Whether you’re interested in becoming an actor, dancer, or singer, start your search with this list of the top drama schools in Canada compiled by students and alumni.
The thing is, anybody can become an actor whether you attend an acting school or not.
But the purpose of an acting school or college program is to help aspiring actors learn the skills and techniques they’ll need to succeed in their careers, whether it’s in TV, film, theatre, commercials, or any other area of entertainment.
Acting schools can also help students network with industry leaders and students that attend reputable acting schools have a higher chance of growing faster in the industry.
We know that you are interested in finding the best acting schools in Canada to help you start your acting career, and that is why we produced this article.
We asked students about their experiences at different schools around the country, we concluded that the best acting school in Canada is the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts.
In this guide, we have poured out of our compilations, it is a comprehensive list of the best schools in Canada with top-notch acting programs, we also have an article on the best film schools in Toronto, hopefully, it shall solve your immediate needs.
With that said, let us get started.
Is Canada a good place to study acting?
If you’re thinking about studying acting, then you might be wondering if Canada is a good place to do it.
The answer is that it depends, there are some great drama schools in Canada, but there are also some that aren’t so great.
It really depends on what you’re looking for and what you want to get out of your education.
If you’re serious about becoming an actor, then you should definitely consider studying at one of the top drama schools in Canada we have listed in this article.
We have also written a full article explaining the best reasons why students choose to study in Canada, you can check it out too especially if you are an international student.
How much do acting classes cost in Canada?
The cost of attending an acting class in Canada for a year is about $20,500, in-state students who prefer four months can pay about $7,500 while out-of-state/international students can pay about $10,500.
What are the best drama/acting schools in Canada?
Here is a comprehensive list of the most recommended drama schools in Canada to get into;
- Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts
- Canadian College of Performing Arts
- University of Windsor
- Second City in Toronto
- Université du Québec à Montréal
- National Theatre School of Canada
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- York University
- InFocus Film School
- Toronto Academy of Acting and Film & Television School
- Sheridan College
- Capilano University School of Motion Picture Arts
- University of Alberta
- Mel Hoppenheim School of Film
- Simon Fraser University
- University of British Columbia Department of Theatre and Film
- University of Ottawa
- Ryerson University
- Langara College
- Red Deer College
- University of Toronto – Mississauga
- Brock University
- Queen’s university
- University of Western Ontario
- Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
1. Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts
The Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts is one of the most highly respected drama schools in Canada which has multiple award-winning alumni and instructors.
This acting school is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, and offers a comprehensive education in the performing arts.
The curriculum includes courses in:
- Acting
- Directing
- Playwriting, and
- Production.
VADA also offers a unique program called the Professional Actor Training Program, which is designed to prepare students for a career in professional theatre.
Contact details:
Address: 900 Helmcken St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B3, Canada.
Phone: +1 604-633-1525.
Also learn about the 18 Easiest Film Schools To Get Into US, UK, CANADA, EUROPE
2. Canadian College of Performing Arts
The Canadian College of Performing Arts is one of the best drama schools in Canada according to students.
It has an excellent reputation and produces high-quality actors, the school offers a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of acting.
It also has a strong focus on developing the whole person, not just the actor.
The school has a beautiful campus and is located in a picturesque city, where it offers quality training.
Contact details:
Address: 1701 Elgin Rd, Victoria, BC V8R 5L7, Canada.
Phone: +1 250-595-9970.
3. University of Windsor
The University of Windsor is a large public research university in Windsor, Ontario, Canada with over 12,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students.
With a world-renowned program and some of the best professors in the country, it’s no wonder that this school is so highly regarded by students.
As one of the top acting universities in Canada, the University of Windsor’s Faculty of arts and social sciences offers top-quality acting programs although it is strictly for undergraduate studies.
Contact details:
Address: 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.
Phone: +1 519-253-3000.
Also read more about the 14 Best Art Schools In Alberta To Get Into
4. Second City in Toronto
The Second City is the perfect place to start your acting career, the school also offers programs in sketch comedy, stand-up, and writing, so you can explore all aspects of the performing arts.
Plus, with its central location in Toronto’s entertainment district, you’ll be right in the heart of the action.
The Second City Toronto is among the best Canadian acting schools because of its excellent professors and abilities in a variety of areas, including sketch writing, stand-up comedy, storytelling, and improvisation.
It costs about $280 per quarter for its conservatory program and the Second City of Toronto is really notable for being the largest improvisation and comedy school in the world.
Contact details:
Address: 2800 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1M1, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-343-0011.
