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Acting at the Abbey is a five-day retreat designed for actors/artists living and working in Saskatchewan and the Prairies.
Set on the edge of Lake Diefenbaker inside a restored historic church, this immersive experience brings together professional training, career strategy, and creative community—all in one of the most inspiring, peaceful locations on the Prairies.
Led by internationally recognized acting coach Matthew Harrison of The Actor’s Foundry, the retreat helps actors/artists refine their techniques, develop their professional brand, and gain clarity about their careers. It’s a place to dig deep into the work, build meaningful industry relationships, and step confidently into the next chapter of your career.
This isn’t just a getaway—it’s a launchpad. The Prairies have a rich pool of talent, but actors here often lack the same access to high-caliber training, casting networks, and industry support systems found in larger centres. Acting at the Abbey is designed to change that.
This is not a drop-in class. It’s not a weekend sampler. It’s a real investment in your long-term development as a professional.
Colbie Smulders: How I met Your Mother, Avengers,
Matthew Harrison, the retreat’s lead instructor, is one of Canada’s most respected acting coaches. He works with actors across the globe and brings a no-nonsense, emotionally intuitive approach that empowers performers to move past fear and into truth. His clients regularly appear in major projects across Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and CBC.
The retreat was created by Style Dayne, an award-winning actor and producer whose credits include Deadpool, Schmigadoon!, and Batwoman. With a background in political strategy and rural development, he brings a unique mix of creative vision and community impact to everything he builds.
Depart Regina at 10:00 AM. Arrival in Elbow by noon. Afternoon welcome, group orientation, ensemble connection, and first round of foundational acting exercises. Evening bonfire to kick off the retreat.
Full training days (9:30–5:30) featuring physical and vocal warm-ups, scene study technique, rehearsal pods, and on-camera coaching. Evenings include community activities: hiking, lake time, golf, or group hangs.
Final day of in-depth scene work leading to an evening scene presentation broadcast live to invited family, friends, and Bar S Studio supporters. A chance to celebrate the week’s progress and showcase growth.
Morning group reflection, goal-setting, and personal career mapping. Artists leave with a clear, actionable plan. Depart Elbow at 1:00 PM, arrive back in Regina by mid afternoon.
This November, Bar S Studio will host its inaugural Industry Showcase — a high-impact evening designed to connect Saskatchewan’s most exciting talent with decision-makers from across the screen industry. From casting directors and agents to producers and filmmakers, this is a room where things happen.
And it’s not a recital — it’s a launchpad.
The showcase will feature selected scenes developed in our fall training cohort, alongside standout work from participants of Acting at the Abbey. These performers have spent months sharpening their craft, building confidence, and refining their presence, and now they’ll take the stage with purpose, precision, and power.
This isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being remembered. Being cast. Being signed.
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