Frequently Asked Questions:
VADA is a true working actors studio. Our prime focus of education is teaching on-camera acting and only acting; and we have been successfully doing so since 2000. We are a school started by an actor, for actors, to work creatively and provide a supportive community. Our school staff and instructors are also actors who are presently working in the Film and TV industry in North America. Our instructors are professional actors who presently work in the industry and teach. They are eager to mentor students by passing along their knowledge and experience of acting and the industry for you to be successful. We average an 80% placement rate into agencies within 6 months of completing one of our Diploma programs, where our graduates actively audition for professional Film and TV work and BOOK! After completing our two Certificate programs (PACE 1 and PACE 2), part-time students also experience a high rate of success in applying to agencies as well.
Our staff is available to assist all students who have completed our Diploma programs, Two Week On Camera Acting Intensive Certificate, PACE 2 Certificate, Scene Study or an Audition Course with putting together their cover letters and actor resume as well as provide guidance regarding headshots and demo reels.
At VADA, students are not only guided in their acting education, but also with the business side of the industry. Our staff is available to assist any students who have completed our Diploma programs, Two Week On Camera Acting Intensive Certificate, PACE 2 Certificate, Scene Study or an Audition Course with putting together their professional packages; cover letters, actor resume as well as provide guidance regarding headshots and demo reels.
Included in your program is an option to take part in a 4-day field trip to Hollywood. For those taking the initial 6-Month Dramatic Arts Diploma Program there is an option to take part in the trip at an additional charge ($2000). During the trip you will take part in workshops and audition for professionals working in Hollywood to learn what it takes to work there and how to go about getting there. The workshops can include agents, casting directors, producers, directors, audition, lifestyle and comedic coaches etc.). The field trip is included at no extra charge in the 6-Month Advanced Diploma. Quite simply, there is no other school in Canada that goes to such lengths to see you be successful.
Yes. There is a $75 refundable application f
No. Domestic students are required to place a 30% deposit down within 14 days of being informed of their acceptance. At that point, students can work with our Registrar to discuss various tools available to manage the costs involved in going to school. This may involve creating a payment plan, looking into Provincial Student Aid Loans, RESP funds etc that may be available for this purpose.
International students applying to the Dramatic Arts Program Diploma will need to pay 50% of their tuition fee once they have been informed of their acceptance.
(Note: There is a separate $250 administrative fee applied for a payment plan for the Dramatic Arts Program.)
You must have graduated from Grade 12 or equivalent (GED); Post-secondary Diploma or Degree program; or qualify as a mature student (must be 19 years or older); before you can begin your program. Courses are demanding and require maturity, commitment and dedication. You need to be able to work with others and be responsible to them.
Additional application requirements for Diploma programs:
•$75 Application Fee (Refundable if accepted into the program);
•Completed Application Form;
•300 Word Essay (discussing why you would like to study acting and your reasons for choosing VADA);
•2 photos (one close up and one full body);
•Entrance Interview (with School Director) in person, by phone or Zoom. If you successfully pass the interview, you’ll be asked to self-tape a monologue provided by the school.
International Students (or permanent residents who did not complete high school in English); all classes at VADA are conducted in English. ALL international students must provide proof of English Proficiency Test Score.
Acceptable scores are: IELTS (5.5) and TOEFL iBT (65) including passing an oral interview with an Admissions Advisor.
Yes. We are a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) #0212566030007 accredited by Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) and Education Quality Assurance (EQA).
We are conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, just a few blocks from the Burrard and Canada Line Skytrain stations. Our school address is 900 Helmcken Street, Vancouver BC V6Z 1B3.
We are conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, just a few blocks from the Burrard and Canada Line Skytrain stations. Our school address is 900 Helmcken Street, Vancouver BC V6Z 1B3.
Whether or not you choose to pursue a career in the Film or TV industry, our Programs are an unparalleled creative experience that will broaden your horizons on acting, the industry and enhance your future endeavours.
The school’s offerings are designed to introduce individuals with little or no experience to acting, as well as reinforce good acting techniques for those with prior Film and TV acting experience or training. We have qualified student advisors here who will talk with you, learn more about you, answer your questions, and give you feedback on improving your application to help you get through the application process. Be sure to look through our website in advance and prepare any questions you may wish to ask during your visit.
Yes. Techniques, skills and experiences gained as an actor (stage or film) can cross over nicely into the other. However, understanding unique characteristics that separate stage acting from screen acting is necessary to guarantee an actor is prepared. Here are just a few points to illustrate key differences in the two mediums:
Environment: Theatre acting is a nurturing art form that allows for adequate rehearsal time. In contrast, film sets are chaotic places packed with highly-paid artists, supporting actors and extras and this presents several challenges. Firstly, you will receive very little, if any, rehearsal time. Secondly, depending on your role, you may not receive any direction, since actors are hired under the assumption that they will come to the set performance-ready. Lastly, the pace of filming pressures actors to hit their performance quickly.
