The Casting Director Workshop with Candice Elzinga
$295.00
WHEN:
SATURDAY August 9th | 9am – 5pm
SUNDAY August 10th | 10am – 3pm
PARTICIPANTS: Only 16 Seats available!
FEES: $295 (GST included). Prior payment is required to reserve a seat.
WHERE: Suite 216, 1118 Homer Street, Vancouver.
Ample parking on Richards between Helmcken and Davie.
$1/hour with a 2 hour maximum // $14 a day underground parking at 177 Davie St
CANCELLATION POLICY: Participants will not be able to cancel for this workshop. Seats can be transferred to friends.
* ActorVan Studios may need to change coaches at the last minute if coaches are sick or on set.
WHO:
Candice Elzinga
Candice Elizinga is one of Vancouver’s top casting directors. Candice is a four time Emmy nominated Casting Director and has cast over 300 productions since coming to Vancouver in 1995. Casting such shows as SEE, Man in The High Castle, The 100, Loudermilk, When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores and many more. A trained actor, with a BFA from the University of Alberta, Candice is passionate about actors and the craft. This is a great opportunity for actors ready to show where they are in their craft and to be seen by Candice.
Petar Gatsby
Originally from sunny Croatia, Petar began his acting journey in Germany before taking his craft across the globe — living and working in Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand — before ultimately settling in Vancouver, BC.
With a rich and diverse background in performance, Petar has worked extensively as an Actor, Stunt Actor, Stage Actor, TV Presenter, Drama Teacher, Audition Coach, Stage Manager, and Director/Producer. His experience spans both stage and screen, giving him a well-rounded and dynamic approach to storytelling.
Since arriving in Vancouver, he quickly found his place in the city’s bustling film and television industry. Petar was fortunate to land a recurring role on the last standing CW series filmed in Vancouver, portraying Lex Luthor’s henchman Hacksaw Chronik in Superman & Lois. His favorite screen credits include Arrow (CW Network), Upload (Amazon), Turner & Hooch (Disney+), Project Blue Book (History Channel), The Detour (TBS), and The Shannara Chronicles (MTV/Paramount), among others.
This summer, you can catch him on the big screen in the theatrical release of BAU – Artist at War, alongside Once Upon a Time in Hollywood alum Emile Hirsch — and several of his own clients, who also booked roles in the film.
Over the years, Petar has spent thousands of hours working one-on-one with actors and has participated in over 100 casting and director workshops, developing a sharp eye for what works — and books — on camera. His clients have landed roles in everything from high-profile network series (including one starring Owen Wilson) to major commercial campaigns shot locally.
Through his production company, based at Actorvan, Petar is also creating his own original content. His short films have received international awards, and he’s now gearing up to produce his first feature film, shooting this summer.
Petar continues to grow as both an artist and mentor, dedicated to helping actors develop, connect, and thrive — both in front of the camera and behind it.
FULL
WORKSHOP FORMAT:
Saturday, August 9th:
- 9am - 5pm | On camera scene preparation with Petar Gatsby
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Sides will be personally selected by Candice based on your headshot and resume. All scenes are pulled from projects Candice has cast. Each actor will be paired with a scene partner and coached on Saturday in a class-style setting led by studio owner Petar Gatsby.
If you’re not available for the full day Saturday, no problem — actors are welcome to arrive late or leave early if needed. Just give us a heads-up in advance!
There may also be a private one-on-one coaching option available (via Zoom or in-person) for those who cannot attend on Saturday at all.
Sunday, August 10th:
- 10am - 3pm | Scene presentations for Candice Elzinga, Feedback and Q&A
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We’ll kick off Sunday with brief introductions — your chance to leave a personal impression on Candice! As a trained actor with a BFA, Candice will share her unique perspective on the craft and the audition process from the casting side.
Then it’s time to get to work: actors will present their scene work to Candice. What makes this opportunity so special is that Candice will personally read with you — giving you the rare chance to perform your scene directly opposite a top casting director.
You’ll do multiple takes, receiving real-time adjustments and insight from Candice, allowing you to implement her notes and elevate your performance.
We’ll end the day with an open Q&A session, where actors are encouraged to ask anything they’ve ever wanted to know about the casting process.
In today’s industry, it’s rare to meet casting directors in person — which makes this workshop a truly special opportunity to work face-to-face with one of Canada’s top casting directors.
Whether you're new to the business or a working actor, most performers only see a small part of the casting process. This weekend gives you a deeper look behind the scenes — directly from someone who lives it every day.
You’ll gain real insight into what it actually takes to book a role, and what actors can do to consistently put their best foot forward in the room or on tape. More than anything, it’s a chance to make a personal impression and be remembered.
SPOTS ARE LIMITED — SIGN UP NOW! Don’t miss your chance to learn, connect, and grow your craft with one of the best in the business.
