Empowering Young Actors Today
At On Your Mxrk Studios, we proudly work with young actors and creatives of all kinds, providing practical on-camera training that develops real, industry-ready skills for film and television.
Our dynamic offerings—including classes, immersive workshops, in-person self-tapes, and personalized private coaching—are available both in-studio and online, making our programs truly hybrid and flexible.
With small class sizes, every student receives the focused attention they need to grow. We bring informed, current industry insight into every session, helping students stay connected to the realities of the business.
By bridging the gap between emerging artists and experienced professionals, we aim to demystify the often complex world of acting and filmmaking. Our commitment to keeping training inclusive, accessible, and affordable ensures that every young creative has the opportunity to build their skills with confidence and clarity.
Whether your child is eager to sharpen their craft, deepen their understanding of the industry, or is heading to set as a series lead—we’re here to support their journey in a fun, inspiring, and professional environment.
CURRENT Programs & Offerings
Audition Myth Busters Part ONE TWO and THREE
$275 +GST per part/lab **These courses are not prerequisites to one another
Have you ever heard of these?...
"Get your tape in ASAP, they select the actor within the first 10 hours--after that you're out of the running"
"You need to improv a line at the end of your scene to stand out"
"Always send two takes to prove your range"
"You have to do everything the stage direction says or they will take you out of the running"
"No props -- Yes, always props"--?????
These are just some of the themes we tackle in our newest 4-week on-camera audition lab: AUDITION MYTHBUSTERS: PART 1.
Over the next three terms/labs, we will be focusing on identifying and dismantling the myths actors (and even parents) often internalize and feel — and we’re tackling it head-on. This first month/part dives into some of the most common myths surrounding self-tapes, Zoom callbacks, on-set work, and more.
Let's demystify our industry, and this lab is designed to replace confusion with clarity — empowering actors to make bold, informed choices.
**Available In-Person (Vancouver) + Online
Starting-- Sunday, May 31st (In Person) + June 3rd (Online)
Camera Ready Improv Workshop
$129 + GST
A high-energy, laugh-out-loud workshop where young performers dive headfirst into the wildly fun world of on-camera #improv.
From self-tapes and auditions to callbacks and on-set moments, improv is a must-have skill for every actor. In this playful intensive, we’ll explore the key moments where improv becomes necessary and how it can be used to unlock confidence, creativity, and bold acting choices — all while having an absolute blast.
**In-Person (Vancouver)
Micro Classes
$100 + GST
Micro Classes = Big Training, Small Investment!
Want to level up your acting without breaking the bank? Micro classes are perfect for students who want to be intentional with their time and training this year.
Each session/class,students dive into a film/TV script — refining preparation, learning practical audition techniques, and observing different approaches to performance.
Micro classes give you the space to develop your craft, strengthen your choices, and build confidence in your on-camera work. Auditions are the job. Period. You need to treat them that way and approach each one with professionalism and preparation. These micro classes help in that process.
So who’s in?
**Online (Zoom)
Hybrid Acting Programs
Enjoy the flexibility of online and in-person hands-on learning options to fit your schedule without compromising quality.
Group and individual classes available.
Self-Tape Sessions
Online: $70/hour
In person: $80/hour
Access professional-grade self-tape facilities with expert guidance to create auditions that stand out.
Private Classes
Online: $70/hour
In person: $80/hour
Receive personalized one-to-one coaching tailored to your unique strengths and goals to accelerate your growth as an actor. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, we tailor each program/lesson to highlight the student’s individual strengths, instincts, and goals. Every session is uniquely designed to support their process and spark their imagination.
Available as 5- or 8-session packs
Available online or in-person
Unlock Your Potential as a performer! Shine On Screen.
It's time to get 'On Your Mxrk" now!
Team
Athena Russell
CO-FOUNDER
Athena Russell is an award-winning Canadian creative with a proven track record of developing and delivering internationally recognized projects across short films, premium digital content, and features. With over 40 producing credits and 15+ awards, she is known for bold, genre-driven storytelling that is both creatively resonant and commercially viable.
Her work has partnered with organizations including CBC Gem, the NFB, Creative BC, Canada Council for the Arts, Bell Media, Tongal, CW Seed, and, most recently, Disney, where she produced their first acquired YA micro-drama series for Disney+, set for release in 2026. Her projects have premiered at major international festivals such as Cannes Indie Shorts, Palm Springs ShortFest, Fantasia, Just For Laughs, Calgary International Film Festival, Aesthetica Film Festival, and Hollywood ShortsFest, frequently receiving top honours.
