We know that not everyone can make it all the way out to sunny (sometimes) Vancouver to be part of the VADA Studios Dramatic Arts Program, so we thought we would help you out by telling you about some of the best acting schools in Canada. That way, if you can’t make it out to the 3rd largest film center in the world, you can have some alternatives. We all know that acting is about getting out of your comfort zone and trying a new action, a new place.
The Toronto Academy of Acting for Film and Television
Established and running since 1998 the TAAFT is recognized as a private career college and is registered with the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. So it’s go that going for it. You know there will be a standard set up in a school set up by the Ministry.
They offer diploma programs for both for film acting and film and television production. They have an intensive 4-month program that includes 360 hours of on camera training and finishes with a diploma. They also make sure you get plenty of connections to members of the local Toronto Film Industry.
And, like VADA Studios they offer a program that includes a trip to Hollywood
Milne Acting Studios
Another reputable acting school in Toronto is the Milne Acting Studios. They offer acting classes at both introductory and professional levels. They also offer one-on-one acting and audition coaching.
At the helm of this ship is Brad Milne who has 25 years of experience as an actor with over 250 acting assignments. He also has 15 years of experience as an acting coach and his students rave about him. Another service they offer is a Career Counseling service, which is something a lot of acting schools miss out on.
All this definitely makes them one of the best acting schools in Canada. For more information visit their website.
Citadel Theatre Program
We did a little research and it turns out that Torornto isn’t the only thing that exists in the universe (calm down Torontonians, I know it’s shocking but it’s true). So if you’re looking for the best acting schools in Canada it pays to check out the OTHER parts of Canada too!
In Edmonton there is the well regarded Citadel Theatre Program. This, as you might guess from the name, features a program geared towards theatre acting.
Founded by Bob Baker and James Macdonald the program consists of a five-week course that covers scene study, voice and speech, movement and dance, singing, improvisation, stage combat (ooh that sounds fun!) and script analysis. The program is divided into two parts, four weeks in Banff (The Hollywood of the Rockies) and one week in Edmonton.
The Banff Centre is in a spectacular setting in the mountains and renowned theatre actors and directors from around the world come there to mount new plays and old favorites. If you’re interest is in the world of theatre rather than film acting this is one of the best in Canada.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many full-fledged professional film and TV acting schools in Canada’s mid-section. If you want to get serious about an acting career in Edmonton or anywhere other than the two major centers you might be wise to go a little further afield to get your lessons.
We hear Vancouver is nice…Voted one of the top places in the world to live….just saying.
The National Theatre of Canada
The National Theatre of Canada is probably the most venerable institution on this list, boasting such luminaries of the Canadian Acting scene as Colm Feore, Luke Kirby, Sandra Oh and voice actor Peter Cullen.
Located in Montreal it is also the only major acting school in Canada (and actually the world) that provides courses in both English and French.
They feature over 200 part-time and full time industry professionals who teach in small classes of no more than 12 students at a time.
This school is for people who are very serious about the acting profession. They use classical methods that incorporate different styles of theatre, dance, movement and voice. They have very demanding standards and demand much of their students, pushing them to explore new worlds and styles. Definitely not for the amateur dabbler but definitely one of the best acting schools in Canada.
The Best Acting Schools in Canada
So these are some of the options available for you if you aren’t able to join us here on the West Coast. We would of course love to have you attend one of our programs but we won’t take it personally if you want to stay somewhere closer to home.
However, we do recommend that you get some time in a location with a real thriving acting scene. Of course the only two large film acting scenes in Canada are Toronto and Vancouver. Toronto tends to be a bit more established and clique-y so can be harder to break into. For those who are beginning their acting careers or simply want to take them to the next level, have a look at our programs and consider making the trip!
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