31+ Best Acting Schools in Canada 2022 | Study in Canada

School for acting in Canada: How does it sound learning from the best school for acting in Canada as a world class actor?

Interesting right!!!?

As a professional actor, the type of training you have and where you studied have a lot to contribute to your career in the long run.

Well, if you have ever wondered about pursuing a career in acting I believe there are certain factors that you have to consider before making your move.

One of such factors is answering the question “where can I find the best acting schools in the world?”

If you can figure out “where”, then, you are definitely halfway through your journey of becoming a professional actor.

Nonetheless, if you have chosen Canada as your place of study, there are many schools of acting, theatre schools, and best-performing art schools to choose from.

In making this decision, you need to consider what lifestyle you intend to live;

Do you want to attend a University style drama school that has high contact hours, and requires on average three to four years to complete? Or are you more interested in developing specific skills through long courses that demand less of your time, but can offer specialized training?

Whichever one you decide to go for, this article is going to shade more light on some of the Best Acting Schools in Canada, best-performing arts schools in Canada, and top drama schools in Canada.

You have a hand full to choose from. But here’s a tip as you make a choice from the list below. Ensure you keep the drama thing away as you go through the best performing arts schools in Canada.

You don’t want to make the wrong choice!!!

Why Go to Canadian Theatre Schools?

Aside from the fact that Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations, Canada has varieties of drama schools. Also, many of the best performing arts schools in Canada rank as best acting schools in the world.

In light of this, these acting schools have openings for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate studies. And yes! they come with advanced certificates and degrees.

So you might want to study to go to theatre schools in Canada for a bachelor’s, master’s, or a doctorate (PHD).

List of the Best Acting Schools in Canada

We understand that making a choice from the pool of many choices can be a daunting task. Many regard that as who the hitman is going to be in that blockbuster movie. Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham?

We at worldstudyportal make such tasks easier. Here is a list of the best theatre schools in Canada;

#1. Red Deer College

Here is one of the best acting colleges on the list of acting schools and universities in Canada. Since its establishment in 1964, the acting college offers a 4-year undergraduate program.

Interestingly, this course can be done anywhere, including working in a real-life set for any current production. Citizens of Canada get to pay $5,600 and international students $22,068.00.

Unique to film schools in Canada, the institution offers certification for Bachelor of Applied Motion Picture Arts for candidates applying for intensive post-diploma discipline toward college graduates and professionals in the industry.

Focusing majorly on descriptive, dramatic filmmaking, the program prepares her students by encouraging storytelling with motion pictures, thereby giving students the chance to center their study toward two streams: Performances and Production.

#2. Ryerson University

Ryerson is one of the best acting universities in Canada. Here, the best performing arts schools offer graduate and undergraduate programs in film and television studios. Cost of tuition ranges between $ 7,044 – $11,163.

Known for its theater, the Ryerson School of the Image Arts teaches its students how to become celebrities on screen in no time.

The training is carried out by well-known actors, so that the students can learn the artistic, technical and commercial areas of the art of acting with many practical activities.

Voice direction, improvisation, camera and stage work, dubbing, production, auditing skills, career management – this is not an exhaustive list of the contents of this course.

They also have the Fashion Designer Diploma, a program that focuses on hands-on study in the studio and on industrial projects. The students are introduced behind the scenes and behind the scenes of the industry.

#3. Second City Toronto

If you love comedy and improvising things, then the famous Second City of Chicago, Toronto is your best bet. It is the largest improvisation and comedy school in the world as well as one of the Best Acting Schools in Canada.

It’s open to both children and adults. And for the records, its program is a conservatory program and costs $280 per quarter.

#4. Vancouver Film School

In Vancouver, acting is epic. Little wonder it’s regarded as one of the best drama schools in Canada. Also, it offers two acting programs: an essential 4-month acting course and a one-year acting program for film and television. Canadian’s get to pay $20,500 and $30,500 for international students for tuition.

#5. Simon Fraser University

This acting school was established in 1965 is one of the top theatre schools in Canada. Simon Fraser University students are exposed to great opportunities to deepen their understanding of other fields of the arts. Hence the reason is among the best acting universities. International students get to pay $2,770 CAD /$12,125 CAD as tuition.

