David Simmonds
As a kid, I loved movies. The Saturday morning cartoons and the serials at the Savoy Cinema on Holloway Rd. were a highlight of my week. Along with the knack for memorising song lyrics and creating imaginary 'hits'. However, discovering what I loved to do looked greener elsewhere, I tossed a coin and left London in my twenties for Toronto. After relocating to Vancouver in 1971, I found work at a recording studio writing lyrics for 'jingles', A-Z. (you name it). Chocolate, burgers, real estate, global airlines and corporate anthems. Which led to penning song lyrics recorded by B.T.O, Bryan Adams, Lee Greenwood, and Michael Buble, among others. ''Ordinary People” by The Bootleg Band, won B.C. song of the year. Another gig of note; were lyrics celebrating the Jim Pattison Group of companies. Recalling roles in stage productions from my school days whetted my appetite for performance. Enrolling in classes at the Firehall Group with Mallie Bowman from N.Y.C. provided intensive training in movement, improv, voice and scene work. Followed by being hired as a paid contract player for the Firehall Performance Group, acquiring an agent, and being cast in professional film and television projects. I was realising a future where the dreams of a kid could become a reality. The next chapter found me moving to Victoria B.C. where, I set up, owned and operated The Screen Actor's Studio for over 30 years. Developing knowledge of script construction, character analysis and objectives. During that time, it has been immensely rewarding to recognise and encourage people with dreams of their own to move into the spotlight and enrich their daily lives.
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People I Have Worked With
Madeleine Sherwood.
Madeleine was a friend and a tour de force. Guaranteed to change the molecules of any room she entered. A colleague of Tennessee Williams, she portrayed Mae/Sister Woman and Miss Lucy in both the Broadway and film versions of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Sweet Bird of Youth. She also starred or featured in 18 original Broadway productions including Arturo Ui, Do I Hear a Waltz? and The Crucible. In television, she played the Reverend Mother Placido, in The Flying Nun (81 episodes.1967–70).
Jonathan Mason
"I’m grateful to have had David as my first acting teacher. His training has been a guiding force throughout my career, leading me to stages like North America’s Stratford festival. In my fifth season, i find myself playing Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, a testament to David’s impactful mentorship.” Currently in my fiifth season at Stratford: 2024: Roles include, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and appearances in Twelfth Night and London Assurance.
Claudia Ferri
David is a gifted mentor, a collaborator and facilitator of the craft, always brilliantly opening the path for eager students seeking to hone and develop their acting skills. His insight has served me well along my journey into establishing my career.. I am deeply grateful and proud to call him my Friend.
Nominated for Jutra award in Mambo Italiano. As of March 20, 2024, Claudia Ferri appears as "Raquel", a Cuban expat member of the elite in the "Palm Royale", now streaming on Apple TV, with Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Carol Burnett, Laura Dern and Ricky Martin.
Shimon Karmel
For over 25 years, David has been an invaluable friend, mentor, and coach. His expertise as a supremely talented writer, director, and performer is matched only by his extensive knowledge of film, theater, acting, poetry, and literature. A quick-witted individual who thinks critically and outside the mainstream orthodoxy, David's humor and profound insights into life and the meaning of existence have always been a welcomed presence. I am truly honored to call him both a friend and mentor in my artist's journey.
Ryan Hesp
David has been a mentor and great friend to me for 20 years. I can't imagine my life without his guidance and friendship. A more authentic, funny and kind person you will not meet. His wealth of knowledge and experience in the arts are unrivaled. For his work on screen, Ryan can be seen in Timeless (2016), Final Destination 5, and Continuum. Also in recent episodes of Allegiance, Supernatural, Supergirl (x2) and Batwoman (x2) among others.
Naomi Simpson
I first met David, my anchor, teacher and friend, 27 years ago at the shared space of Cinevic and The Screen Actors Studio in Victoria BC. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and friendship over the years. David has inspired me and provided me with the groundwork I take to the film set with me to this day. Naomi can be seen in a variety of comedic and dramatic film and TV roles. Watch for her on Season 2 of Animal Control on Fox TV.
Joanne Wilson
”What started as learning under an astute and gifted teacher, led to working alongside him as an instructor and, most importantly, to a life-long friendship. I love David’s insight, his talent and his unmatched sense of humour." Joanne's roles in film and TV, include supporting and principal film roles for Hallmark, Lifetime, NBC, Disney, as well feature films. TV, Family Law, the L Word, Arrow and various streaming She is known as an accomplished voice actor in animation.
Mort Ransen
(August 16, 1933 – Sept 4, 2021) Mort was a Canadian film and television director, editor, screenwriter and producer. In 1960, Ransen was hired by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Over the next 24 years, he would direct, write, edit and/or produce 21 films for the NFB. He left the NFB in 1984 and directed his Genie Award-winning 1995 film Margaret's Museum. In 1997, Ransen moved to Salt Spring Island, B.C, and formed Ranfilm Productions, creating three more films, including the critically-acclaimed My Father's Angel.
John Emmet Tracy
John has appeared in numerous film, television, and stage roles. He currently has a recurring role as Ellis Steele on the American television series, Yellowstone. And has held recurring roles on series like Batwoman and iZombie and was a series regular on the sci-fi series, Olympus. John has also appeared in films including American Mary (2012), If I Stay (2014), and Fifty Shades Freed (2018) and voiced the role of Thomas Jefferson in the video game Assassin's Creed III (2012).
Aliyah O'Brien
Working with David at the Screen Actors Studio in my early days of exploring acting was such an incredible gift. I came to the studio with curiosity, and left with the confidence to pursue a career in a very wild industry. Forever grateful for David’s mentoring and belief in me. We are bolstered by the people who see our potential and nourish it, and David so graciously did that for me and many others. And truly, THANK YOU. Aliyah is known for her roles in the TV series Rookie Blue and Bates Motel and in the film Maximum Conviction.
Mallie Boman
Mallie Boman founded the Actors' Workshop in Vancouver, Canada. As the Artistic Director. Ms. Boman lobbied to save and renovate the Firehall Theatre. Returning to NYC. she founded and ran the critically acclaimed story-theatre company, Readers Theatre Workshop. In film and television, Ms. Boman directed and produced a documentary for RCA Victor, Japan, directed La Bicyclette for the N.F.B and won the CAPA award for children's television program, Put it in Motion.