The 5 Best Acting Schools in Ottawa
Whether you want to start an acting career or you are just looking for something fun to do, acting schools are a great idea.
However, finding the right one that suits your style, personality, and goal can be challenging. In this list, we’re compiling some of the best acting schools in Ottawa.
To help you figure out where you want to sign up, we are going to review each one in terms of the credentials of the teacher, accessibility, and more.
How much does acting school cost in Ottawa?
Lessons in acting schools are usually done in sessions. The good news is that the first session is usually free.
After that, generally, the students are charged per hour. This would cost around $5 to $35.
Some factors that affect the rate are the experience of the teacher and the facilities where you will conduct the acting lessons.
Best Acting Schools in Ottawa
In order to review each acting school, we will take a look at the following factors:
1. Ottawa School of Theater
| Criteria | Rating |
| Experience of the Teacher | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Since 1989, the Ottawa School of Theater has been providing education and hands-on experience in theater arts. They’re well-established and respected in the acting field.
This is evident in the students who have been with them for decades.
Andrea started taking acting lessons here at 11 years old. After 20 years, she’s still affiliated with them and pursuing her passion for acting.
This school treats its students like family. Here, you will be encouraged to build relationships. Some students were able to learn valuable lessons that lead to lifelong friendships.
Another good thing about them is that they’re also great with students who have special needs. Dani has a son with ADHD and the school was able to help him improve his focus and confidence through their acting lessons.
Furthermore, they’re a resident partner of Shenkman Arts Centre, which is known to produce entertaining variety shows in the area. This allows them to offer professional acting lessons for all ages.
For those who want to take it to the next level, they also have summer camps. As for the students who are interested in even more intensive studies, they offer speech arts and drama exams.
Unfortunately, their office is only open for four hours on weekdays. This means that you may need to move your schedule around to transact with them.
Pros
- Established in 1989
- Teaches the value of building relationships
- Good for students with special needs
- Partner of Shenkman Arts Centre
- Offers advanced classes
Cons
- Short operating hours
Customer Reviews
“If you want to try something new, OST is the place to be. Friendly and fun environment. Register today for one of their upcoming classes!” – Chantal Burtt
“A wonderful part of our community-based culture! Always such a great experience being a part of all that they do!” – Stephen Braham
2. Screen Acting Academy of Canada Inc.
| Criteria | Rating |
| Experience of the Teacher | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
As for those who want to learn about acting for film and television, Screen Acting Academy of Canada Inc. is here for you. This has been a training ground for actors since 2012.
With this, you will be working with instructors who have been teaching for over a decade. They promise that their students will be equipped with all acting essentials within one year of working with them.
They have a very hands-on and detailed approach to teaching. One of their students, Kelley, experienced this.
According to him, they cover the technical aspects of acting. This includes breaking down a script, identifying the beats, and acting a scene.
If you want to build a career in acting after your lessons, then you may want to look into this. They offer one-on-one meetings between graduating students and top-tier talent agents.
Because of this, they can kick-start the career of the people who sign up here for acting lessons. Aside from that, they also offer career management and consultation services.
Their office is also open 24 hours. This means that you can contact them whenever you have inquiries or concerns.
Unfortunately, there is no readily available information about their rates.
Pros
- Established in 2012
- Experienced instructors
- Hands-on and detailed teaching methods
- Offers services to build your acting career
- The office is open 24 hours
Cons
- No readily available information on rates
Customer Reviews
“Mike & his team are the very best in the Capital. Attentive, detail oriented and emotionally proficient: he is phenomenal at breaking down the components of what it means to act not only in theory- but in practice. He’ll change everything you think you know about the industry and bring a modernity to light like you haven’t seen before. He can pull emotions out to the spotlight effortlessly. I couldn’t recommend more highly.” – Victoria Givlin
“Taking the screen acting program is definitely worth it. I got to see myself and others in my class improve so much throughout the weeks!” – Ivana Khaddaj
3. The Acting Company
| Criteria | Rating |
| Experience of the Teacher | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
The Acting Company has been around since 2013. They are known for creating safe and fun spaces for those who want to learn acting.
Since they cater to a lot of students who are new to acting, you will not feel intimidated here. This makes it a good option for those who simply want to try acting as a hobby.
Another good thing about them is that they offer lessons for both the stage and the screen. If your goal is to be a versatile actor, then they can help you achieve that.
Chris Ralph is their co-founder and artistic director. He is an established figure in the field of acting.
Some of his experiences are teaching acting and voice at York University, the University of Ottawa, and in private studios. Aside from that, he is also a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada and has an MFA in Acting from York University.