Her award-winning short FREYA became a breakout success, winning five Leo Awards including Best Short Drama and Audience Choice at Newport Beach. The film secured distribution with CBC, Shudder, and DUST, where it has garnered over 1.3M views, and is now in active feature development with Elevation Pictures attached as CAD distributor.
Athena is a frequent selection at industry markets and talent labs, including IFF at TIFF (2024), Frontières (Best Pitch and Purple Dog Post-Production Prize, 2023; selected again in 2025), and GEMS Film Lab (2025).
Athena’s work champions distinctive Canadian voices, mentors emerging talent, and resonates with audiences both nationally and internationally.
In addition to producing, Athena has been a dedicated youth acting coach for 10+ years. Her students have landed roles on major networks like Disney, Netflix, Amazon, NBC, FX, Hulu, Nickelodeon, Hallmark, and Apple TV+. Recognized for her ability to blend artistic intuition, individuality, and creativity with strategic industry insight, she empowers actors to cultivate a distinctive edge and deliver emotionally authentic work. More recently, she has brought her expertise to set as an on-set acting coach, helping shape dynamic characters through real -time collaboration with directors and production teams.
Carolyn Yonge
CO-FOUNDER
A multidisciplinary artist working on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Carolyn Yonge is an actor, director, producer, and acting instructor based in Vancouver. Her work spans film, television, and education, with a focus on storytelling that is both grounded and emotionally authentic.
Her directorial debut, Baleful, won Best Twist at the Independent Horror Movie Awards in 2017, establishing her voice as a filmmaker with a strong sense of tension and character-driven storytelling. Her short film After That later premiered at the Whistler Film Festival 2020. As an actor, Carolyn is known for her performances in So Help Me Todd, Machine, Sensitive Parts, and The Wedding Banquet, bringing nuance and humanity to a wide range of roles.
Alongside her work on screen, Carolyn is a dedicated acting instructor who has spent the past several years mentoring emerging performers. Her teaching approach blends rigorous text analysis with improvisation, encouraging actors to develop strong instincts, emotional truth, and spontaneity on camera. Drawing from her background as both a producer and writer, she equips actors with a practical understanding of the filmmaking process so they can arrive on set prepared, adaptable, and ready to collaborate at a professional level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer self-tape services?
Yes, we provide virtual and in-person self-tape services to help students create professional audition tapes that showcase their skills effectively.
Is prior acting experience required to join your programs?
No prior experience is necessary. Our programs are designed to support actors at all levels, from beginners to those preparing for professional roles on-set.
Are the classes offered in-person, online, or both?
Our programs are hybrid, meaning they are available both in-person and online to accommodate different needs and locations.
How big are the class sizes?
We maintain small class sizes to ensure focused support and personalized attention for each student. The more time spent performing = MORE LEARNING + GROWTH!
How do your programs help students connect to the industry?
We provide real-world training with insights from working professionals and create opportunities for students to build connections and understand the business side of film and TV.
Can parents be involved in the training process?
Absolutely. We encourage parental support and provide a professional, inspiring environment where parents can feel confident in their child's growth and development-- However, parents won't be able to join our classes as we want to preserve the students' ability to perform freely as they would on set.
How can I enroll my child in your programs?
You can enroll by contacting us through our website or email. We will guide you through the registration process and help you select the best program for your child's needs.
Who are the founders of On Your Mxrk Studios?
The studio is led and created by Athena Russell and Carolyn Yonge, who bring a combined industry experience as actors, producers, and directors of 30+ years. As a team + coaches -- they offer current industry insight and a passion for empowering young actors and creatives of all levels in their acting journey.
What age group does On Your Mxrk Studios cater to?
We teach performers from ages 5 through 18. Our classes have age caps; however -- more experienced actors can join different levels.
What makes your training different from other acting schools?
Our training is practical, on-camera focused, and designed to build real, industry-ready skills with current industry insight woven into every session. We bridge the gap between emerging talent and working professionals.
What types of programs does On Your Mxrk Studios offer?
On Your Mxrk Studios offers dynamic, hybrid programs including group classes, immersive workshops, personalized private coaching/classes, and in-person self-tapes, designed for flexibility and real-world results.
What is the focus of your private coaching sessions?
Private coaching is personalized to meet the individual needs of the student, offering targeted skill development, audition preparation, and industry guidance.
What recent projects have your students been apart of?
The list goes on -- but a few select highlight projects are Abbott Elementary, Camp Rock 3, When Calls the Heart, Paw Patrol, Untamed, We Were Liars, Fire Country, School Spirits, Bring Her Back, Hollywood Arts, Watson, Sullivan’s Crossing, Bodkin, and Jimmy Kimmel.