I first came upon MDS Actors Studio over 16 years ago. It was my first foray into real serious acting training where I learned how to WORK! More on that in a moment...little did I know at the time that it would help shape me as a confident, assured, compassionate, grounded, humble individual during my time at that studio with a wonderful group of human beings who all had the desire to be actors. I'm grateful to have returned to the program after years of training and life experience that now infuses my process with knowledge, wisdom, and openness. Michael always has specific helpful insight into the work presented in front of him. It makes sense. He challenges you to be the best actor you can be. He tailors the feedback to where you will understand it based on where you are in your process. His specific feedback in comedy scenes shows a technical knowledge of rhythm and pacing. His specific feedback in dramatic scenes shows a knowledge of the human condition..."we don't show our emotions, we try to hide them...we bottle them up". I learned how to work in his class. "Lines under load" is a phrase only he has ever specifically mentioned to actors in my experience with several acting teachers and coaches. "Emotion is emotion is emotion...it is a river that flows through us all" is another nugget of wisdom that has helped me bring truth to my craft. The numbers is an exercise that will still energize and focus you, not to mention challenge whether you're off-book or somewhat off-book. The structure of the class is such that personal responsibility for the work is not just a saying it inspires you to work hard (choose challenging work); to be professional (take time to rehearse outside of class); to invest in storytelling (character, place and relationship); and to take the class seriously (learn from the work your fellow classmates present and in-turn encourage them with the work you choose to present). I feel fortunate to be a student in the program again. read more

When I moved from Toronto to Vancouver I was searching for a very specific class. One that I like to call an actor's gym. Some place where you belong to a community of actor's where you're all an a different journey after the same result, not just to be good but to be great! MDS is that place. Michael is a thoughtful teacher who gets to know you and what you're working on. So he can get specific and boil down what you need to improve. He is passionate and will not let you get away with your usual bag of tricks. He pushes you to do your best work and the responsibility is yours alone, so there is no room for laziness, if you put the time in that's where you get your best results. He puts importance on warmups, craft and Character. He gives you great sound bites that you can repeat back to yourself before an audition or the work.Like "Character is how you do what you do." The fact that I was able to bring an audition to class has been very valuable. I found my auditions have improved since then. Michael pointed out the necessary adjustments I needed to make without having to go to a separate audition workshop;because its our class and we get to make of it what we want. Not only that but I started booking more as a result. Michael always says he's our Guide not our teacher, so there is no other Guide you will find like him in Vancouver... read more

If you are an actor/ starting out actor and you want to become a smart, fully complex, capable, working actor... then the MDS Actors Studio is where you need to be! Michael David Simms has such a unique way of teaching that I have never seen done by any other teacher in the sense that, he is one of the ONLY teachers that teach you how to actually WORK. Michael makes sure that you are not just reading lines off of a paper but, that you fully immerse yourself in the character, relationship, place and that you are always working, whether a scene with a partner, a monologue, reading plays etc... Michael truly has such a special touch when it comes to teaching that you won't find anywhere else and he has a special relationship with each of his students. When it is your turn, Michael has all his focus and attention on you and in his class, students often have breakthroughs which is so amazing to see and you can really see how much his actors have improved from one class to the next with his teachings skills. Michael is also so funny and caring towards everyone and brightens up everybody's day and when you are in his class, there is no other place you rather be! I am so privileged to be a part of this class. I know they have helped me learn and grow in more ways than I can say. Thank you Michal!! :) read more

Taking Michael's scene study class has been the most beneficial thing I've done for my craft. He Focuses on the fundamentals of Character, Relationship and Place. Micheal's wealth of experience (here's a link to his imdb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799989/ ) and knowledge guide the class each week. As you present your scene more knowledge is revealed through the mistakes you've made. Technical components, script analysis, insights in to character psychology, human nature, etc... The space is completely safe for you to explore and grow as an actor. Don't expect to not work in the class, each week you're required to rehearse on your own with the material you bring, if you fail to do so, it shows and you'll be encouraged to work harder. Michael is a fair teacher, who genuinely wants to see you improve your craft. Since taking the class my confidence has increased tenfold. read more

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Michael will make you the best actor you can be. If you live in Vancouver I highly recommend his in-person classes which are currently held in full compliance with Covid-19 protocols. If you live elsewhere do not miss the opportunity to work with him and sign up for his online lessons on Zoom. Thanks to his bombproof technique, called "The process", that Michael teaches will allow you to explore all your possibilities as an actor in a safe environment full of passion and fun. On your side, you have to put in hard work and perseverance. Every 5 classes in-person, there is one dedicated exclusively to the skills needed in the auditions. read more