#6. National Theater School of Canada

This is one of the theatre schools in Montreal established in 1960. Interestingly, it’s one of the few coilingual theater schools in the world. Aside from it being one of the top drama schools in Canada, it also offers professional training in English and French. Tuition costs $4,500 for Canadian citizens and $9,000 for Non-citizens.

#7. Canadian College of Performing Arts

The Canadian College of Performing Arts is one of the best performing arts schools in Canada. Also, the acting college offers two intensive one-year certificate programs and a half-year diploma program for advanced students. Tuition costs $15,000 per year.

#8. Capilano University School of Motion Picture Arts

Up next on the list of the best acting schools in Canada is the School of Motion Picture Arts at the University of Capilano. Get the best of cinematographic arts, 2D animation and visual development, 3D animation for movies and games, costumes for stage and screen, digital visual effects, documentary, and indigenous independent digital cinema in Capilano. Tuition costs $28,251.

#9. Toronto Academy of Acting and Film & Television School

This is one of the topmost Canadian theatre schools. The Academy is recognized as one of the best film drama schools in Canada. Also, it offers training in diploma programs for film acting and film and television production. Here, tuition costs $10,000 for Canadians and $15,000 for international students.

#10. University of British Columbia Department of Theatre and Film

Here’s one of the best acting schools in Canada, where you can get a quality drama education. However, there are a large number of degree courses available for undergraduate and graduate students. Here, tuition costs $4,995.78 for Canadians and $8,776.74 for international students.

#11. Mel Hoppenheim School of Film

Mel Hoppenheim School of Film in Montreal, Quebec is one of the best performing arts schools in Canada solely for arts and entertainment. Presently, the university ranks as the largest center for film production, film studies, and motion picture animation studies.

#12. Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television

This is the only Canadian association to bring together all image and sound trades in film, television, and digital media. Hence the reason it’s regarded as one of the best acting schools in Canada.

The school organizes annual discounts for two price categories; the Gemini Awards, which have been presented in Montreal since 1987, recognize the excellence of French-speaking television and digital media.

#13. Université du Québec à Montréal

UQAM acting school is one of the top drama schools in Canada. Her program trains professionals in acting, scenography, theater studies, and teaching.

The University aims to acquire fundamental knowledge, both practical and theoretical, to disciplinary training in dramatic art. Whatever the chosen concentration (acting, scenography, theatrical studies), the program aims, in particular during the initial stage of training, to explore the means of expression specific to dramatic language as well as to acquire theoretical knowledge and technical skills inherent in the theater.

Another training stage allows the student to deepen his knowledge and consolidate his knowledge on a practical level.

To train creators and ideators able to establish the junction between theory and practice in an articulated artistic and social discourse, various techniques are deepened: playing techniques, vocal exercises, bodily exercises, exercises with accessories, techniques of organization, production and management of shows, writing techniques and analysis of dramatic texts. These concentrations aim at the personal synthesis of the elements of creation.

#14. University of Ottawa

This is one of the theatre schools in Canada that offers programs that allow students to learn the different aspects of theater art and various research aspects in theater studies. However, some course specializations require students to be bilingual.

The Department of Theater at the University of Ottawa offers programs that enable students to learn various aspects of theatrical arts and various aspects of research in theater studies.

The program integrates the two great French and English theatrical traditions and encourages students to explore their complementarities. The department offers everyone the opportunity to participate in numerous theater productions.

Due to some workshop classes (e.g. directing, performance), the department can request auditions, interviews or other forms of assessment.

Its equivalent can, after consultation with the institute, replace any theater course held in French in English.

The university also offers the master’s degree in Theater Practice (MPT) (directing).

This innovative program enables students to receive a rigorous, hands-on, repertoire-oriented education while deepening their knowledge of the two most important theatrical traditions in the country.

The program promotes aesthetic engagement by exposing the students to different approaches: traditional text production, so-called “post-dramatic” performance and certain forms of staging in creative theater.

