IN-STUDIO CLASSES
IN-STUDIO CLASSES
ADULT
launching international stars since 1997
Our adult classes start at the Introduction to On Camera Performance level for beginners and build up to our Core Acting V. We're very specific when placing actors in a class to ensure that they are growing and challenging themselves alongside their peers. Our goal is not only to get your work up to Industry standard, but to ensure that it is competitive as quickly as possible. We want to see our actors work + get paid for it.
INTRODUCTION TO ON CAMERA PERFORMANCE
This is an entry level class that has served as the launching pad for many AAS star Alum. Aspiring actors will be given a comprehensive set of tools to create organic and compelling storytelling within the frame. The curriculum introduces language, methodology and a practical guide to meeting the expectations of the working professional through assigned material explored on camera.
REQUIREMENTS:
There are no requirements for this class, anyone can join!
18hrs | $500+HST
UPCOMING SESSIONS
DAY
2:00PM - 5:00PM
1st Session
Feb 6 - Feb 22
Tuesdays & Thursdays
2nd Session
Mar 11 - Mar 27
Mondays & Wednesdays
3rd Session
Apr 16 - May 2
Tuesdays & Thursdays
NIGHT
6:30PM - 9:30PM
1st Session
Jan 22 - Mar 4*
Mondays
*no class Feb 19
2nd Session
Jan 30 - Mar 5
Tuesdays
3rd Session
Mar 18 - Apr 29*
Mondays
*no class Apr 1
4th Session
Mar 26 - Apr 30
Tuesdays
CORE ACTING I
This is a foundational on-camera training class. With a mix of practical and theoretical learning, Core Acting I focuses on scene and character study, translating action within the frame, and discovering each actor's range. Ideal for actors who are looking to translate theatre training into compelling screen technique, or for actors with previous experience in Film and TV study.
REQUIREMENTS:
Previous on-camera training or successful advancement from Introduction to On Camera Performance.
36hrs | $900+hst*
*$500 deposit upon enrollment
10% ACTRA discount available.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
DAY
2:00PM - 5:00PM
1st Session
Jan 22 - Mar 4*
Mondays & Wednesdays
*no class Feb 19
2nd Session
Mar 26 - May 2
Tuesdays & Thursdays
NIGHT
6:30PM - 9:30PM
1st Session
Jan 22 - Apr 29*
Mondays
*no class Feb 19, Apr 1
2nd Session
Feb 6 - Apr 30
Tuesdays
CORE ACTING II
This is an intermediate on-camera training course focused on both audition technique and partnered scene work. Actors will build stamina and agility through a specific focus on how to use scene structure to shape dynamic performances. Ideal for actors with previous experience specific to Film and TV. Actors who are represented and actively auditioning will be considered for enrolment.
REQUIREMENTS:
Previous theoretical and practical experience specific to Film and TV, or successful completion of Core Acting I, or completion of a post-secondary theatre school program.
36hrs | $989+hst*
*$550 deposit upon enrollment
10% ACTRA discount available.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
DAY
2:00PM - 5:00PM
1st Session
Jan 30 - Mar 7
Tuesdays & Thursdays
2nd Session
Mar 20 - May 1*
Mondays & Wednesdays
*no class Apr 1
NIGHT
6:30PM - 9:30PM
1st Session
Feb 8 - May 2
Thursdays
2nd Session
Feb 14 - May 1
Wednesdays
CORE ACTING III
w/Resident Coach Steven McCarthy
This is an intermediate on-camera training class focusing on strengthening the actor's story-telling responsibility by challenging their stamina and range. Actors will work in-depth practically and theoretically on breaking down story, scene structure, identifying conflict, as well as finding spontaneity in both auditions and partnered work. Translating the actor's understanding of story into believable, compelling action is central.
REQUIREMENTS:
Agent representation, headshot and resume, previous theoretical and practical experience and/or successful completion of Core Acting II. Admission is at the discretion of the school’s Artistic Director.
36hrs | $999+hst*
*$550 deposit upon enrollment
10% ACTRA discount available.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
Feb 28 - Apr 24
Wednesdays
6:00PM - 10:00PM
CORE ACTING IV
w/Head Resident Coach Amos Crawley
This is an advanced on-camera training class. Emphasis is placed on identifying each actor's individual strengths, weaknesses, and habits to overcome blocks and open pathways to greater range. Actors work across genres in both Film and TV content to build dynamic command of the frame and confidence in their characterization and technique. This is both partnered scene work and audition-style, stressing spontaneity, personalization, and aliveness.
Actors who have secured professional work on-screen including large principal, guest-starring, recurring and leading roles in episodic and feature films will be considered for enrolment.
REQUIREMENTS:
Agent representation, headshot and resume, previous theoretical and practical experience and/or successful completion of Core Acting III. Admission at the discretion of both the School's Executive Director or Artistic Director.