As for those who don’t have the time to physically attend classes, they offer both physical and online classes.
Their lessons start at $185 for over a month of lessons.
Unfortunately, most of their classes are offered on weekdays. So, this may not be a good fit for those who have work or school throughout the week.
Pros
- Established in 2013
- Good for beginners and hobbyists
- Experienced founder and instructors
- Rates for each lesson are available
Cons
- Classes are commonly offered on weekdays
Customer Reviews
“I took several of their acting classes and they are all top notch. I have been cast in several roles now (lead and supporting) in community theater and I can attribute much of this success to the training I received here. these classes have also made me a more confident speaker when I am presenting at meetings or conferences. What’s more, they’re just fun! It doesn’t feel like work (even if it’s helping me in my career). We start out a bunch of shy nerds and we always come out better by the end of class. I’ve since moved away from ottawa – I sure miss this school.” – Anne Sueko Coyle
4. Manotick Arts Camp
| Criteria | Rating |
| Experience of the Teacher | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Manotick Arts Camp focuses on acting lessons for kids and teenagers. If you are looking for a reputable school to expose your young ones to the art of acting.
They offer several courses starting at $340. The acting lessons would last for about 8 to 12 sessions.
Another good thing about them is that they group their students per age. This is done to create a safe environment for each student.
Aside from this, they have a wide range of classes that they offer both online and face-to-face. Some of the acting lessons that they cover are on choir, film, and improv.
All of their classes are available with complete information on their website. This will make it easier for parents and students to choose the right class.
For those who are concerned with COVID-19, you will be pleased that they adhere to safety protocols. Students are checked with a no-touch thermometer before the beginning of the class.
They will also be required to wear a face mask. On top of that, each learning facility is divided into eight sections where each student will be designated their own space.
While these health protocols can be useful, they can also feel restricting to some kids.
Pros
- Specializes in kids and youth
- All classes are posted on the website with complete details
- Creates a safe environment
- Wide-range of classes
- Offers online and face-to-face classes
- Follows COVID-19 protocols
Cons
- Health protocols may be restricting to students
Customer Reviews
“Sandy and all of her programs are absolutely incredible and I highly recommend them. The kids love every minute and don’t even know that they are learning something at the same time as they are having so much fun.” – Andrew Smith
“I attended this camp for most of my childhood, and can say with complete certainty that it improved my life 🙂 it was hugely enjoyable at the time and extremely beneficial later on!” – Nick Frosst
5. Company of Adventurers Children’s Theater Ensemble
| Criteria | Rating |
| Experience of the Teacher | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Company of Adventurers Children’s Theater Ensemble focuses on teaching young people. Their students range from 10 to 19 years old.
They specialize in producing the works of William Shakespeare. If you are interested in performing classical pieces, then they will be able to provide that to you.
The school was founded in 2011 by Cynthia Sugars and Paul Keen. They are professors of English at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Aside from acting, the students are involved in developing all aspects of each production. This includes music, singing, set design, and stage effects.
With this, the graduates are well-rounded and can carry out multiple responsibilities in the theater with ease.
Another good thing about them is that they are very inclusive. According to one of their students, the instructors are making sure that they make long days fun and that everyone is feeling welcomed.
Unfortunately, there is no readily available information about their rates.
Pros
- Specializes in the works of William Shakespeare
- Founded in 2011
- Produces well-rounded graduates
- Inclusive
Cons
- No readily available information on rates
Customer Reviews
“I have been in Company of Adventurers since 2012 and each summer, it was this that I looked forward to the most! I am honoured and blessed to be a part of this family. Though I was not able to participate in the show last year, it gave me the opportunity to see 2017 performance of Taming of the Shrew. Watching that show was such a magical and immersive experience, I enjoyed myself more than I can say. I really encourage you to go to their future performances if you have any interest in Shakespeare and/or the theatre in general.” – Rachel Lo
“The company of adventurers is a very special and dear group to me. The bonds I’ve made with the rest of the crew over the years will last forever. New faces join each year. The directors have also taught me a lot about Shakespeare and useful acting techniques. I have learned more about Shakespeare and life in his time period from the plays than I have in school. It is always difficult to part at the end of the summers, but I know it won’t be too long until the next play. Our productions get better year by year. They’re so much fun, but yet professional. You wouldn’t be able to tell that it takes place in a backyard once it ‘s been transformed into the according setting. The actors also learn skills such as set building and costume management. I have been in a total of 6 of their plays and I have had a blast with each one.” – Genevieve Packer