#15. University of Alberta

U of A tops the list of best performing arts schools in Canada in the line of drama and theater arts. However, this acting college provides an intensive three-year conservatory program to provide detailed acting study, incorporated alongside acquiring a degree.

Recognized for its skills as one of the best research-oriented institutions in Canada, the U of A takes another step forward in the field of dramatic and theatrical arts.

The school’s College of the Arts, however, is the oldest college on the main campus, and the larger makes it unofficially recognized as another “school” within the university area.

The institution currently hosts over 6,000 students in its 14 faculties offering Bachelor and Master degrees.

#16. Quebec International Academy of Fine Arts

Realized from a vision of its founders Caroline Bruens and Louis Bruens, is one of the top Canadian theatre schools. Her basics however are in visual arts consultancy and fine arts. Also, it’s known as one of the best performing arts schools in Canada.

The school participate in Regular and one-off competitions are organized, and the works were chosen to form part of prestigious private collections, participate in prestigious exhibitions, or are submitted to the public.

Masters in fine arts give the training, recognized by their peers, private or group lessons, workshops, conferences, etc. The titles of Governor – Grand Master in Fine Arts – Master in Fine Arts – Academician are awarded by peers to professional artists of the Academy.

These artists solemnly declare that they respect the institution’s code of ethics. These titles are granted, by peers, to professional artists of the Academy only. The basic categories are professional artists, up-and-coming professional artists, and emerging artists.

#17. Toronto Film School

In this acting school, the focus is placed on real work. Also, students receive all the necessary knowledge and skills in drama school.

Classes are handled by experienced and renowned teachers who are always eager to support the students and help them in their development. The courses include many real-world projects that are interesting and especially useful for teaching.

The school is a citadel with an excellent teaching staff. Students are tutored by award-winning and in-demand producers, directors, fashion designers, video game designers, and other professionals. They will familiarize you with all the new trends and give you the necessary experience and development opportunities.

During their studies, students work together with fellow students from different programs, gain new knowledge, build professional relationships and connections that will simply be invaluable for the future.

What’s more, the opportunity to become famous even before graduation. Students actively participate in festivals and competitions, and often win prizes at many prestigious events, including Cannes Film Festival, Thea Awards

#18. InFocus Film School

InFocus solidifies the whole theoretical process with weekly labs to make the whole real-life setting genuine. Hence the reason why it lists the best acting schools and universities in Canada.

The world has passed the age of two-hour PowerPoint presentations to an interactive test session that includes teacher-led demonstrations, a hypothesis concept, and follow-up assignments. To solidify the whole process, weekly labs are introduced to make the entire real-world environment authentic. This is what the InFocus Film Institute and many others offer.

To further strengthen learning, the school also encourages class size reductions. This allows the student who is late in certain areas to resume. There is also an assistant tutor to help students apply what they have learned in class and put it into practice.

When it comes to storytelling, InFocus encourages students not to take too many risks. Cinema is not easy to define. On the contrary, it encourages us to adopt features of uniqueness that traditional formulations fail to correct. Of course, the nature of the artistic use makes the tension interesting and compelling.

#19. Langara College

Langara acting college provides a Film Arts program certification amongst three study streams, such as Directing for the Screen, Acting for the Screen, and Writing for the Screen. Every one of these certificates happens individually.

Langara is known for recommending students to prestigious universities such as Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, etc. After an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, students can choose from 17 gateways. This gives them the chance to enter the third year of a Bachelor’s degree at Queen’s University.

Langara offers many open-ended, practice-oriented training courses that can be integrated after graduation or after graduation. The training after the Matura (certificates and diplomas) is ideal for students who want to get into the professional world quickly. Postgraduate training is aimed at graduates who wish to expand their professional skills in a specific area.

Other courses offered at the school include Film Practice, Film Studies, and Film Principles, all of which include outcomes in a more collaborative and creative environment where students can review their skills with other creators in other areas of the craft. These courses are designed to allow students to maintain an arduous idea of ​​filmmaking

#20. York University

York University is one of Canadian theatre schools university located in the northwest of Toronto. In this acting school, students can bag a diploma in film and television scriptwriting.

