Lewis Baumander
LB Acting Studio Coach
Education and Teaching
A graduate of York University, Lewis began teaching early in his career and has held positions at leading institutions including the University of Manitoba, University of Windsor, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Humber College, Sheridan College, and Seneca College. His work in education has not only launched successful careers but also helped redefine acting training in Canada.
Innovative Training Methods
At LB Acting Studio, Lewis developed a contemporary approach that blends classical techniques with the neuroscience of behaviour, emotional regulation, and storytelling. His acclaimed “Foundations” course challenges outdated methods and reconnects actors with their authentic impulses, behaviour, and presence. He is currently writing a book that outlines these methods—integrating intuition, artistry, and real-world set experience—to help a new generation of actors thrive.
Casting Central
In addition to his work as an educator and director, Lewis is the owner of Casting Central, one of Canada’s largest casting facilities. The space served as a hub for top casting directors and production teams, offering actors unique access to industry opportunities. His dual role as coach and owner of Casting Central gives his students unmatched insights into the casting process and professional standards.
Legacy and Media
Lewis has been featured in numerous interviews and retrospectives, including a video reflection on directing Keanu Reeves in Hamlet. His legacy is carried forward not only in his influential body of work but also in the success and testimonials of his students, who credit him with transforming their craft and confidence. (Links to testimonials available via LB Acting Studio)
Live with Lewis is an interactive Q & A session with the owner and founder of the LB Acting Studio, Lewis Baumander. Offered every Friday at 10AM EST, the public is welcome to join and learn more about the industry, insiders acting information, as well as what our studio has to offer.
CURRENT ROUND CLASSES
Lewis Baumander, founder of LB Acting Studio, is a renowned acting coach, theatre director, and industry mentor with over 50 years of experience. Widely considered one of Canada’s most influential acting teachers, Lewis has shaped the careers of countless performers, including Keanu Reeves, Shamier Anderson, Nina Dobrev, Ellen Wong, Dewshane Williams, and Keeya King—many of whom have publicly acknowledged his profound impact on their craft.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Lewis began his artistic journey as a theatre director, directing over 100 productions across North America in major venues such as the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto and the Manitoba Theatre Centre. One of his most celebrated productions was Hamlet, featuring a young Keanu Reeves in the title role, which garnered international attention.
His decade-long work as founder and artistic director of Skylight Theatre at Toronto’s Earl Bales Park made a lasting mark on Canadian theatre. His landmark 1987 and 1989 productions of The Tempest, set in Haida Gwaii and featuring Indigenous actors Monique Mojica, Billy Merasty, and René Highway, are still studied today for their bold re-examination of Shakespeare through the lens of colonization, cultural appropriation, and Indigenous resilience. These productions are recognized as milestones in Canadian Shakespearean adaptation. (Literary Review of Canada, UNB Journals)
Lewis also directed the annual Industry Show for the School of Comedy at Humber College, hosted on the legendary Second City Stage, with guest stars such as Andrea Martin, Dave Foley, Don Ferguson, and Graham Greene.
In film and television, Lewis directed episodes of Divorce Court and Marriage Counselor for CTV, as well as the feature film Future Fear (1997) for iconic indie producer Roger Corman. He was also a voice director for the English adaptation of Sailor Moon during its fourth season.
As a casting consultant and on-set acting coach, Lewis has contributed to some of the most acclaimed shows on television, including:
The Boys
Chucky
Ginny and Georgia
Sex/Life
A Better Tomorrow
The Handmaid’s Tale
Invasion
From
Umbrella Academy
Degrassi: The Next Generation
He has coached Keeya King for her starring role in the sci-fi series Van Helsing and trained WWE wrestler Trish Stratus in preparation for her first feature film. Lewis also worked closely with Olympic figure skater Elvis Stojko, helping him transition into acting, including guiding him in roles on Murdoch Mysteries and other screen projects.
His ability to guide actors through the high demands of professional work has made him a go-to coach for top talent agencies and productions across Canada.
