About the Program

This unique, practical and intensive program teaches the essential skills necessary to become a successful working film, television or theatrical actor.  Utilizing some of Manitoba’s most experienced and knowledgeable instructors, the program delivers complicated acting theories and techniques in an intimate, professional and highly effective manner.  Work is always put towards scenes and characters under the watchful guidance of patient instructors.

Graduates of the program perform in plays, musicals, short and long format films, television series, movies of the week, corporate videos, commercials, do voice over work, create their own projects and are employed in other capacities in the film, television and cultural industries.

CURRICULUM

Courses vary wildly in length, with some as short as a few weeks while others continue for several months.  In each course, the most experienced instructors available are selected to specifically teach to their expertise.  Each course covers so many topics and techniques in such great detail that the following is only a general snapshot of the curriculum.

Acting Theory and Scene Study

This course forms the foundation for the Academy of Acting curriculum. Two major acting systems, Michael Chekhov technique and Stanislavsky Method, are explored via discussions, exercises and scene work.  Other major theorists, including Sanford Meisner, are also touched on briefly.  Ideas and concepts explored include use of actions, objectives, approaches to character, atmospheres, use of centres, gestures and much more.

Acting Skills

This wide ranging course offers technical training in a variety of skill sets, including voiceover work, dialects, stage combat, hosting, commercial acting, improvisation and stand-up comedy. 

Business of Acting

The course outlines the jobs available to film and television actors and discusses related work opportunities. Contract negotiation, working with agents and managers, and the rights and responsibilities of ACTRA membership are covered.  Students define their goals, define their boundaries, and learn to deal with rejection – and success.

Audition Skills

Students develop audition techniques through daily on camera work on scenes. Other topics explored include what to wear, what to bring, basic etiquette, what producers look for from an audition, and more. 

On Set Experience

From the basic vocabulary spoken on set, to the roles and responsibilities of every individual on a motion picture crew, this unit prepares students to be actively involved in the overall creative process as part of a team. This course also focuses on set etiquette to help students understand their own role and responsibilities as actors on set.

Body as Instrument

Students demonstrate an understanding of the body’s importance to the actor by participating in class discussions, relaxation, movement, and vocal exercises. The study of nutrition, fitness, and relaxation, including stress reduction, keep the actor physically in tune.  Students have the unique opportunity to train with industry professional stylists in hair, make-up, skincare, and wardrobe to define their images.

Special Projects

Students participate in two special projects; Theatre and Making a Film.  In the theatre project, students rehearse a play with an established director, mounting the production on stage for the paying public.  In Making a Film, students will audition, rehearse and act in a short film.  A professional director, crew and equipment are brought on site, authenticating the project as an actual short film shoot.  The final edited and polished piece is shown at the group’s graduation.  The special projects are the students’ chance to directly apply acting techniques explored in scene work throughout the year.