Students learn to submit ideas, write and edit scripts for all film and television formats. The training is conducted by distinguished, famous scriptwriters, staff writers, story editors, directors, studio representatives,

#21. Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts

Here’s one of the top drama schools in Canada that prepares students in drama art. This acting school in collaboration with Royal Roads University (RRU), trains international students in English language proficiency, if necessary.

It comprises three study levels, each designed for 12 weeks with 25 hours per week. After completing this course, the student can enroll in the desired training program at the film school.

The Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts offers a diploma in graphic design and interactive media to prepare you to analyze and implement visual products for print, digital platforms, and motion graphics. The course involves exploring different perspectives on the design process.

Students receive a diploma and a diverse portfolio, creative and technical skills to start a successful career.

After graduation, they can work as art directors, graphic designers, web designers, interactive designers, etc.

#22. Sheridan College

Sheridan acting college offers programs in acting that allows students to gain experience in acting, theater producer, playwrights, and so on. This is one of the best acting universities in Canada which integrates its program with intensive professional discipline available in the acting school to preparing an academic honors-level drama degree.

#23. University of Windsor

University of Windsor’s Faculty of arts and social sciences is one of the best acting schools or universities in Canada. However, acting here is strictly for undergraduate studies.

The University of Windsor is a comprehensive, student-focused university with over 16,500 students enrolled in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including several professional schools such as law, business, engineering, education, nursing, physical activity, and social work.

The University of Windsor is next to North America’s busiest international border crossing and overlooks one of Canada’s most beautiful boardwalks on the Detroit River. This location is testament to UWindsor’s greatness as a multidisciplinary institution with an international vocation, enabling a wide variety of students, faculty, and staff to create a better world through education, scholarships, research, and engagement.

Its fundamental qualities of openness, warmth, and support make the University of Windsor an exceptionally welcoming community for students and faculty from Asia, Europe, and Africa – or even the locales. There are over 110,000 UWindsor alumni, 35,000 of whom live in the Windsor-Essex area.

#24. Wilfrid Laurier University

Here, drama is joined with music. So if you ever love “High School Musicals”, Wilfrid offers you a chance to train for such with certification. But only open to undergraduates.

This research-intensive university has more than 20 institutes and research centres. It offers numerous outstanding student-exchange programmes and welcomes a large population of international students every year.

It has collaborations with a number of international universities like the University of Botswana, the University of Ghana, Chile’s Universidad de Concepción, Georgia Southern University and Istanbul Sehir University.

The university also has an excellent placement track record with 98% of the 2017 graduates employed or enrolled for higher studies. The university has over 1,00,000 alumni across the world.

#25. University of Waterloo

Drama schools in Canada have never been so enticing. This acting school combines acting with speech communication for undergraduate studies.

Waterloo ranks among the top 175 universities in the world in the QS World University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2021.

As one of Canada’s premier innovation universities, the University of Waterloo hosts over 100 programs in business, health, engineering, math, science, art, the environment, and more.

#26. Queen’s University

If you really want to attend the best performing arts schools in Canada, then Queen’s University should be on top of your chart. Yeah, it’s one of the top drama schools in Canada for undergraduate studies.

Queen is number one on the list of Canadian universities. According to the QS World University Ranking, Queen’s University ranks 239 worldwide and 10th in Canada. As one of the top universities in Canada, the university has a total of 25,260 students from over 100 countries.

#27. Brock University

This school of acting is one of the best acting schools in Canada. Basically, the school for acting focuses on fine and performing art for undergraduate studies. Also, drama education and society is a core course in the acting college.

Brock University of Canada offers several undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

With around 19,000 and more students in seven different faculties, it offers an academic experience unmatched at any other Canadian university.

Brock University of Canada’s growing global importance is accredited by its remarkable alumni network, which includes more than 100,000 alumni around the world.

#28. University of Western Ontario

In the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, this acting college teaches its students on the use of English as bilingual education. Basically, students earn a Bachelor of Arts degree for undergraduate studies from the school for acting.

WIthout missing words, Western University is one of the leading research universities in Canada.

