About The Shortlist

Shortlist Studios are based in beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. This comprehensive acting program was founded by Canadian actor Debs Howard, a professional film and television actor with more than a decade of experience in the industry.

Debs can most recently be seen in Lynne Ramsay’s highly anticipated feature Die My Love, produced by Martin Scorsese and distributed by MUBI. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to a six-minute standing ovation, with Debs appearing opposite Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.

Her television credits include guest starring roles on NBC’s The Hunting Party and Global’s Private Eyes West Coast, as well as leading roles in multiple Movies of the Week for Hallmark/W Network and Reel One Entertainment. Her work has earned multiple award nominations, including a 2025 UBCP/ACTRA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

After more than a decade navigating the realities of the film and television industry, Debs created Shortlist Studios to bring that experience into the training room.

We offer film and television acting classes, workshops, private coaching, audition preparation and actor headshots - designed to help performers develop their craft, build confidence and gain the practical skills needed to work on camera.

Our goal is simple: To help performers build the craft, confidence and camera presence to make the casting director’s shortlist. Time and time again.