Yearlong Intensives

About the Program

Be a part of something special. Yearlong Theatre Intensive students share a commitment to the art and craft of theatre, film, music, and performance—and they take the skills they learn with them, wherever they go.

Specific skills-development takes a greater priority in our Year-Long Intensives. At-home preparation and regular attendance is required, especially for students considering further study in the Pre-Professional Theatre program. Prospective students must have completed at least two Sessions of Arts Umbrella Theatre training, or equivalent.

Classes run from September to June and students train with industry professionals among like-minded peers. Intensive Programs will prepare young artists for further study in the field, including the Arts Umbrella Pre-Professional Theatre Program.

Public Performances
  • Theatre and Sketch Comedy Winter Shorts Weekend – December 2-4th, 2022
  • Musical Theatre Winter Shorts Weekend – December 9-11th, 2022
  • Film Acting Winter Shorts Screening – January 28th, 2023
  • Expressions Theatre Festival Year End Showcases (all Intensives) – June 2023
*Please note we are still in the process of finalizing exact performances dates and times. Updated performance schedules will be available in October and other performance opportunities may arise throughout the year.*

Location Key
GI = Granville Island
SS = South Surrey

THEATRE INTENSIVE (Ages 9–16)

Level 1, 2 & 3– GI

Young actors learn how to improve their rehearsal and performance skills through focused theatre exercises that encourage mindfulness and self-awareness. Students experiment with emotional and physical character portrayals, all while collaborating with a class of like-minded performers in a supportive environment.

As students progress, they will learn to follow their impulses and improve their rehearsal and performance skills through a variety of theatre exercises, character studies, and script work. Students will explore a variety of theatrical techniques and styles such as Laban, mime, and mask, while experimenting with breath work to help connect to and access different emotions. Young actors are empowered to make bold emotional and physical character choices.

 

MUSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE (Ages 9–16)

Level 1, 2, 3, 4– GI

Keen students eager to see their skills and confidence grow learn acting techniques, dance and choreography, singing and musicianship, and more with our professional artist/instructors. Students will build connection, safety, and community, while creating dynamic ensemble and solo performances. Student perform ensemble numbers for our Winter Shorts revue and a fully scripted musical for the Expressions showcase in June as well as performing a solo at our intimate year-end cabaret.

The Musical Theatre Intensives are delivered as a package along with Dance classes on Saturdays. More information on specific dance scheduling will be available soon.

 

FILM ACTING INTENSIVE (Ages 11–16)

Level 1 & 2 – GI

Ages 11-16 – SS

Discover what it’s like to be on set and what it takes to get you there! Students collaborate to make an original short film, which will be screened at their year-end performance. The class explores techniques on how to be in the moment, how to surprise yourself in your work, and how to audition for film and television.

 

SKETCH COMEDY AND IMPROV INTENSIVE (Ages 11-16)

Level 1 & 2 – GI

Ages 11-16 – SS

Be bold and take your comedic and improv skills to the next level with the new Sketch Comedy Intensive. Through a mixture of improvisation and writing, young actors will gain creative thinking, team building, and communication skills that will benefit them on the stage and in everyday life. Industry professionals will help you develop your technique, discipline and artistry. Work with other creative minds to explore, devise, and create sketches that will be shared with audiences throughout the year.

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