From basic to applied knowledge, Western discoveries has benefited the economic, social, health, and cultural development in Canada and around the world.

The university attracts local and international students with a broad worldview who want to learn, engage, and lead in international communities.

Students from 117 countries share their teaching experiences and participate in study abroad, research and volunteer services to broaden their perspectives and knowledge here.

Western students combine academic achievements with opportunities for athletic, voluntary and social engagement and promote a strong community that includes over 277,000 alumni worldwide.

choosing to study in its school for acting could probably be one of the best decision to make for career as a profession actor.

#29. King’s University College at The University of Western Ontario

King’s College is an acting college at the University of Western Ontario. This is one of the Canadian theatre schools that teaches acting in the department of modern languages. Graduating students from this school of acting earn a Bachelor of Arts for undergraduate studies.

This Catholic liberal arts college is affiliated with Western University and is located in the City of London, Ontario, Canada.

The campus welcomes international students from 35 different nationalities. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are offered in accounting, arts, social sciences, social work, and more.

The college has residential facilities on campus with options ranging from apartment style to single rooms.

The college also claims to provide scholarships and financial aid to 80% of its students.

According to Webometrics, the college ranks 246 in Canada and 14,221 in global rankings for 2020. This college will be a great choice if you intend to study Theater art in canada.

#30. University of Toronto – Mississauga

Here is one of the best acting schools in Canada for undergraduate and graduate studies. The acting school is one the best performing arts schools in Canada which tops the chart for theatre schools. Also, it’s worthy of note that drama studies are combined with English studies.

The University of Toronto is ranked in Canada’s 100 Best university and one of the top 10 for family-friendly policies and human resource development. There are opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals.

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has grown to become Canada’s premier learning, discovery and knowledge creation institution. they pride ourselves on being one of the best research-intensive universities in the world that invent and innovative.

Students have the opportunity to learn and work with outstanding thought leaders through our multidisciplinary network of faculties, alumni, and teaching and research partners.

The ideas, innovations and actions of more than 560,000 graduates continue to have a positive impact on the world. Nonetheless, if you want to be one of these alumini then, university of toronto will be your choice school for acting.

#31. York University – Glendon

This acting school is for International Bachelor of Arts undergraduate studies in Canada. In other words, this is one of the best acting schools in Canada for international students.

Located in the northwest of Toronto, The university got its name in honor of the urban area in which it is located.

Graduating from this school with a diploma in film and television scriptwriters, the program prepares future screenwriters for movies and TV shows.

Students learn to submit ideas, write and edit scripts for all film and television formats. The training is provided by screenwriters, editors, story writers, directors, studio representatives, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Acting Schools in Canada

What is the Best Acting School in Canada?

Throwing a yes or no answer to this question will not really be a good idea. This is so because different schools for acting I’m Canada have their area of strength and focus.

However, from research, the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts (VADA) is the best acting school in Canada. That is the word on the street. Casting Directors, Talent Agents, Directors, and Producers agree that VADA is the top acting school studio around.

Which is the Cheapest School For Acting in Canada?

If you’re considering a cheap acting college, school, or university. The reason may be centering around finances. Hence we recommend scholarships like MasterCard or the other 91+ Scholarships to study abroad for international students.

But just in case that didn’t work out right, the National Theater School of Canada is considered among the cheapest acting schools available in Canada. Their tuition fees range around $4,500 for local Canadian students and $9,000 for international students.

How Much do Acting Classes Cost in Canada?

The one-year Acting for Film and Television Program costs $20,500 for Canadians and $30,500 for international students. Tuition for the four-month Acting Essentials program is $7,500 for Canadians and $10,500 for international students.

Conclusion

Canada has some great options for starting your journey as an actor. In our research, we’ve found that a lot of great intensive and professional training exists outside of formal University institutions.

Whether it’s learning to be a sketch comedy genius at Second City, or working towards becoming a member of ‘Company C’, a lot of excellent training is available at these specialized institutions.

However, if you want to obtain a degree alongside your acting training, some research into the Universities and Colleges we listed at the end would be a great place to start.

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