if there is something specific you want, it’s best to bring in your own.
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Absolutely.
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Yes! After our session you will be sent an invoice and receipt for your taxes.
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Absolutely. I do developmental sessions where I assign you sides and we work on increasing your confidence and skill set on camera or on stage. When you go to schedule your session click Developmental Session, fill out the questionnaire and I’ll reach out to get us started.
Testimonials
Catherine Berube - On Set Prep
“Mikaela sees e-very-thing! That’s probably the best way I can describe what it’s like to work with her. She has exceptional emotional intelligence and a remarkably nuanced understanding of acting, characters, and the different worlds those characters live in. She sees the possibilities within a scene, often way before I do. Honestly, it blows my mind how quickly she can shine a light on a scene and zero in on the thing that suddenly makes everything click.
One thing I love about the way she coaches is that she never tries to lock me into one way of doing a scene. Quite the opposite. She helps me find all the different colors within it and build a character that feels much bigger than the few pages I have in front of me.
She also really listens. She understands my energy, my instincts, what I’m trying to do — and she knows when to push me somewhere else.
I’ve worked with her on Little House on the Prairie, Plan B, and Wong & Winchester, and every time, my goal has been the same: to show up on set prepared, but never set in stone. To come in with a strong point of view, while having a toolbox full enough that I can go in a completely different direction if I’m asked to.
That, to me, is one of her greatest strengths: she doesn’t just prepare me for the scene. She prepares me to play!”
Andrew Di Rosa - On Set Prep
“Mikaela’s understanding of the craft of storytelling is her most remarkable asset as both an actor and a coach. I leave each of our sessions with the utmost confidence in my work and what I have to offer the role. Having secured a few bookings with her guidance, I make it a priority to work with Mikaela again before I a”rrive on set to film. Her specificity and skillset helps me navigate any last minute script changes and find my way back into the world of the project. She takes the fear out of the logistics of filming, gets me out of my head and back into the work, which allows me to be wholly present and self-assured on the shoot day. Some of these roles have even been elevated from one scene to a series recurring, and I have Mikaela’s direction, precision, care and dedication to thank for that. No one has had a greater impact on my confidence as an actor or my place in this industry. Mikaela’s the real deal.”
Eva Foote - On Set Prep
“I have had the good fortune to work with Mikaela as a set prep coach for both The Testaments and Miniature Wife. I think arriving on set for a new show - for any role but especially for supporting roles - can feel a mixture of exciting and daunting. You’re stepping into an environment where tone and dynamics have already been established, and you’re trying to enter with sensitivity to what’s been built while still having enough confidence to play and take risks. My set prep sessions with Mikaela were extremely helpful for me in this way. It was a space to focus on instincts and ideas, rummage around in backstory and try scenes multiple different ways. By the time I stepped on set I felt like I had ran around inside the world of my character and stretched the scenes out so that I could put the work behind me and play freely with whatever energy I was meeting on set. For Miniature Wife she bolstered my confidence and helped me find what was funny to me in the scenes (this is harder than I thought, to do alone in my apartment). For Testaments, she directed me multiple different ways to see what I could find in the scene, busting open the box I'd built around what I thought my character 'should' do. She is a skilled and insightful collaborator with incredible comedic instincts, and a wise and encouraging voice to have in your ear as you head towards the day. I left our sessions muttering to myself "I'm so glad I did that.”
Amber Goldfarb - On Set Prep
“Mikaela possesses a special kind of gift when it comes to storytelling. She has an incredible ability to offer a fresh perspective while staying grounded in what feels truthful and specific to the character and story. I always walk away from our sessions feeling excited about the work we’ve done and with a clear sense of direction for each of my scenes. Her insight, instincts, and generosity as a coach make her someone I truly value having in my corner, especially when preparing for a role and stepping onto set.”
Bianca Nugara - On Set Prep
“Working with Mikaela was an invaluable part of my preparation process for Heated Rivalry, Tell me Lies and Star Trek Strange New Worlds. What I highly value about Mikaela is her ability to provide multiple angles and options to approach the work. Rather than locking me into a single way or choice, she assists me in discovering my own range and flexibility, which provides me with confident choices to take to set. Set prep allows me to feel comfortable to collaborate and create on the job. I highly recommend coaching with Mikaela as she has an incredibly diverse toolbox of skills and techniques sure to support each actor with whatever their work requires!”
Gita Miller - On Set Prep
“When I go to Mikaela for coaching on upcoming projects I know I’m going to walk to away from our sessions feeling empowered and liberated. She is incredibly skilled in coaching you out of mental blocks, and reconnecting you with your own creativity. I loved working with her on the 11 characters I played in Hate The Player. I got to set feeling tapped in, creatively free and confident in letting my inner whimsy and inspiration guide me.”
