There are many top acting schools in Vancouver to choose from.
Whether you want to be an actor, a filmmaker, or simply dive right into production – Vancouver BC is a great place to gain your foundation of training. Warning – if you decide to attend acting or film school here, bring your rain boots and five umbrellas minimum. Here is our list of the best acting schools in Vancouver.
Moving on!
I did my fulltime program at Shoreline Acting Studio (Vancouver Acting School) which now goes by the name of Go Studios.
Because I didn’t want to take a full four years to train, what attracted me to this school is that their program was only six months. Depending on how much time you are willing to commit before fully stepping on set, this is the first question you should ask yourself.
You also should do your research and make sure that you are still allowed to audition and take jobs while attending your program. Some acting schools are very strict with this, as they want total commitment from their students. Others can be more relaxed with this rule, because the entire point of school is to book jobs.
Vancouver Acting School’s fulltime program covers everything for acting and acting only. This is not a film school, as the focus is entirely on acting fundamentals, character development, breathe and voice work, voiceover acting, scene study, and the business of the film and TV industries. Another factor I enjoyed about this program is that our teachers were all working professional actors. There were many occasions where we had to get an alternative instructor because our original teacher was on set. It truly Best Acting Schools in Vancouver BC gave us a real look into what life would be like after graduation, when we would all begin our careers.
Now, if you want something more traditional, such as a MFA or a BFA program, I would highly recommend and consider the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, or Capilano.
All three of these schools are renowned for their motion picture and contemporary arts programs. Over the 2-4 years of these degrees, you not only learn about acting and filmmaking, but many also offer a diverse curriculum where you learn dance, theatre production, visual arts, along with historical and theoretical study of art. This is where you get your full lesson on Shakespeare’s complete works and the world of performance in its entirety.
Now, the main argument is that some actors do not want to learn about acting in a lecture hall or traditional classroom. They want the gritty black box or studio where they can become completely raw with their process.
Other actors, don’t mind and actually prefer the University vibe, as it’s a more natural transition from high school. I would advise you to tour each school, even before you apply, and inquire with student services if you are allowed to audit a class.
This became pinnacle when I continued my acting training to New York. Because I didn’t yet live in the city, having a virtual audit / interview really supported my decision.
Another factor to consider is – do you want to be surrounded by artists and artists only? Or do you not mind that the business majors or polysi undergrads are in the classroom across the hall?
Environment can really affect your acting development, therefore its always good to consider everything when choosing your place of study.
Next, we will move onto Emily Carr University. Emily Carr offers everything art. From industrial and interaction design, to new media, to film and screen arts, Emily Carr is also an amazing school to look at.
What I like about Emily Carr is that they provide a Foundation Year where you are introduced to a variety of studio and academic classes all to prep you for a Bachelor of Design, a Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Media Arts. Prior to committing the next 4-6 years of your life, their Foundation Program allows you to really explore and map out your best career path.
Finally, Vancouver Film School. VFS has been around since 1987 and also offers a wide variety of post – secondary opportunities. From animation to screenwriting, makeup, acting, etc etc you are fully immersed in every aspect of the film and tv industry. I have worked on many student films at VFS and love how diverse their student body is. They champion many international students, which is always important to me with any school. What I also was intrigued to learn, is that when the students make their films for graduation, everyone switches roles. On one film you are a producer, on the next you are a director, then a set designer. This is a very beneficial learning experience because it involves the students to understand the full dynamic of how a movie is made – and just how many departments have to work in synchronicity to make it happen.
Remember, once you finish your chosen school and complete your program – if you feel you want to learn more about a certain aspect of acting or filmmaking – you can continue your studies via part time classes, workshops, private coaching, internships. The learning never stops upon graduation and I always love learning new skills while sharpening old ones. The film and television industry is constantly developing, therefore you should also continue to grow throughout this amazing and wild career path you have chosen.
Be diligent, ask the questions, and follow your gut.
And remember to break all the legs,
Written by Therés Amee
