Intensive Programs

About the Program

At this level, students share a commitment to the art and craft of theatre, film, music, and performance and specific skills development takes greater priority than in the General Program. At-home preparation and regular attendance is required, especially for students considering further study in Troupe programs.

All students have the opportunity to perform and showcase their work during our annual Winter Shorts Festival in December and Expressions Theatre Festival in May/June.

Public Performances
  • Theatre and Sketch Comedy Winter Shorts Weekend – December 1st-3rd, 2023
  • Musical Theatre Winter Shorts Weekend – December 8th-10th, 2023
  • Film Acting Winter Shorts Screening – December 2023
  • Expressions Theatre Festival Year End Showcases (all Intensives) – June 10-15, 2024
  • Cabaret Evenings (Musical Theatre Intensives only) – June 18-21, 2024

All Intensive Programs take place at Granville Island.

Film Acting

Ages 11-16 | Levels 1 & 2

Discover what it’s like to be on set and what it takes to get there! Students explore techniques on how to be in the moment, how to surprise themselves in their work, and how to audition for film and television. Students collaborate to make original short films that are screened at multiple times throughout the year.

Musical Theatre

Ages 9-16 | Levels 1, 2, 3, & 4

Students eager to see their skills and confidence grow in Musical Theatre will learn acting techniques, dance and choreography, singing and musicianship, and more. Students build connection, safety, and community, while creating dynamic ensemble and solo performances, culminating in a one-act musical performed at the end of the year.

Note: Musical Theatre Intensives are delivered as a package along with Dance. Students are placed in classes based on age and experience.

Sketch Comedy & Improv

Ages 13-19 | Levels 1 & 2

Through a mixture of improvisation and writing, young actors gain creative thinking, team building, and communication skills that benefit them on the stage and in everyday life. Industry professionals help students develop technique, discipline and artistry. Curriculum is guided by the principles of Viola Spolin’s “Improvisation for the Theatre” and Del Close’s “Harold” format. Long form, theatre sports, and comedy-based improv are explored at higher levels, once foundations in Spolin-style improvisation are firm.

Stagecraft

Ages 13-19

Building on skills developed in the Stagecraft General Program, students blend creativity with technical skill, learning design elements of how productions come to life and how to work safely in a scene shop and backstage. They will work directly on the public presentations our programs create throughout the year, with an emphasis on collaborative design and practical use. Led by a combination of talented teachers and guest designers, students will create props, build set pieces, find and create costumes, and design sound and lights as they build the worlds around our Winter Shorts and Expressions productions.

Apply for the Stagecraft Intensive

Theatre

Ages 9-16 | Levels 1, 2, & 3

Young actors learn how to improve rehearsal and performance skills through focused theatre exercises, script work, and character studies that encourage mindfulness and self-awareness. Students experiment with emotional and physical character portrayals, learning a variety of theatrical techniques and styles such as Laban, mime, and mask, and breath work to help connect to and access different emotions. The year culminates in a performance of a one-act play as a part of Expressions Festival in the Spring.

Theatre Lab: Character and Story Creation

Ages 13-19

Students work on building scenes, basic physical character embodiment, improvisation skills, and narrative discovery through tasks and games that encourage teamwork, awareness, and creativity. They will learn technique for constructing a story, breaking down a script, character analysis, and script development.

Theatre Lab: Movement and Physical Theatre

Ages 13-19

Through tasks and theatre games, students explore partner and ensemble work, physical improvisation, choreography, moving with intention, and transforming obstacles into opportunities. Students can expect to develop awareness, mobility, mindfulness, safety and consent practices, spatial awareness, and flow, to enhance their theatre practice and performance toolkit.

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