Shael Risman

Shael Risman is a multifaceted coach and performer who helps people unlock creativity, confidence, and connection. As an acting coach, he guides performers to discover authenticity and emotional depth in their craft. As a leadership coach, Shael equips individuals and teams with the tools to grow, collaborate, and thrive. On stage, he brings energy and heart as a live solo musician, delivering unforgettable piano-driven performances. Across every role, his work is about inspiring growth, expression, and genuine human connection.

  • ABOUT
    • WHO IS THIS GUY?
    • GALLERY
    • BE MY FRIEND
  • LEADERSHIP
  • MUSIC
    • UPCOMING LIVE MUSIC!
    • HOPE AND THE SINNER
      • Watch Yourself
      • Things Are Different Now
      • Child In Me
      • Purpose
      • Thunder Road
      • Shake!
      • Summer, Highland Falls
      • Hope and The Sinner
      • One More Saint
      • Tears Of Time
  • STAGE
    • SHAEL ON STAGE
    • ACTING COACHING AND CLASSES
  • WHAT PEOPLE SAY
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • PRESS
  • BLOG
  • CLIENTS

How HE works

Elevate Your Creativity

Creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to step beyond the familiar, and that’s where I can help. Together, we’ll uncover hidden pathways, awaken new perspectives, and give voice to the parts of your artistry waiting to be heard. Through curiosity, vulnerability, and play, I’ll guide you to stretch past limits and embrace the unknown—not just to create more, but to create with deeper truth, resonance, and meaning.

Coaching for Actors

Our program is tailored to help performers unlock authenticity, emotional depth, and confidence by blending craft, curiosity, and practical tools for truthful storytelling.

Leadership Coaching

We empower individuals and teams to grow with clarity, confidence, and collaboration by cultivating self-awareness, communication, and authentic influence.

Solo Vox and Piano

Shael’s live music performances bring audiences an unforgettable experience of piano-driven energy, heartfelt storytelling, and a dynamic connection that turns any event into a celebration.

It’s About Connection

At the heart of all his work—whether coaching actors, guiding leaders, or performing live music—is a commitment to creating authentic connections, inspiring growth, and elevating every experience with passion and purpose.

Learn and Grow

Online Coaching Coming Soon!

Unlock truthful, stage-ready performances from anywhere with Shael Risman’s live online acting classes—small groups or 1-on-1, practical tools, and coached breakthroughs every week.

Read on…

On Stage, In Life, and in Leadership

Shael Risman’s work is rooted in the belief that authenticity, creativity, and connection are the keys to meaningful expression—whether on stage, in the workplace, or in everyday life. Through acting, music, and leadership coaching, he helps people uncover their truth, tap into their creative flow, and communicate with impact. His approach blends artistry with empathy, guiding others to grow with confidence, purpose, and a deeper sense of connection to themselves and those around them.

I have had the distinct honour of working directly with Shael in his capacity as both a director and an actor. His intuition and guidance help to bring out the best in those he is working with and I highly recommend availing yourself of any opportunity to learn from him. I look forward to the next time our creative paths cross. Truly one of the greats.

MELISSA GIBSON, Actor/Director

Being directed by Shael brought me to a whole new level of insight into character, nuance, and family dynamic. He shared a time in his own personal family history to deepen my understanding of what my character endured and lived through. He took a beloved play to whole new heights that brought theatre audiences to their feet with standing ovations night after night. I would work with Shael again in a heartbeat.

ALEXANDRA SAVAGE-FERR, Actor

To be a successful director you must have a clear vision and immense love for the script you are directing. Even more importantly is the ability to transfer that vision and love to your actors in a way which also still allows them to grow within the role themselves. Shael checks all these boxes.

HARRY LAVIGNE, Actor/Director

Reflections

Follow Shael’s thoughts on…well…everything.

  • The Thought I Hate Having About Donald Trump

    The Thought I Hate Having About Donald Trump

    Dec 16, 2025
  • Flinching at Headlines: The Jewish Experience No One Talks About

    Flinching at Headlines: The Jewish Experience No One Talks About

    Nov 15, 2025
  • Mocking Medication: The Last Refuge of the Emotionally Bankrupt

    Mocking Medication: The Last Refuge of the Emotionally Bankrupt

    Nov 13, 2025
  • From Threatened to Thankful: What Margaret Atwood Taught Me About Being a Man

    From Threatened to Thankful: What Margaret Atwood Taught Me About Being a Man

    Nov 9, 2025
  • Layoffs: Because Nothing Screams “Leadership” Like Firing Everyone Who Works for You

    Layoffs: Because Nothing Screams “Leadership” Like Firing Everyone Who Works for You

    Nov 3, 2025
  • He Told Me I Was the Problem — And He Was Right

    He Told Me I Was the Problem — And He Was Right

    Oct 31, 2025

Online courses

Take a Course

SCENE STUDY

Shael’s 8-week Scene Study course – in conjunction with Whitby Courthouse Theatre – guides actors through a dynamic journey of script analysis, emotional truth, and performance craft—building confidence, connection, and authenticity on stage.

Duration

The Scene Study class is an intensive 8-week program.

Availability

This course is offered twice a year, in the spring and fall.

PREREQUISITES

A desire to learn!

Learn More

MONOLOGUE WORKSHOP

Shael’s 3-hour Monologue Workshop helps actors unlock honesty, specificity, and emotional connection in their performances—transforming a single piece into a powerful expression of character and truth.

Duration

This program is typically offered twice a year.

Availability

We offer 1-on-1, classroom setting, and online options.

PREREQUISITES

A memorized monologue of your choice.

Learn more

Curious? Ask us!

Let’s connect to explore the best options for your needs. Our team will lead this conversation to help you make the right decision on a commitment-free basis.

Schedule your call

Get started now with Shael

Want to see what’s possible? Check out our social media accounts and read a few stories from our community.

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