Duration: Three years, full-time
Dynamic training for a life in the theatre.
The NTS Acting Program offers the committed young actor a classical conservatory
training informed by contemporary theatre processes. The program provides
a practical approach to acting, through intensive classes, workshops, rehearsals,
studio and mainstage productions. Acting projects—from classical
texts to devised creation— are supported by an extensive program
of voice, singing and movement classes.
Students are encouraged to develop a disciplined practice that will prepare
them for a vigorous and fulfilling life in the theatre.
Students study alongside future colleagues with student directors, designers,
playwrights and technicians under the professional guidance of the NTS
faculty and invited working artists. The focused environment and low teacher-student
ratio allows for individual attention to the specific needs and challenges
of each student over the course of their journey. From the spacious classrooms
and studios of the Michel and Suria Saint-Denis Pavilion, to the black
box theatre and the classic proscenium hall of the Monument-National, students
have the opportunity to perform classical and new works in a wide variety
of theatrical settings. The campus locations in Montreal offer students
a unique bilingual experience both through their francophone colleagues
at the school and the vibrant life of the city.
Discover
First-year students are encouraged to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Working as an ensemble, the young actors develop a sense of trust and collaboration
in the classroom. Training emphasizes exploration and self-knowledge in
a protected setting that allows students to risk and fail, as well as intensive
work on theatre techniques and background.
As their acting muscles strengthen, students gradually move from the security
of the classroom to the excitement and challenge of studio presentations.
Second-year students are also encouraged to broaden their creative skills
through writing and devised work and to create
and develop their own work through a "Self Start" program. Each student’s
progress is closely monitored and his or her individual strengths and needs
are continuously assessed between staff members and in one-on-one student-teacher
consultations.
Grow
The third and final year of the Acting Program is devoted to preparing
and mounting a full season of four productions in the school’s theatre,
the Monument-National: two mainstage plays, a studio production and the
New Words Festival in collaboration with the Playwriting department. Each
of these works is directed by a guest director from the professional theatre
community in Canada or abroad. In addition, students have workshops in
TV and film acting as well as audition preparation.
Train
The actor’s craft, imagination and sense of play are developed through classes in improvisation, acting, vocal training, movement, singing, dance, mask, combat, life drawing, storytelling and writing. NTS instructors are all working professionals who share a wealth of theatre experience from across Canada and around the world.