The TV Series BLUE SKIES (UPtv / Bim Narine Casting) is about to drop in Canada !! — and David directed two episodes of it !!
David is known as an real actor’s director: he takes an acting class every year so he can speak your language on set and connect with you in a meaningful way.
And because he also produces and executive produces, you’ll learn what directors look for and what producers are thinking when it comes to performance, decisions, and the bigger picture.
This Workshop gives actors a rare chance to experience the industry from the director’s point of view. Acting isn’t just about performing a role — it’s about becoming a vital collaborator in the director’s vision. And here’s the truth: on a real set, there’s rarely time for a director to stop and explain what they’re looking for. In this workshop, David will slow things down and share exactly what directors are paying attention to, how they think, and what helps actors stand out when booking roles.
You’ll gain practical insight into:
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How to communicate effectively with a director
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How to take and apply direction quickly
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What to watch out for on set to make the director’s job easier (and your performance stronger)
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How to thrive under fast redirects and high-pressure moments
To close the day, we’ll open the floor for a Q&A session — your opportunity to ask David every question you’ve ever wanted to pose to a veteran director with decades of experience.
This immersive training is designed to push you beyond “performance” into true professional readiness — giving you the confidence, adaptability, and insight to succeed on set.
In this highly competitive marketplace it is a great ADVANTAGE to personally meet and work with an established TV/Director and build your network!!
WHEN:
SATURDAY February 21st | 9am – 5pm
SUNDAY February 22nd | 10am – 3pm
PARTICIPANTS: Only 16 Seats available!
FOR: All AGES and LEVELS welcome
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.
$2/hour with a 3 hour maximum // $14 a day parking at 177 Davie St
CANCELLATION POLICY: Participants will not be able to cancel for this workshop.
* ActorVan Studios may need to change coaches at the last minute if coaches are sick or on set.
WHO:
David Strasser is a prolific, award-winning film and television director and executive producer based in Vancouver, Canada. A versatile and in-demand storyteller, he has directed across mystery, thriller, procedural drama, romance, and holiday genres, with projects reaching global audiences on major networks and streamers including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Hallmark Channel (U.S.), Lifetime Television (U.S.), Channel 4 (U.K.), TF1 (France), and W Network (Canada). His work has earned multiple nominations from the Canadian Screen Awards, Leo Awards, and the Directors Guild of Canada Awards.
His most recent work marks a significant step into episodic television with Blue Skies (UPtv, releasing 2026), where he directed Episodes 3 (“Body in the Woods”) and 4 (“The Fall”). The ambitious, character-driven procedural broadens his scope into serialized storytelling and showcases his signature strengths-precise visual style, emotionally grounded performance direction, and cohesive ensemble-driven worldbuilding.
David executive produces and directs Hallmark Mystery’s acclaimed Nelly Knows Mysteries franchise (2024-2026), beginning with Engaged to Be Murdered and continuing with All Manners of Murder (2026). Known for its sharp tone, cinematic flair, and standout performances, the series has quickly become one of Hallmark’s signature mystery properties.
Building on that momentum, he directed and executive produced The Wish Swap (Hallmark Channel, 2025), a romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism that earned a Directors Guild of Canada Award nomination.
For Lifetime Television, David recently directed the prestige drama Love, Again (releasing 2026), starring Valerie Bertinelli, Eric McCormack, and Henry Czerny. One of Lifetime’s most anticipated titles for 2026, the film features nuanced, character-driven performances and reflects David’s continued evolution into more elevated dramatic storytelling.
A graduate of Vancouver Film School and the Allard School of Law at UBC, David is also an alumnus of the TIFF Filmmaker Lab, Berlinale’s JETS Talent Lab, and a Telus STORYHIVE Banff Fellow.
David I. Strasser – IMDb
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 Kronick 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 hundreds of 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.
Petar Gatsby – IMDb
3 PACK SPECIAL!
