Theatre School: Acting Classes & Training
The Winnipeg Theatre School is one of the city's three oldest operating acting schools, offering performance-orientated classes for children, teens, and adults in the Exchange District.
Originally established as The Theatre School at Fantasy Theatre for Children by Mr Tony Frost in 1981, the school became a part of Merlyn Productions in 2011.
Instructors are local professionals who tailor their individual courses to provide quality training at competitive rates.
“Some companies use professionals — we create them!”
Read more about our History & Alumni.
Current & Upcoming Courses
Autumn & Winter acting classes run from September until March, when students perform live onstage in a special year-end showcase!
- Junior Acting
For ages 10 to 12. (Autumn/Winter 2019) - Teen Acting
For ages 13 to 17. (Autumn/Winter 2019) - Introduction to Acting - ADULT
For ages 18 to 55. (Autumn 2019) - Adult Acting
For ages 18 to 55. (Autumn/Winter 2019)
FAMILY & PARTNERS DISCOUNTS: Receive 10% off both tuitions when 2 or more family members enrol in any Autumn courses, or when you and a partner both enrol in an adult class!
Course Descriptions
Junior Acting
Autumn/Winter 2019
| DATES: | September 21, 2019 to March 21, 2020 |
|---|---|
| TIMES: | SATURDAYS, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (20+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $20.00 registration + $280.00 tuition* (* can be paid in two instalments) |
This course is designed for children who have a keen interest in acting.
Students are encouraged to develop theatre skills in a formal environment, with particular emphasis on voice, movement, and expression of ideas. Concepts of how to audition, how to prepare for a part, and how to create a character are all covered in this course.
This is a performance-orientated class, open to those with and without previous training or experience.
ALL STUDENTS PERFORM live onstage in a special year-end showcase in March! Dress rehearsal and performance will be scheduled between March 22nd and 25th (the week prior to Spring Break).
Teen Acting
Autumn/Winter 2019
| DATES: | September 21, 2019 to March 21, 2020 |
|---|---|
| TIMES: | SATURDAYS, 12:15 PM to 1:45 PM (20+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $20.00 registration + $350.00 tuition* (* can be paid in two instalments) |
Teenagers interested in acting are invited to explore the art of live theatre!
Through monologues, scene-work, and acting exercises, students develop their performing skills and a greater awareness of "Who, What, Where, When and Why" -- giving them a positive attitude about themselves and a respect for the art form they have chosen.
This is a performance-orientated class, open to those with and without previous training or experience.
ALL STUDENTS PERFORM live onstage in a special year-end showcase in March! Dress rehearsal and performance will be scheduled between March 22nd and 25th (the week prior to Spring Break).
Introduction to Acting - ADULT
Autumn 2019
| DATES: | September 21 to December 14, 2019 |
|---|---|
| TIMES: | SATURDAYS, 3:45 PM to 5:45 PM (10+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $20.00 registration + $230.00 tuition |
Have you ever thought of being on stage? Join today, and begin learning formal acting techniques in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Develop skills in voice, movement, and character creation through theatre games, solo and group exercises, and performing in-class with your fellow students.
This course is an excellent first step into the world of the theatre for those who wish to try acting for fun, and also a great stepping-stone for continuing on to a performance-orientated class.
This NON-performance course overlaps the first 10 weeks of the "Adult Acting" (20 week) class. Students who wish to continue on to the final performance in March will be welcome to enrol in the second term at equal cost.
Adult Acting
Autumn/Winter 2019
| DATES: | September 21, 2019 to March 21, 2020 |
|---|---|
| TIMES: | SATURDAYS, 3:45 PM to 5:45 PM (20+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $20.00 registration + $400.00 tuition* (* can be paid in two instalments) |
For adults who have a serious interest in exploring the art of live theatre, whether as an engaging hobby or a step on the road to professional performance.
Artistic Director John Chase will introduce you to the foundations of stage acting, the audition process, and the need-to-know disciplines of an actor working on a production.
Performance is our primary focus! Students participate in scenes, theatrical exercises, and monologues of their own choosing, to develop practical skills such as voice, movement, and character creation.
Alongside acting, you will learn some theory that is useful to every performer: basic theatre terminology, types of stages, and how to write an acting résumé, to name a few.
Previous training and experience are not required, however strong attendance AND certainty of commitment to the final dress rehearsal and performance are a must.
ALL STUDENTS PERFORM live onstage in a special year-end showcase in March! Dress rehearsal and performance will be scheduled between March 22nd and 25th (the week prior to Spring Break).
