Shael Risman Creative Reviews

Kathy Porteous 2026.06.10

recommends

I completed Shael’s scene study course in the fall of 2025. It was so worthwhile and fun that I came back and did the course again in spring 2026. The general structure was similar but I learned just as much the second time through as I did the first. Shael creates a welcoming, safe space; he is thoughtful with his feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed both sessions and highly recommend his course!

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Laurie Scattergood 2026.06.06

recommends

Having recently completed Shael's 8 week Scene Study course I can honestly say it was very worthwhile. The content was extensive and he provided the tools and guidance we needed to fully understand and apply the principles of scene analysis. I've done other scene study workshops, but this was the most intensive and complete of all of them.

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Keith Thomas 2026.06.04

recommends

I would highly recommend Shael. I recently completed his scene study class. It was amazing to see the growth in the abilities and confidence of everyone over the course of the class. The classes were well run and I especially found the written, structured prep to be very useful.

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Andra Kelly 2026.03.16

recommends

My son recently had some private acting coaching from Shael to prep for a university audition. He learned so much in such a short time and went in to that audition with confidence and a strong understanding of performing a character. He’s now going to Brock for Dramatic Arts in the fall - I would highly recommend workshopping with Shael.

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Natalie Leahy 2025.12.06

recommends

I recently participated in Shael’s scene study program. He is a fabulous teacher - welcoming, encouraging & spot on with his constructive feedback. I am grateful for the experience I had in his class.

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Paul Sowerbutts 2025.11.27

recommends

I had the great pleasure of participating in Shael's Scene Study course. I found the content to be excellent. The work we did on breaking down the scene, character development and motivations really helped me to understand my character and how I can portray him. Shaels insights into acting and direction are invaluable. He made the entire class feel comfortable and gave us all the confidence to explore acting. I found the materials provided to be professionally done and of great help, I will definitely be referencing them in the future. I feel that this class has given me a set of tools, not only for on stage but for getting onstage.

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Sophia Daunt 2025.10.19

recommends

I had the privilege of working with Shael as a young actor, and his dedication to the craft—and to every member of his cast—was evident from day one. His direction was thoughtful, passionate, and always rooted in a deep respect for the story being told. Shael sets a standard that continues to inspire me.

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Fanny Mae 2025.09.24

recommends

Being directed by Shael brought me to a whole new level of insight into character, nuance, and family dynamic. He shared a time in his own personal family history to deepen my understanding of what my character endured and lived through. He took a beloved play to whole new heights that brought theatre audiences to their feet with standing ovations night after night. I would work with Shael again in a heartbeat.

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Des Harty 2025.09.23

recommends

I've acted with Shael and been directed by him. He is a wonderful actors' director, directing from an actors' perspective in a way that unites a cast. He cares about the entire cast and crew.

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Harry Lavigne 2025.09.23

recommends

I have had the pleasure of both directing and being directed by Shael. To be a successful director you must have a clear vision and immense love for the script you are directing. Even more importantly is the ability to transfer that vision and love to your actors in a way which also still allows them to grow within the role themselves. Shael checks all these boxes.

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Jay Da Costa 2025.09.22

recommends

I've worked with Shael both as an actor on stage with him, and as one being directed by him. He is a creative, caring and genuine person, with the ability to bring out the best in people.

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Melly Mel 2025.09.21

recommends

I have had the distinct honour of working directly with Shael in his capacity as both a director and an actor. His intuition and guidance help to bring out the best in those he is working with and I highly recommend availing yourself of any opportunity to learn from him. I look forward to the next time our creative paths cross. Truly one of the greats.

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