Aladeen Tawfeek
“Simply put, Mikaela is phenomenal. Not only is she a lovely human being, but she is also incredibly talented. An exceptional actor and director in her own right, Mikaela brings her humanity as well as a set of very sharp skills to the coaching sessions. She has a way with text that I’ve seldom seen. Just when you thought you knew everything there is to know about a scene, Mikaela uncovers another layer that makes you dig even deeper and propels you to soaring heights. I’ve had a few bookings and many callbacks because of the work we did together. Looking forward to many more. And you should too. It’s a no brainer. “
Kim Nelson
“An exceptional actor in her own right, as a coach Mikaela is able to communicate intentions, objectives and tactics in such clear and actable terms; and her understanding of the craft of storytelling is exceptional. I’ve worked with many coaches and am always impressed by Mikaela’s uncanny ability to precisely pinpoint that one thing that unlocks a scene for me and takes me deeper into the work, elevating it. But, I think the biggest gift of her coaching has been her immense compassion and love for artists, that always pushes me to embrace who I am, and value the knowledge and experience I have to offer to every project. I find myself revelling in being brave and vulnerable, bringing my honest, unique self to the work. I can hear my true voice. That…is a gift that is essential to art but that also transcends it. “
Jonelle Gunderson
“Mikaela is the kind of acting coach you want to have on your team. Her analysis is laser sharp -- she has an almost uncanny way of clearly seeing a scene and lifting it off the page to bring it alive. Practically, I'm astonished what we are able to accomplish in the span of an hour - Mikaela is an incredibly organized and driven coach that (as a gifted performer herself) communicates with an actor's heart. But more than that, Mikaela sees and emboldens your own creative animal by recognizing your own unique offering as an actor, and finding a way to support that with compassion, risk, and play.”
Monica Rodriguez Knox
I absolutely love working with Mikaela. She brings a rare combination of technical precision and deep emotional understanding to her coaching. Her notes are always thoughtful, actionable, and grounded in story. Most importantly, every session with her pushes me to raise my work and trust my instincts more fully. As a coach, she shows up every single time—with generosity and care—and truly feels like a collaborator who’s excited to build on your offering. I’m so grateful for her guidance and highly recommend her to actors at any stage of their careers.
Benjamin Sutherland
“Mikaela is one of the best coaches you will ever work with. The breadth of her knowledge is so deep and her communication so clear that I guarantee she will elevate you, regardless of your level of experience. I know of no other coach that can analyze a script the way she can - through the perspective of an actor, director, and dramaturge, and then help shape and sharpen your performance with such clarity, specificity and joy. It is simply magic to work with her.”
August Winter
“Working with Mikaela feels like the perfect balance of being fully welcomed as you are, while also being encouraged towards your highest capacity. I always feel that my own creativity is respected while she offers specific feedback that allows me to leave feeling fulfilled. She’s also just an all round 5 star human that anyone would be lucky to work with.“
Catherine Berube
“Mikaela is a master at the art of analyzing a script. You go to her thinking you have it all figured out and she opens up a door to a whole other universe of meanings and layers and emotions you had just not envisioned. She’s quick, prepared, on the ball and sixteen steps ahead of you. She will guide you and push you, always keeping in mind what casting needs to see in order to make a choice, so you have a well rounded, diversified, precise and grounded performance every time.
And she’s funny. Seriously, she’s mind-blowing.”
Rosemary Dunsmore
“I loved being directed by Mikaela. She steered me to places I wouldn’t have imagined, dangerous provocative places. Just as importantly she set a course of exploration and then let me discover it myself, so I was in ownership of my performance— best kind of directing and not many people know how to do it. She is also wonderfully contemporary and political in her analytical thinking which helps her make any material relevant, meaningful and important so that you want/need to act it.”
Lenoxcia Sutherland
“Mikaela is amazing! She really cares for her actors. She takes that extra step to make sure my self tapes are up to industry standards. With her coaching, I was able to book a principal role on a series! I can’t wait to keep working with her.”
Laura Condlln
“When Mikaela works with you she brings her passion for storytelling and incredible talents as both an actor and director. She is smart, practical and direct, generous and rigorous, caring and funny. Her keen eye for nuance encourages you to dig deeper into the thoughts and emotional centre of the character. She unleashes your imagination and curiosity, and calls your attention to making your work as specific as possible. Her guidance will inspire knowledge, freedom and confidence.”
Amelia Sargisson
"I’ve been working with Mikaela on my self-tapes and not only am I feeling more confident in what I’m submitting, I’m also feeling more agency within and fulfillment from the process. Mikaela creates a space - even over zoom! - in which I feel free and creative and like myself. She affirms my instincts, helps sharpen my choices, and illuminates new possibilities in the script. She is generous with her insight into the genres and archetypes you’re likely to encounter, and a supportive ally in rooting what can feel like a formless exercise in discovery and self-expression. I’m full of gratitude, and wholeheartedly recommend her excellent coaching!"