36hrs | $999+hst*
*$550 deposit upon enrollment
10% ACTRA discount available.
UPCOMING SESSIONs
Mar 1 - May 3*
Fridays
6:00PM - 10:00PM
*no class Mar 29
CORE ACTING V
w/Artistic Director Susanna Fournier
This is a master level on-camera training class. Core Acting V explores and deepens the energetic connection between the actor, the frame, and their acquired knowledge and skill to free them from pre-planning emotional responses and artificial performances. This class fosters a willingness to engage in the spontaneous, asks us to 'get real' with the tactics and behaviours that motivate human action, and challenges actors to cultivate deeper vulnerability and risk in their work. With a distinct focus on genre, the actor is invited to strengthen their stylistic range.
Core Acting V offers the most advanced AAS students an opportunity to exercise and hone their craft. The caliber of those enrolled is closely curated to ensure students are surrounded by actors of equivalent skill - much like the onset reality.
REQUIREMENTS:
Agent representation, headshot and resume, previous theoretical and practical experience and/or successful completion of Core Acting III. Admission at the discretion of both the School's Director and Artistic Director.
36hrs | $859+hst*
*$500 deposit upon enrollment
10% ACTRA discount available.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
Feb 29 - Apr 25, 2024
Thursdays
6:00PM - 10:00PM
ADDITIONAL COURSES
EMBODYING ACTION + IMPULSE
w/Resident Coach Steven McCarthy
Get out of your head and into your body. Discover and strengthen your instincts. Let go of overly controlling your work.
EAI is designed to activate the actor's imagination, strengthen physical and emotional impulses, and help them trust their spontaneity.
EAI focuses on developing and exploring the actor's body, breath, and voice as our key tools for translating dynamic action, relationship, subtext, and stakes within the frame. With a distinct focus on improvisation, impulse work and physical exercises, this course is all about doing rather than thinking. We'll explore how to tune into our instincts, build confidence in our own spontaneity and play within partnered work, and discover pathways to deeper emotional range. We'll see how our own habits help (or hurt) our access to character, and discover the subtextual motivations that drive people to do what they do.
This course will be adjusted and augmented for the individuals involved, while maintaining an aggressive commitment to safe-space play, and a warmth and generosity of spirit.
24hrs | $649+hst*
*$400 deposit upon enrollment
10% ACTRA discount available.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
Mar 9 - May 4*
Saturdays
5:00PM - 8:00PM
*no class Mar 30
AAS CUSTOM DEMOS
Your demo reel is your ultimate Industry calling card. Looking to secure rep or show casting directors what you're capable of? AAS custom demos are designed to spotlight you and your work in two contrasting performances directed by John Bregar in a professional, high-production value shoot.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
CURATED MATERIAL TARGETING YOUR RANGE
1 SESSION OF PRE-PRODUCTION COACHING PER SCENE WITH AAS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, SUSANNA FOURNIER
2 DAYS ON SET
2 SHOWCASING SCENES
REQUIREMENTS:
By invitation only. To be considered for enrolment please apply below by signing up for the waiting list.
UPCOMING SESSION
May 2 - May 5
CREATING YOUR OWN WORK
LET'S GET WRITING
Got a story you've been dying to tell but don't know where to start? Sitting on a pile of ideas for stage or screen? Tired of waiting for the role of your dreams to come along? Stop waiting. Get writing. Join award-winning writer, actor, and director, Susanna Fournier, for AAS' inaugural writing intensive for actors.
Susanna is an award-winning writer supported by Canada’s largest arts institutions. She has written for stage & screen and has over 15 years of professional experience crafting long-form narrative drama. She works with writers to develop their writing practice, story edit, and hone their vision.
In this 4-week course you'll learn how to approach story, character, action, and dialogue as a writer. You'll create and perform new scenes, explore process, and get direct feedback on your writing. We'll get your work up on its feet so you can experience it in real time. You'll come away with the tools you need to create and revise your work.
REQUIREMENTS:
No experience required, all levels of experience welcome.
16hrs | $499+hst
10% ACTRA discount available.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
Mar 8 - Mar 29
Fridays
1:00PM-5:00PM
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"A Brit, a suitcase, and a dream.
I hopped across the pond from the UK to Toronto with one mission - to kickstart my acting career. Armstrong Acting Studios was like my North Star in this new, slightly bewildering world of acting. AAS taught me the art of creating pitch materials as well as developmental training. And lo and behold, the magic worked! Armed with my newfound skills, I created pitch materials that not only secured me representation but helped me prep for auditions with confidence. Here’s the cherry on top: I recently landed an audition, and not just any audition, one I coached for at the Studio. Armstrong Acting Studios is the place to be. They've got the chops, the charm, and the occasional maple syrup joke to sweeten the deal."
Shivani Cassidy
Parallel, Quarantine Leap