The acting profession has always captivated young people with its promise of transformation into different characters. But the path to the stage or screen always begins with a quality education. In Calgary, there are specialised courses, drama studios, and university programmes for those who dream of mastering the craft of acting. This article on calgary-trend will explore where you can study acting in the city, the different class formats available, and what you need to take the first step towards a career.
Calgary Actors’ Studio
The Calgary Actors’ Studio offers high-quality training in a friendly atmosphere where everyone is valued and respected. Every student at the studio has access to the very best in contemporary acting knowledge.
The studio caters to people of all ages, from teenagers who simply want to be creative and have fun, to adults who are seriously considering an acting career. For teenagers, acting can be particularly beneficial. Theatre teaches them to express thoughts and emotions, building self-confidence and creativity. It can be a wonderful companion during this challenging period of life.
Training at the studio is based on a gentle, step-by-step approach, with an ideal blend of theory and practice. Beginners focus on mastering the fundamentals, while more experienced students expand their existing skills.
The studio also offers free one-on-one morning meetings with Daniel Libman. In these sessions, you can learn first-hand what it takes to build a successful acting career. Libman can advise on how to find an agent, join a union, avoid scams, and more. For 10 years, Daniel Libman was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and for 6 years, he served as a councillor for the Actors’ Equity Association.
On average, a course at the studio costs around $500.
Acting Classes at Universal Talent Film School
Universal Talent Film School also provides acting courses for various age groups. The training here is more expensive (at $300 per month), but the level of instruction is more intensive. Actors work on scenes, monologues, and improvisation, as well as mastering technical exercises. In every class, actors perform on camera and receive feedback.
The school also offers intensive courses for those planning to audition for roles in commercials, television shows, and films. Most graduates begin their careers while still studying. The school collaborates with a major agency that has connections with Canada’s top directors and producers.
Universal Talent Film School also runs a summer camp in Hollywood for children and teenagers. At the Hollywood acting school, young people receive first-class training and learn techniques used by major film stars. The camp is not only a chance to gain invaluable experience and hone their craft but also to make lifelong friends who share their passion. It’s an ideal opportunity to immerse themselves in a community and create lasting memories.
Universal Talent Film School is a unique space that also features its own modelling school, which can be a great complement to your acting education. Here, young men and women learn posing techniques, build confidence in front of the camera and with photographers, learn how to represent brands, develop their acting skills, create a personal brand, and receive a professional portfolio.
Company of Rogues Actors’ Studio
Company of Rogues was founded in Vancouver in 1993 by Christiane Hirt and Joe-Norman Shaw. They were united by a desire to create a creative home where actors could develop in an environment that upholds the highest artistic principles.
In 1996, Christiane Hirt was cast as Hannah in the series “Lonesome Dove,” which prompted a move to Calgary. Here, they re-established the company and continued to build a community of first-rate actors.
The training at Company of Rogues is rooted in the traditions of leading New York studios. The studio focuses on “authentic performance,” based on Stanislavski’s idea of an actor “living the part.” This authenticity is a hallmark of actors like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Marlon Brando.
At Company of Rogues, actors are taught to apply this authentic style of acting to both theatre and film. The studio’s actors possess an honesty and emotional power you won’t find anywhere else in Canada, as other training programmes are based on different theatrical traditions.
Reasons to choose Company of Rogues include personalised programmes without academic requirements, a dynamic schedule, strong connections with Calgary’s best theatre communities, lifelong mentorship, and flexible payment options.
Company of Rogues follows a simple philosophy: “Only those who can, should teach.” The studio’s teaching staff is composed of professional actors with national and international recognition. Company of Rogues is a New York-style studio offering the most comprehensive training programme in Western Canada.
School of Creative and Performing Arts at the University of Calgary
If you’re seeking a comprehensive drama education, the University of Calgary is your best option. The university is home to the School of Creative and Performing Arts, which houses the departments of Dance, Drama, and Music.
The school’s mission is to breathe life into the arts. It strives to highlight the inherent value of art in inspiring individuals, enlivening the community, and making a difference in the world. Its flexible undergraduate and postgraduate programmes prepare students for major creative careers.
The school aims to redefine 21st-century art through a balance of tradition and innovation. It explores both disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives in dance, drama, and music. The faculty strives to be intellectually agile, engaging with both history and contemporary practice.
As a drama graduate, you will be well-prepared for careers in fields such as theatre and performance, film and media, education, culture, and public service. You can also use your degree as a stepping stone to postgraduate studies in other fields, including law, media design, education, and communications.
The programme combines theoretical training with active participation in productions. This allows for an in-depth study of playwriting, acting, design, and theatre history. Throughout their studies, students collaborate with seasoned professionals and take part in various stage projects, workshops, internships, and festivals.
In summary, Calgary offers a wealth of excellent opportunities for anyone dreaming of mastering the art of acting, from creative studios to academic programmes. Drama studios will help you gain basic skills and build confidence, a film school can open doors to working in front of the camera, and a university programme will provide a well-rounded education and the chance to build a professional career. Don’t be afraid to choose a creative profession and follow your dreams!
