Mission
EMC Studios is Kelowna’s leading resource centre for performers of all levels, ages and backgrounds. Our collective mission is to help creatives consistently improve their skills, develop their careers, expand their talents, and build their networks and communities. We offer a wide range of services, including professional video and audio recording, artist development programs, performance showcases, and industry workshops. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive, and supportive environment that inspires creativity, collaboration, and commitment to help our clients grow their careers in pursuit of their passions and expand their talents.
Conveniently located at 103-1054 Ellis St. in Kelowna, we offer free parking to all our clients
Damon Gregory
Improv, Audition Skills, On Camera, Career Counsel
Damon has been a working actor in the BC TV/ Film industry since 1998 and a full UBCP/ Actra member since then. He was professionally trained at Gastown Actor’s Studio in all aspects of the craft, and from a wide variety of award winning professional actors; Voice, Movement, Character, Text, Accent, Stage, Fencing etc.. Damon placed an emphasis on Improv and Audition Skills, and learned from many improv pros including Keith Johnstone. Damon has worked principal/ lead roles in all genres of the industry including, Film, TV, Short Film, Theatre, Musical Theatre, Instructional Video, and as a writer/ director of his own short films. He has performed on radio , on air and as a jingle writer and produced radio commercials. Damon is currently active in both theatre and recorded media as an actor, voice actor, producer and promoter. Damon is the founder of EMC Studios- Kelowna and is dedicated to his passion for the craft of storytelling and performance, and is helping others to reach their goals in their acting and performance careers.
Ara Andonian
Voiceover 101
Ara has been in the entertainment industry since the age of 5 when he first cracked the mic to help introduce his father’s community radio show. From writing and performing monologues as a kid to doing background work on film sets to writing, performing, recording, and touring with hip hop groups, all the way through to radio/tv broadcasting and voiceovers, Ara’s been immersed in what he considers “the best business in the world” for years and has loved every minute of it. Join Ara for Voiceover 101 and get ready to have a blast!
Elana Bizovie
Character Development
Elana Bizovie (she/her) has been training and working for over a decade as an actor, director, producer, and writer. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta (BA, double major Drama & Anthropology) and was a co-founding member of The Virago Collective (2019). Recent acting credits include Eurydice (Eurydice, The Virago Collective), DeAnna (Re:Collection, Evolve Arts Collective), and Elana (Screamish, Erin Hazelhurst). Her play Shut up, Sheri was a finalist in the 2020 Black Cat Cabaret 10-minute play competition and in 2023, she directed Five Times in One Night, part of The Virago Collective’s Dirty Dinner Theatre series.
Tracy Ross
Navigating Boundaries, Intimacy and Violence (on stage and on set)
As a theatre professional, I have had the opportunity to collaborate on countless stage productions over a 20-year tenure, building a respected reputation in the industry for exceptional acting, choreography, and direction. From early on I developed various skill sets and expertise, from Tae Kwon Do and Archery, to various dance disciplines and Yoga Teacher training. My pursuits have taken deeply meaningful turns, and by following these passions I have built a successful career teaching and developing other creatives in expressing themselves through skillful performance techniques, fostering confidence and innovation through knowledge and collaboration.
In 2008, I founded Bumbershoot Theatre, Kelowna’s premier children’s theatre company and non-profit organization focused on fostering creative expression and championing the arts. Through strategic business leadership and dedication, Bumbershoot Theatre became a mainstay in the community, producing over 8 shows per season, delivering countless school-based education programs, and collaborating with institutions to build a strong arts community such as Opera Kelowna, Okanagan Symphony, Festivals Kelowna, Kelowna Art Gallery, and Kelowna Museums. During this time, I received multiple community and industry awards, both in performance and production, and in mentorship.
I continue to evolve professionally, maintaining an active artistic practice and building knowledge of contemporary performance practices. With a Masters (MFA) in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Performance and Education, and a reputation for inspirational and innovative teaching methods, I have consolidated diverse areas of expertise into an informed, adaptable, and comprehensive approach to performance education and leadership. I have taught performance for Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, School District #23, and various youth and apprenticeship programs, and currently educate on performance practices at University of British Columbia Okanagan
Dalias Blake
Actor with over 100 Film and Television credits
Dalias Blake is a Jamaican born Actor with over 100 Film and Television credits. Before committing full time to his acting career, Dalias held a managerial position with an international sales and marketing firm. Dalias has appeared in numerous Feature Films and Television Shows such as “The X-Files”, “The Good Doctor”, “Man In The High Castle”, “Altered Carbon” and “Dragged Across Concrete”.
Jaxon Jensen
Scene Study
Jaxon Jensen is an award winning and internationally recognized singer and actor. Jaxon began acting on screen at 7 years old and trained as a young actor with various coaches and mentors throughout Canada where he studied all aspects of on-camera acting from scene study, to audition skills and camera technique. Jaxon’s training also includes the Undergraduate Opera Performance program at UBC Vancouver, and later as an apprentice artist at Staatsoper Berlinunder renowned soprano Simone Easthope. Jaxon has worked on stage and screen across Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. In addition to performance, Jaxon is also a producer, writer, and will be making his directorial debut later in 2023.
Kate Belton
Stand-Up Comedy
Kate Belton is a born entertainer. Since she was a little girl she’s been finding her place in this world through bringing laughter and lightness to the people around her. For her 25th birthday her mom signed her up for a standup comedy workshop and she’s been performing across the country ever since (it’s not weird for your mom to sign you up for stuff when you’re 25).
Kate produces and hosts a monthly comedy show at Bernie’s Supper Club in Kelowna called Silly Sally Comedy Show where she draws a sellout crowd each month, bringing in hilarious headliners from across Canada and talented comics from throughout the Okanagan open the show (former students included!)
Kate has performed in Yuk Yuk’s comedy clubs from Vancouver to Toronto, recorded her first album in Winnipeg 2019 (available on Spotify). Career highlights for Kate include sharing the stage with Canadian Comedy legends Jon Dore, Nikki Payne and Sean Cullen at various comedy festivals. Most recently, Kate was a featured comedian on CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud Podcast Hosted by Ali Hassan in October 2022.
EMC Studios primary business functions:
– Classes; Improv, Audition Skills, Stand-Up Comedy, Voiceover
– Voiceover recording using Source Connect which allows us to connect with any studio in the world and do Live-real time recording
– Space rentals; rehearsal, band practice, meetings, photo studio, classes/ workshops