The Dirt Underneath Actors' Space

The Dirt Underneath Actors' Space Film + theatre scene study classes & private coaching available with John Gordon. John taught for 9

John taught for 9 yrs at ProActorsLab & 2 yrs at Equity Showcase.

Fresh off AMC’s The Audacity, Andrew Bushell on returning to class with John Gordon:“John was the first teacher I worked...
06/26/2026

Fresh off AMC’s The Audacity, Andrew Bushell on returning to class with John Gordon:

“John was the first teacher I worked with when I moved to Toronto. Since he’s opened The Dirt I’ve sent anyone who will listen his way. I not only trust him with my own work, I trust him with the actors I recommend.”

“I’ve been fortunate to work consistently, but the industry has had a lull. Coming off a major series, I didn’t want to be rusty when the next opportunity hit. I wanted to stay sharp, not restart the engine on the job. John knows my work, my strengths, my habits. He was the right person to get me where I wanted to go.”

“Over the 6-week session John pushed me into territory outside my usual casting. I felt the growth week to week. As I’ve aged into a different point in my career, I needed my range to match the roles ahead. John could see the puzzle pieces and put them together. By the end I had real confidence I could play and book that next bracket.”

“John is a trusted mentor, teacher and friend. The Dirt is the place I go to re-immerse with quality peers. After almost two decades, I still can’t thank him enough.”

- Andrew Bushell
Credits: The Audacity (AMC), Dinner with Friends, 24-Karat Christmas

Session 4 starts July 13. Application only.

MASTER CLASS
Mondays 6:00-10:00pm
July 13 to August 24 (no class Aug 3, Simcoe Day)
6 weeks / $475 inc HST / early-bird $425

ON-CAMERA SCENE STUDY
Tuesdays 12:00-4:00pm
July 15 to August 18
6 weeks / $475 inc HST / early-bird $425

NEW STUDENT CLASS
Mondays 1:30-4:30pm
July 13 to 27 (3 weeks)
$325 inc HST / early-bird $300
No experience necessary.

Early-bird pricing ends Sunday, June 28 at 11:59pm.

Apply now. Link in bio.

ActorTraining TheAudacity ACTRA

✨ We are excited to announce that Aisha Shennawy (she/her) is The Dirt Underneath’s 2026–2027 ARP Recipient! ✨Born in Mo...
06/06/2026

✨ We are excited to announce that Aisha Shennawy (she/her) is The Dirt Underneath’s 2026–2027 ARP Recipient! ✨

Born in Montreal and raised within Ottawa’s Muslim community, Aisha is an Egyptian-Canadian actor and visual artist whose work is informed by a deep curiosity about identity and human connection.

After completing a Bachelor of Architecture at Carleton University, Aisha chose to pursue acting professionally and graduated from George Brown Theatre School in 2024.

Since graduating, she has worked across independent film and theatre projects while continuing to invest deeply in her growth as an artist. Outside of performance, Aisha enjoys painting and creating dynamic visual landscapes.

Aisha shares:

“I’m thrilled to be this year’s ARP recipient at The Dirt Underneath and grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate alongside such a vibrant artistic community.”

Please join us in welcoming Aisha to The Dirt Underneath community — we cannot wait to see what this year brings. ❤️

Photo Credit: David Leyes

Aisha Shennawy (she/her) is an Egyptian-Canadian actor and visual artist. Born in Montreal and raised within Ottawa’s M...
06/06/2026

Aisha Shennawy (she/her) is an Egyptian-Canadian actor and visual artist. Born in Montreal and raised within Ottawa’s Muslim community, her work is informed by a deep curiosity about identity and human connection. After completing a Bachelor of Architecture at Carleton University, she chose to pursue acting professionally and graduated from George Brown Theatre School in 2024. 
Since graduating, Aisha has worked on independent film and theatre projects while continuing to invest in her development as an actor. Outside of performance she enjoys painting and creating dynamic visual landscapes. Aisha is thrilled to be this year’s ARP recipient at The Dirt Underneath and is grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and collaborate alongside its vibrant artistic community.
Headshot photo credit:

06/04/2026

🎬 SESSION 4 CLASSES – JULY/AUGUST 2026 🎬 Registration Now Open.
📅 IMPORTANT DATES:
• Early-Bird Deadline (all classes except Grant Writing):
Sunday, June 28 @ 11:59PM EST
• Scene Study Application Deadline:
Wednesday, July 1 @ 11:59PM EST
• Grant Writing Early-Bird Deadline:
2 weeks before first class
• Session 4 runs:
July 13 – August 24
Email [email protected] to join our e-newsletter for updates.
🎭 JOHN GORDON – MASTER CLASS
ON-CAMERA SCENE STUDY
📅 Mondays 6–10PM
July 13 – Aug 24
(No class Aug 3)
💰 6 Weeks: $475 inc HST
🐦 Early Bird: $425
For actors working regularly in film/TV/theatre or who have studied with John for at least 2 terms.
Type: APPLICATION
🎭 JOHN GORDON
ON-CAMERA SCENE STUDY
📅 Tuesdays 12–4PM
July 14 – Aug 18
💰 6 Weeks: $475
🐦 Early Bird: $425
Type: APPLICATION
✨ First-time student? If you audited John’s class in the past 3 months, receive an additional $25 off.
🎭 JOHN GORDON
NEW STUDENT CLASS
📅 Mondays 1:30–4:30PM
July 13–27 (3 Weeks)
💰 $325
🐦 Early Bird: $300
No experience necessary.
Type: APPLICATION
🎭 THEATRE SCENE STUDY WEEKEND INTENSIVE
📅 Nov 7–8
Saturday + Sunday
12–5PM
💰 $325
🐦 Early Bird: $300
Type: APPLICATION
🎬 SHAUN MCCOMB
ON-CAMERA SCENE STUDY
Choose 1:
📅 Tuesdays 6–10PM
July 14 – Aug 18
📅 Wednesdays 12–4PM
July 15 – Aug 19
📅 Fridays 11AM–3PM
July 17 – Aug 21
💰 $475
🐦 Early Bird: $425
Type: APPLICATION
✨ First-time students who audited Shaun’s class in the last 3 months receive an additional $25 off.
📝 VICTORIA URQUHART
GRANT WRITING 101
ONLINE CLASSES:
📅 Thursdays
July 23 + 30
4–6PM
PLUS choose ONE free-access clinic:
• Aug 6 (4–7PM)
OR
• Aug 9 (12–3PM)
💰 $175 (HST exempt)
🐦 Early Bird: $150
Type: OPEN
Apply early — spots fill quickly.
Link In Bio to register for any of our offerings.

Final Call: ARP + Session 3 Deadlines Are TodayTwo deadlines. ACT today.6PM (EST) — ARP Deadline⸻Artist Residency Progr...
04/30/2026

Final Call: ARP + Session 3 Deadlines Are Today

Two deadlines. ACT today.

6PM (EST) — ARP Deadline
⸻
Artist Residency Program (ARP)
One annual recipient receives:
• 1 session (6 classes) with John Gordon
• 1 session (6 classes) with Shaun McComb
• 6 hours private voice training with Peter N. Bailey
• Grant Writing workshop with Victoria Urquhart
• 3 hours business coaching with Cynthia Chan

Apply by April 30 (6:00PM EST)
Interviews: May 23 – June 6
Recipient notified: June 15

Application details in bio.

⸻

11:59PM (EST) — Session 3 Application Deadline
⸻

John Gordon – Master Class
Mondays 6:00–10:00PM | May 11 – June 22 (no May 18)
$475
For experienced actors and returning students

⸻

John Gordon – Daytime Class
Thursdays 12:00–4:00PM | May 14 – June 18
$475
+$25 off for eligible first-time auditors

⸻

John Gordon – New Student Class
Tuesdays 2:00–5:00PM | May 12 – May 26 (3 weeks)
$325
For actors with no prior experience

⸻

Shaun McComb – On-Camera Scene Study
Tues 6–10PM | Wed 12–4PM | Fri 11–3PM
May 12 – June 19
$475

⸻

Victoria Urquhart – Grant Writing 101 (Online)
May 28 & June 4 (4–6PM)
or June 13 & 20 (12–2PM)
Includes one free clinic (June 11 or June 27)
$175 | Early-bird $150

⸻

If you’ve been considering it, this is the decision point.
Apply now to secure your place.

Another beautiful testimonial for Shaun McComb’s On-Camera Scene Study:“I’ve trained with Shaun McComb for about a year,...
04/28/2026

Another beautiful testimonial for Shaun McComb’s On-Camera Scene Study:

“I’ve trained with Shaun McComb for about a year, both in class and through private online coaching — and he’s hands down the best acting coach I’ve ever had.