Venue: A theatre actor’s audience is separated by a relatively short distance, whereas films use a camera to eliminate the distance between performer and observer. A theatre audience needs to see the action and hear the dialogue, so stage actors need to exaggerate movements and speak loudly. However, the presence of the camera, lights, microphones, visual effects and music, enhance a film actor’s performance. Cameras pick up everything and the actor’s goal is to replicate reality, so interacting verbally and non-verbally with other actors should appear as “normal” as possible.
Script: As opposed to the stage, where plays are performed repeatedly around the world and an audience knows what to expect, film and television scripts are usually being produced for the first time. Actors are not able to draw on past performances in researching a role, and the audience has no preconceived ideas of what the character should be like. This gives film actors more freedom in performance since a ‘realistic’ performance is what matters most on camera.
Extremely. All classes at the VADA are designed to be of immediate and practical use. Teachers work very closely with you to develop your individual style and bring out the innate qualities you each possess as actors.
Students should expect to be busy five days a week in class. Our Dramatic Arts Program classes are 4 hours a day. Classroom instruction hours range an average of 20 – 25 hours per week. Students will also be expected to make themselves available to spend time outside of the classroom rehearsing scenes together with their classmates. Approximately 12 hours a week is suggested for self-study.
Yes. Many university and college students attend our full-time Two Week Intensive Certificate program during semester breaks. Our Intro to Acting Certificate; Audition Class and our Ongoing Scene Study classes are all part-time evening courses, so many students attend these after attending their university or college courses during the day.
Yes, of course. Students from all over the globe come to VADA to take our programs. The diverse backgrounds of VADA students creates a rich, multicultural community that promotes exchange of ideas and viewpoints. The staff is ready to assist overseas students to attend our programs and answer any questions by email.
Our Full-time Dramatic Arts Program Diploma is 24 weeks (plus 2 weeks break) making it a total of 26 weeks (6 months) in length. Full-time international students enrolled at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) can apply for a study visa which will allow them to work part-time off-campus and full-time during scheduled school breaks. In order to be eligible to do this, you must be enrolled in a program of study at least 6 months in length. As a result, our program allows for students to work part-time during their studies. Learn more about Study Permits.
No. While VADA is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), an application for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) would likely be unsuccessful. Most international graduates will take their training received at VADA and return home to work in their home country’s Film and TV industry.
VADA does not provide accommodations, however there are plenty of third-party apartment agents and homestay agents who can assist you in locating safe, convenient, and affordable accommodations options (both shared and private). You must book as early as possible however to secure accommodations within your budget and length of stay.
- Craigslist
Craigslist is a great resource to locate accommodations within a budget, both shared or private.
- Airbnb
Airbnb is a great option for anyone looking for a more temporary living situation. It’s ideal for anyone taking our On Camera Acting Intensive or any of our other part-time courses.
While there is no age restriction, there is an age minimum. High school students will often inquire about applying to VADA during their Grade 12 year, however they cannot begin their program until they provide proof of high school graduation; equivalent GED; or proof that they are 19 years of age (for mature status only). Exceptions are made for students who are 17 years of age, have a high school diploma, or equivalent and parental consent.
We have different start dates throughout the year depending on your program of interest. We suggest contacting the school to inquire about the next start date and availability of our programs. As our courses tend to fill quickly, we recommend early application to guarantee a place in your program or course of choice.
We have different start dates throughout the year depending on your program of interest. We suggest contacting the school to inquire about the next start date and availability of our programs. As our courses tend to fill quickly, we recommend early application to guarantee a place in your program or course of choice.
Yes. Financial Aid is available to Canadians and Permanent Residents who apply to our Dramatic Arts Program.
Scholarships and bursaries are also available to qualified candidates (Note: Scholarship or bursary are only applicable to those applying to one of our Diploma Programs.
Yes. We love it when people come to visit! During your visit you can discuss your interest in acting and our programs with our Admissions Advisor. You can arrange a visit by calling the office at 604-633-1525.
We allow a student to come and audit a class on a case-by-case basis as some instructors may not wish to have visitors in their class since it can be distracting for the other students. You will need to contact the school in advance to make arrangements for the possibility of auditing a class.
Yes. We have Open Houses every two or three months (depending on the time of year). We also hold periodic Information Sessions. Contact the school for more detailed information about dates and time of our next Open House or Information Session.
Yes. We offer classes for kids starting at 10 years old to 18 years old. We also offer Spring and Summer Break Acting Camps. Please contact the school to learn more about details about these options.
We do not provide personal information of our past students or graduates (for privacy reasons). If visiting the school, you are more than welcome to speak with a students who may be available to get their impressions of the program they are taking.
You may also view testimonials from past students on our testimonials page.