Michael offered a FREE drop-in class for actors every Friday evening throughout most of the pandemic in 2020 - this is how much he CARES about actors and acting. He offered these sessions for no other reason than to give fellow actors a safe space to work on their craft. He is an entirely selfless teacher, extremely charismatic and enthusiastic, and I always got the sense he cares deeply about acting, art, and his students. I hope I get the chance to work with him again one day soon. I saw him work with actors of all levels over zoom - he knows how to push the seasoned actor (gently and with compassion) and I definitely recommended his class for beginners, too. read more

Michael is a gifted teacher who expects his students to do the work. I spend the first few decades of my life focused on acting! I was lucky to get to work with him then! I've found his classes helped shape me as a human being! Working hard, persisting and finding a place to play made me believe in myself. 18 years ago, the study of human behaviour inspired me to start Beauty Night Society, a charity initiative to foster self esteem and change the lives of impoverished women. Coming back to class has pushed me to stretch who I am in and out of the classroom. Its one of the scariest things I've done in a while! It's also made me a better actor! read more

Michael David gives specific and personal tips to each actor in the room. His extending professional experience shows in class and is very helpful to help us understand character and how to reach the stakes of our scenes. After doing a lot of ''on camera'' acting class, I was looking for a class that pushes me to rehearse with a partner, connect and immerge myself in characters. We are encourage to create a set, bring props and wear costumes accordingly. Perhaps a more theatrical approach, but this is really a true acting class that allows you to play and grow. read more

I was fearful about attending an acting class for many reasons but mainly because I didn't know if I could actually do "acting" for real. I stepped into Michael's class for the first time two years ago and I won't forget how quickly all my fears went away. Michael makes you feel comfortable and safe in an environment where he also challenges and pushes you to grow. I have learned so much from this remarkable teacher! I am so grateful for finding "the gift" through training. Fast forward two years and here I am- an actor who works in the industry. Thank you MDS! read more

I studied with Michael in person years ago and he truly opened me as a performer like no other teacher has. It's been such a gift during this pandemic to be able to study with Michael again over zoom....that never would have happened with us living in separate cities. Michael truly cares about the people that study with him and I always feel supported while working with him. If you want a no nonsense approach to acting, which centres on emotional truth, authenticity and true engagement with your scene partners.....look no further. read more

Michael is the absolute best!!!! He's so great to work with because he understands people in general. I think that's important. Michael can spot the talent in you that you didn't even know you had. It's straightforward (which I love) but also inspiring. He empowers his students and you can feel he wants your success for you just as much as you do. I got so lucky to cross his path. I highly recommend Michael. I guarantee you, he'd ignite the flames in you. Thank You Michael for being such an awesome teacher. read more

Michael is the greatest acting teacher I've ever studied with. His standard for excellence is unparalleled. He teaches you more than the craft of acting. He instills in you a way of working that becomes part of your fabric and that you carry with you forever. No one has even come close to having the transformative impact on my life as Michael has. He is a treasure and his teachings are absolutely invaluable. read more

I studied with Michael David Simms 20 years ago and again on zoom recently, after that became a thing. I've studied with a lot of teachers in Toronto, Los Angeles and Vancouver. Michael is as good as it gets. He understands comedy like nobody else. He can teach actors in a supportive way. I've seen magical transformation in his class. Highly recommend! read more

Michael is my origional gangster acting coach. I studied with him for 4 years in the late '90's, early 00's. I loved every class. Rejoining Michael and the class on zoom has been incredible. I've been lucky over 20 years to have studied with some amazing acting coaches........Michael is on my Mt. Rushmore of teachers. Inspiring! read more

MDS actors studio is a wonderful place to study! Definitely a safe and challenging place to hone your craft. Michael is a fountain of information, who fosters growth in a fun atmosphere. He charges a fair price compared to many schools that charge thousands of dollars for subpar training. I can't recommend him enough!!! read more

MDS pushes you to the places you need to go to help improve your craft. Michael's experience has been invaluable to open my eyes to new ways to learning as an artist.. His direct approach and honesty are what you need to grow and flourish! read more

Wonderful acting training. Michael's method is professional and inspirational. Highly recommend his class for improving upon your craft.

I love the course very much, loving the online classes that make you want to pass through the screen and stop inside the classroom.