5. Université du Québec à Montréal
Founded in 1969, the Université du Québec à Montréal is a French-language public university based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Université du Québec à Montréal is one of the top drama colleges in Canada, according to students, it is also the largest constituent element of the Université du Québec system.
The school has a strong focus on film and theatre and offers programs in both English and French.
Students that are enrolled in this school will be grounded in:
- Acting
- Scenography
- Theater studies, and
- Teaching.
Contact details:
Address: 405 Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Montréal, QC H2L 2C4, Canada.
Phone: +1 514-987-3000.
Check out the 20 Best Art Schools in Ontario, Canada
6. National Theatre School of Canada
If you’re looking for the best drama schools in Canada, look no further than the National Theatre School of Canada.
Established in 1960, the National Theatre School of Canada is widely regarded as one of the best Canadian acting schools, it is located in Montreal, Quebec.
The school offers a program that includes training in all aspects of acting, from movement and voice to script analysis and character development.
The tuition fee for the National Theatre School of Canada is $4,500 for in-state students and $9,000 for international students.
National Theatre School of Canada is affiliated with the Colleges and Institutes of Canada to give students more opportunities to advance in the industry.
Contact details:
Address: 5030 Saint-Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2J 2L8, Canada.
Phone: +1 514-842-7954.
Related: 20 Best Drama and Acting Schools in UK
7. Wilfrid Laurier University
Located in Waterloo, Ontario, this school has a reputation for being one of the top performing arts universities in the country.
As one of the top Canadian film schools, Laurier offers a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts, as well as a minor in theatre.
It is one of the largest art schools in Canada with a population of about 6000 students with the cost of tuition at $21,434.
The program is designed to give students a well-rounded education in all aspects of theatre, from performance to production.
Contact details:
Address: 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada.
Phone: +1 519-884-1970.
8. York University
York University is a public research university in Toronto, Canada, it is also known as YorkU or YU for short.
YorkU is also one of the top Canadian drama schools offering a comprehensive performing arts program that will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in the industry.
From stage performance to screen acting, you’ll be prepared for anything after graduation.
Getting into this school, the tuition fee for in-state students costs about 7,758 CAD while international tuition is 26,978.4 CAD.
And with alumni like Adriana Dimitri and Kevin Woolridge, it’s clear that York University knows a thing or two about producing successful actors.
Contact us:
Address: 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-736-2100.
Learn more the 12 Best Art Schools in Nova Scotia To Get Into
9. InFocus Film School
InFocus Film School is the next on our list, this is one of the notable film schools in Canada with acting classes for students who wish to go into the movie industry.
This film school was founded in 2010 and has become the top cinematic arts training center in Vancouver.
InFocus offers diploma and certificate programs in film production, students will be grounded in areas like;
- Animation
- Visual effects, and
- Screenwriting.
Contact details:
Address: 554 Seymour Street Vancouver, BC V6B 3J5.
Phone:+1 (604) 915-6900
10. Toronto Academy of Acting and Film & Television School
Situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Academy of Acting & Film & Television is one of the leading film and drama schools in Canada.
Offering both a conservatory program and a professional program, the Academy provides students with a well-rounded education in all aspects of acting on stage and screen.
The tuition fee for the Toronto Academy of Acting and Film & Television School is $10,000 for domestic students and $15,000 for international students.
Contact details:
Address: 219 Dufferin Street, Unit #1D, Toronto, ON M6K 3J1, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-536-8574
You should read The 24 Best Film Producing Schools In The World
11. Sheridan College
Sheridan College is one of the leading drama colleges in Canada offering a program that leads to a Bachelor’s of Drama and Theatre Studies.
The school has an amazing reputation and offers a variety of acting programs that are perfect for those looking to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Sheridan College also offers a number of unique facilities, such as an on-campus theatre, which allows students to get hands-on experience.
12. Capilano University School of Motion Picture Arts
One of the top schools with acting programs in Canada is Capilano University School of Motion Picture Arts.
What makes Capilano University School of Motion Pictures one of the best Canadian acting schools is its updated preparatory courses and its excellent reputation in liberal arts.
Capilano University School of Motion Pictures also offers top-notch programs in 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.
Students looking to get into the Capilano University School of Motion Picture Arts will pay a tuition fee of about $28,251.
Related: 16 Best Drama and Acting Schools in New York
Frequently Asked Questions on Drama Schools
What can I expect at drama school?
If you're planning on attending drama school in Canada, you can expect a highly competitive and demanding environment. Most schools require students to audition for their programs, and only the most talented and dedicated students are accepted.
Which is the cheapest acting school in Canada?
The National Theater School of Canada is currently the cheapest acting schools in Canada with local tuition of $4,500 and international tuition of $9,000.
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