Theatre School: Acting Classes & Training
The Winnipeg Theatre School (WTS) is one of the three oldest operating acting schools in the city, offering performance-oriented classes for children, teens, and adults in the Exchange District.
Originally established at Fantasy Theatre for Children and The Theatre School by Mr Tony Frost in 1981, the school became 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 begin in September and run until March, when students at all age levels perform live onstage in a special year-end showcase!
- Junior Acting A
For ages 10 to 12. (Autumn/Winter 2018) - Junior Acting B
For ages 10 to 12. (Autumn/Winter 2018) - Teen Acting A
For ages 13 to 16. (Autumn/Winter 2018) - Teen Acting B
For ages 13 to 17. (Autumn/Winter 2018) - Introduction to Acting - ADULT
For ages 18 to 55. (Autumn 2018) - Adult Acting
For ages 18 to 55. (Autumn/Winter 2018)
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 A
Autumn/Winter 2018
| DATES: | September 18, 2018 to March 12, 2019 |
|---|---|
| DAYS & TIMES: | TUESDAYS, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (20+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $280.00 tuition fee + $20.00 registration fee |
This course is designed for the novice.
Students are encouraged to develop theatrical skills and creative expression using imagination, story-telling, mime, movement, and voice.
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! Evenings of March 18 & 19 are required for dress rehearsal and performance.
Junior Acting B
Autumn/Winter 2018
| DATES: | September 22, 2018 to March 16, 2019 |
|---|---|
| DAYS & TIMES: | SATURDAYS, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (20+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $280.00 tuition fee + $20.00 registration fee |
This course is designed for children who have a keen interest in acting.
Through poems, monologues, and acting exercises, students are encouraged to develop their 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! Evenings of March 18 & 19 are required for dress rehearsal and performance.
Teen Acting A
Autumn/Winter 2018
| DATES: | September 20, 2018 to March 14, 2019 |
|---|---|
| DAYS & TIMES: | THURSDAYS, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (20+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $350.00 tuition fee + $20.00 registration fee |
This course is designed for the novice, as well as those who may have had some experience but no formal training.
Students are invited to explore the art of theatre, developing 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! Evenings of March 18 & 19 are required for dress rehearsal and performance.
Teen Acting B
Autumn/Winter 2018
| DATES: | September 22, 2018 to March 16, 2019 |
|---|---|
| DAYS & TIMES: | SATURDAYS, 12:15 PM to 1:45 PM (20+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $350.00 tuition fee + $20.00 registration fee |
This intermediate-level course is designed for the teenage student who has decided to dedicate time to study theatre, with a more mature approach to performance.
Through monologues, scene-work, and acting exercises, students develop their performing skills and have the opportunity to explore various theatre styles and techniques.
This performance-orientated class is open to those with and without previous training or experience, but intended especially for returning students and those who have at least one term of prior formal training at a recognised theatre school.
ALL STUDENTS PERFORM live onstage in a special year-end showcase in March! Evenings of March 18 & 19 are required for dress rehearsal and performance.
Introduction to Acting - ADULT
Autumn 2018
| DATES: | September 22, 2018 to December 15, 2018 |
|---|---|
| DAYS & TIMES: | SATURDAYS, 3:45 PM to 5:45 PM (10+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $225.00 tuition fee + $20.00 registration fee |
Have you ever thought of being on stage? This is the course for you! 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 those that will want to continue on to a performance-oriented class.
This NON-performance course overlaps the first 10 weeks of the "Adult Acting" (20 week) performance 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 ($225 tuition + $20 registration).
Adult Acting
Autumn/Winter 2018
| DATES: | September 22, 2018 to March 16, 2019 |
|---|---|
| DAYS & TIMES: | SATURDAYS, 3:45 PM to 5:45 PM (20+ Weeks) |
| FEES: | $400.00 tuition fee + $20.00 registration fee |
For adults who have a serious interest in exploring the art of live theatre, whether as an engaging new 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! Evenings of March 18 & 19 are required for dress rehearsal and performance.
