In 1991, in a little acting studio deep in the heart of Gastown, an astonishing group was born beneath the wings of veteran teacher Mel Tuck. Ten years later, in 2001, some members of that alumni pooled their talent and resources to erect Lyric, led by co-founders Kate Twa and Michèle Lonsdale Smith. They were determined in one way or another to pass on their passion and expertise to a new field of industry bright lights.

These alumni members have worked over the last 18 years to become some of the brightest luminaries in their generation of Canadian performing artists. Some were instrumental in getting us up and running and include, Lyric board member and Leo-nominated actor Nicholas Lea, Lyric board member and actor Michael Tiernan, actor/writer/director and Genie winner Martin Cummins, actor Brent Stait, and actor/writer, Leo winner and Gemini-nominated John Cassini.

From inception and through the course of its history, Lyric has been lucky to have had exceptionally talented mentor/actors who have helped solidify Lyric's reputation as a vital part of the community's acting evolution, including Lori Triolo, Tom Scholte, Ben Ratner, Babz Chula and co-founder Kate Twa.

The history of Lyric's philosophy has always been through a mentorship approach to the development of actors which was established by Twa and Lonsdale Smith. Ms. Twa subsequently resigned from the organization in 2006. Since then, Ms. Lonsdale Smith oversees the program.

At the end of April 2010, we celebrate Lyric's 9-year anniversary.