Virgilia Griffith
“Working with Mikaela transformed my work and took it to another level. She injects such playful energy into the work and her dedication to excellence raised the bar for each of us in the room. Mikaela pushes you past what you think your limitations are. She listens to you and gives you the space to communicate your ideas. She helped me chip away at old acting patterns that I had held onto. Mikaela demanded focus, presence and commitment and gave the same in return. It was a full body experience. She was able to elicit more out of me as a performer and have me lift the bar.”
Ema Inês
"I am so grateful to have found Mikaela as a coach, with only two sessions she has already helped me book a principal role. Mikaela effectively communicates with you as an actor so that there is always a clear understanding of the work being done. With expertise, talent, and an exceptional ability to bring out the best actor in you, Mikaela will push you that extra mile to get the job booked. She takes the time to find those hidden beats, moments, and subtleties that draw you out from the crowd - showcasing great authenticity. Mikaela truly cares about her clients and their practice, she won’t just 'coach' you but rather work with you."
Sarah Booth
”I love coaching with Mikaela and I feel so confident after our sessions. She is specific, honest and very funny. As an actor/director herself, she understands both sides of the audition process. She guides me to dig deep, find my unique essence in a scene and we create magical moments that elevate my performance. I would advise you to book with Mikaela sooner rather than later because she is blowing up!”
Annie Luján
“I officially only trust Mikaela to coach me on my monologues! Mikaela is so generous with her ideas, made me feel safe to experiment and helped me efficiently get to the core of the character and objective. She has a wealth of experience to share and is a truly inspirational teacher. I feel very lucky to have found her and look forward to more sessions in the future. In 2022, I was accepted into the Soulpepper Academy and credit my confidence and preparedness to her amazing coaching.”
Carly Street
“Mikaela swiftly breaks down a scene, finds the dramatic action and offers clear and dynamic direction. She’s an actor’s dream.“
Nick Drummond
“Mikaela is diligent, honest and precise. Since working with Mikaela, my auditions and my confidence have risen to a completely new level. If you are looking to make an impact on the industry, I would recommend Mikaela everyday of the week.”
Piyal Sarker
“Mikaela is one of the best coaches I have ever worked with! She is honest, incredibly talented and extremely gifted. She has a keen eye for detail, encouraging me as an actor/artist to go above and beyond in my self-tapes. I can play, unleash my inner creativity and learn every time I work with her! She is not only my coach but also an amazing mentor whom I look up to dearly. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us, as I am genuinely grateful to grow my craft and have Mikaela’s support every step of the way!
Liam Lynch
“Mikaela brings the sharpest, cleanest tools available to help you carve out your best work. She doesn’t miss a moment, and leads with clarity, focus and confidence. She has been an incredible source of guidance for me in the last few months, and you would be lucky to know and work with her.”
Jennifer Chung
”Working with Mikaela has given me the confidence to push even more outside of my comfort zone when working on self-tapes. She pulls emotions out of you that you didn’t think you have. After one session she helped me book my first principal role! Mikaela is someone you want to work with she truly is a game changer and I’m so grateful for her.”
Sochi Fried
“I have had the great pleasure of being directed by Mikaela twice, in the plays Seams and How We Are. Her rigour and commitment to honesty and specificity make her an actor’s dream to work with. You can trust that she won’t let you get away with subpar work and she will always push you to delve deeper and go further. Plus she is whip smart, articulate, and funny to boot.”
Andre Sills
“In 2018 I had the great pleasure of playing Coriolanus at the Stratford Festival, and it was a very Spectacular show, moving set, Projections, Sounds scape & more. Mikaela was our Assistant Director and was an amazing help to bringing this character to life. We spent many sessions away from the Spectacle to get back to the text, breaking down the argument, finding word definitions since every word is chosen for that moment and more. I felt extremely grateful to have her there as a helping hand to work through and discover Shakespeare's text.”
Katherine Gauthier
“Mikaela Davies is not only a talented artist in her own right but a deeply gifted coach and teacher. She has a keen eye, exceptional communication skills and a profound wealth of knowledge that she willingly shares with all who surround her. In addition to her expertise in text and scene analysis, she has an uncanny ability to get to the heart of a scene, character and/or person. She is incisive. Her direction is always clear. And she knows how to get the very best out of the actors she works with! I have used her coaching services numerous times and every time, I have always felt a significant deepening of my work. I could not recommend her enough!”
Jill Keiley
“There was not a heartbeat of the play that didn’t go through her steel-trap truth detector, not a moment that wasn’t challenged to go deeper, be clearer, and crest the ordinary. Nothing, nothing got past this woman.“