Shaun takes the time to truly know each actor — not just their craft, but who they are as people. He builds training around your specific goals and challenges, giving clear, actionable notes that immediately elevate your work. He has no ego; his only focus is helping his students grow.
What I appreciate most is the safe, encouraging space he creates. You feel free to take risks, explore, and push yourself in ways you never have before. His depth of knowledge, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving make every session inspiring and productive.”
- Rick Hastings
⸻

Shaun McComb’s Session 3 – On-Camera Scene Study (Application Required)
Three scheduling options:
• Tuesdays 6:00–10:00PM (May 12 – June 16)
• Wednesdays 12:00–4:00PM (May 13 – June 17)
• Fridays 11:00AM–3:00PM (May 15 – June 19)
$475

⸻

Early bird discount ends at 11:59pm tonight. Act now to save $50. Here’s what’s coming up for May/June 2026:Key Dates...
04/27/2026

Early bird discount ends at 11:59pm tonight. Act now to save $50.

Here’s what’s coming up for May/June 2026:

Key Dates:
• Early-bird deadline (all classes except Grant Writing): Monday, April 27 @ 11:59PM EST
• Scene Study application deadline: Thursday, April 30 @ 11:59PM EST
• Grant Writing early-bird: 2 weeks before the first class
• Session runs: May 11 – June 22

⸻

John Gordon – Master Class (Application Required)
On-Camera Scene Study
Mondays, 6:00–10:00PM
May 11 – June 22 (no class May 18 – Victoria Day)
$475 (early-bird $425)
For experienced actors working in film, TV, or theatre, or those who have trained with John for at least two terms.

⸻

John Gordon – Daytime Class (Application Required)
On-Camera Scene Study
Thursdays, 12:00–4:00PM
May 14 – June 18
$475 (early-bird $425)

First-time auditor discount available: take an additional $25 off if eligible.

⸻

John Gordon – New Student Class (Application Required)
Tuesdays, 2:00–5:00PM
May 12 – May 26 (3 weeks)
$325 (early-bird $300)
Designed for actors with no prior experience.

⸻

Shaun McComb – On-Camera Scene Study (Application Required)
Three scheduling options:
• Tuesdays 6:00–10:00PM (May 12 – June 16)
• Wednesdays 12:00–4:00PM (May 13 – June 17)
• Fridays 11:00AM–3:00PM (May 15 – June 19)
$475 (early-bird $425)

⸻

Victoria Urquhart – Grant Writing 101 (ONLINE)
Two options:
• May 28 & June 4 (4:00–6:00PM)
• June 13 & June 20 (12:00–2:00PM)

Includes a free-access clinic (choose one):
• June 11 (4:00–7:00PM)
• June 27 (12:00–3:00PM)

$175 (HST exempt)
Early-bird $150

⸻

Spaces are limited across all classes. Apply early to secure your spot and preferred schedule.

An Intimate Evening of Live Theatre at Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace starring and directed by our own Come see the ...
04/23/2026

An Intimate Evening of Live Theatre at Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace starring and directed by our own

Come see the inaugural production of SlipTrap Theatre, Toronto’s newest independent theatre.

Experience Brilliant Traces by Cindy Lou Johnson up close in a space where every breath, glance, and silence lands. At Theatre Passe Muraille backspace, there’s no distance between audience and story — just raw, immediate human connection.

Brilliant Traces

by Cindy Lou Johnson

Presented by SlipTrap Theatre

In the remote wilds of Alaska, a woman stumbles out of the snow with no destination and a need to keep moving.

A storm rises. Roads vanish. Car batteries die. The isolated cabin of an oil rig worker becomes the only refuge left.

At the edge of nowhere two strangers collide, each carrying a past they refuse to name. As the storm tightens its grip, stories fracture, truths slip, and what begins as mercy transforms into something else entirely.

Desolate and haunting, Brilliant Traces is about isolation, loss, change and the rarest of intimacy. When a life is in free fall, what is there to grab on to, and at what cost?

MORE INFO AT www.sliptraptheatre.com. Use code: BRILLIANTARTS for a discount.

Address

636 Pape Avenue
Toronto, ON
M4K3S3

Telephone

4166181121

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Dirt Underneath Actors' Space posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category