OUR COACHES
ABOUT US
Circus Actors Studio is an intimate, safe and inclusive space for focused actors to learn, grow, and build community. We work in an intimate setting, our classes are smaller, and each actor has more focused attention - so we can work in an integrated way. We not only work on building the actors' tool belt so they are guided to empower themselves as artists, but we also focus on building the mental strength of the actor so they can represent themselves at their absolute best, come “hell or high water”!
We have a taping and recording studio in house for the highest quality product, and are led by veteran actor Hilary Jardine.
OUR TEAM
At Circus, our coaches are professional working actors who are here to teach and guide you because we’ve been there. We have put in our 10,000 hours, and are excited to share with you what we’ve learned. Whether you are a seasoned actor, or new to the Film and TV industry, we’re here to support and guide you!
All folk welcome. :)
We’re in the ring with you.
Hilary Jardine
(she/her) is an actor born in Toronto, Canada. She has a theatre degree from Dalhousie University, and for the first chapter of her career she worked in the film & television rich city of Vancouver, B.C.
While in Vancouver, she made her professional acting debut on USA network’s PSYCH in 2006. She has since made a name for herself, and been building a dynamic and broad resume of work.
Hilary is best known for playing James Wolk’s love interest “Tessa” in the entire season 3 of CBS’ ZOO, recurring heavily throughout SyFy’s VAN HELSING series as beloved BFF “Susan”, and playing real life “Patty Beron”, in National Geographic’s mini-series VALLEY OF THE BOOM.
Most recently, Hilary joined the recurring cast for the final season of Showtime’s Primetime Emmy Award winning series, HOMELAND, followed by a recurring character in Greg Daniels’ comedy series UPLOAD for Amazon Prime.
You can see her next in Global TV/ the CW Network’s FAMILY LAW, CBS’ FIRE COUNTRY, and Hallmark’s HOLIDAZED.
She is armed with a green card, and now splits her time between Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C.
Hilary is a terrific coach, lending her learnings from many years of experience and devotion to the craft of acting.
"I am a cheerleader. I'm rooting for you because I have been in your shoes. I began my career with terrifying imposter syndrome and many mental blocks that seemed so daunting. Through trial and error I have learned to fortify. And I grew. As an actor. I leaned on spiritual work, psychology, as well as many different tools of the craft, in order to be an artist that is still passionate and in love with the craft and story, but also hold the mental and emotional resilience to maintain the ups and downs of this career. I stand on the shoulders of giants, and pull from the likes of Strasberg, Meisner, Adler, as well as my own mentors' teachings. We gather bits and pieces that land for us along the way. It is now high time that I be of service, and share what I've learned so I can help empower and grow other artists as they pull their bits and pieces together too."
DEBS HOWARD
Debs Howard lives in the Cowichan Valley since recently relocating with her husband and children from Vancouver.
After graduating from an Acting for Film program with honours, she has been training and working professionally in film and TV for the last 10 years.
She has had the joy of playing the lead in multiple feature length movies; from rom-coms to horrors.
She's attained guest star and recurring roles in popular TV series (i.e. SUPERNATURAL, IZOMBIE, THE GOOD DOCTOR) and worked on set with well known actors such as James Marsden, Ben Platt, and Lacey Chabert, among others.
Debs has received 5 nominations from different film festivals and award shows for her performances, and is thrilled to be able to offer her film acting experience and technique to the wonderful world of Circus Actors.
LINDSAY GIBSON
Lindsay Gibson is a Vancouver Island born Actor, who has been active in the performing arts world since she was a pre-teen.
Starting as a singer and musical theatre actor in her early 20s she studied theatre, Shakespeare, etc. at the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
Lindsay actively trained with Dr. Iris MacGregor Bannerman, to further understand the science of the vocal mechanism.
Moving to Vancouver for schooling in 2003. Lindsay has worked in the Vancouver film industry as a Makeup Artist, Actor, and Voice Coach all together for 20+ years.
After actively doing musical theatre, and performing around Vancouver and Vancouver Island as a singer. Lindsay made her debut into the film world as Lorraine, in UP Channel’s, THE TOWN THAT CAME A ‘COURT’N.
Followed by debuts on, IZOMBIE, SUPERNATURAL, THE WHISPERERS, and more.
Most recently Lindsay has played two supporting leads on Hallmarks JINGLE BELL BRIDE, and AN ISLAND LIGHT; as the mayor in both TV movies.
Lindsay continues to teach privately, and audition regularly for both TV/Film and Voice Over.
You may also see her from time to time doing makeup on set.
Questions?
“circus to set!”