Get the Skills to Advance Your Acting Career

6-Month Dramatic Arts Advanced Diploma Program in Vancouver, BC

Are you ready to take your acting to the next level? VADA’s 6-Month Dramatic Arts | Advanced Diploma Program builds upon the foundation of acting skills you develop during your initial study in our Dramatic Arts Program Diploma. Be ready to delve deeper into Scene Study & Text Analysis, Technique & Character Study to connect more closely with the character and build their individual personality; mannerisms, quirks, walk, speech, emotional responses, even the way they think while employing techniques from the masters of yesteryear such as, Stanislavski, Hagen, Adler, Alexander, Laban and others in a modern-day application for Film & TV.

You’ll further build upon your On Camera Audition technique and learn about different genres of TV shows and films being shot at present that you may soon be auditioning for. On Camera Technical classes allow you to learn the process of how films are made and to create your own high-quality content and self-tapes with minimal resources. Voice Over classes teach how to organically connect and control your voice while understanding concepts involved in voice-over work in creating a voice-over demo reel. Students work with a recording device in class to understand concepts of Voice Over Work and towards the end of the program visit a professional voice recording studio to create a voice demo reel.

Next Start Dates:  March 11th, 2024 to Sept 6th, 2024

                               Sept 9th, 2024 to March 7th, 2025

TIME: Monday 1:30pm – 5:30pm

Course Duration: 6 months

Get the knowledge and training you need to pursue your passion! Skills include:

• Advanced Scene Study
• Advanced Text Analysis
• Advanced Acting Techniques (focusing on Stanislavski, Meisner, Hagen, Adler, Alexander, Laban)
• Advanced Character Study
• Advanced Audition Technique 
• Content Creation & Empowerment
•  Self Taping
• Fundamentals of Film
• Study of Show Genres
• Cinematic Creation 
• Voice Over Acting
• Getting an Agent 
• Getting Headshots (Headshots are not included in tuition)
• Cover Letters, Resumes
• Audition Reel Project
• Digital Showcase

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And finally, Career Guidance, as an actor you are your own business and this means learning to maintain the balance between career and craft. Staff assist students in putting together their professional package; cover letters, resume, headshots and demo reel for applying to agencies for representation and look for opportunities for students to audition for student films, indies, short films, corporate videos or TV commercials.

Hollywood Field Trip – We Fly You to LA!

As part of the 6-month Dramatic Arts | Advanced Diploma Program you are invited to experience a 4-day intensive trip where you will have the chance to meet with industry professionals working in Hollywood to gain valuable information on being an actor in LA. This field trip includes airfare, accommodations, transportation and numerous professional workshops with a variety of Hollywood professionals, which may include Casting Directors, Producers, Directors, Talent Management, Audition Coaches and Lifestyle coaches. The field trip is included in your 6-Month Dramatic Arts | Advanced Diploma tuition fee.

If you have always had an obsession to learn all you can about acting, then this 6-month Advanced Diploma is the perfect program to accomplish that goal.

As the third-largest film production centre in North America, Vancouver is known as “Hollywood North”. There has never been a better time to pursue an acting career in Canada and, upon completion of your program, you’ll be in the perfect location to begin chasing your dream. 

Become a Qualified Acting Professional

Our Advanced Diploma will provide you with the hands-on training, practical studio experience, and industry expertise it takes for you to become a confident acting professional. Students have two options for enrolment:

A) Apply to our Dramatic Arts Program Diploma (DAP), and after completion, enrol in the Advanced Diploma.

OR

B) Apply to enroll in both our Dramatic Arts Program Diploma (DAP) & Dramatic Arts Program Advanced Diploma at the same time and complete both Diplomas as a one-year study program.

Our curriculum is industry-driven, meaning you will learn all of the relevant skills and knowledge you need to start a successful acting career. Talent Agencies & Casting Directors (both here and in Hollywood) know about VADA and our strong reputation for developing well-prepared actors who understand the industry they are going into and are ready to audition. We assist you in the process of getting an agent by sending them your headshot and demo clips to view your work and make their decision about signing you.

Book a Visit!

The best way to see if VADA is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our studio, meet with staff, students and instructors to get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the VADA actor community. Book a Tour Now or Get More Information.

Financial Aid – Funding Your Education

Financial Aid is available for eligible Canadian and Permanent Residents who are enrolled in VADA’s full-time 6 Month DAP 2 Diploma and/or those wishing to take DAP and DAP 2 as one year program of study. International Students who have enrolled in our Full-Time DAP 2 Diploma are also eligible to apply for a Study Visa, which will allow them to work part-time off-campus and full-time during scheduled school breaks while attending the program. 

Entrance Requirements

Standard Entrance Requirements

Step 1: Initial Application

Applicants must have successfully completed VADA’s Dramatic Arts Program Diploma (DAP) or an Equivalent Level of On Camera Acting Study from an accredited learning institution (copies of transcripts required).   

Applicants must also have one of the following additional prerequisites:

17 years of age or older with a copy of Grade 12 diploma (or transcripts) from a Canadian high school or an equivalent institution worldwide, or

 Successful completion of Government Equivalency Diploma (GED), or

Mature Placement: If applicant does not possess a high school diploma or GED, the may apply as a mature student (over 19)

Note: High school students may apply for the one year study program option during their final year of study (Grade 12), however cannot begin studies at VADA until proof of graduation is provided

Additional Requirements:

Application Fee: $75 

300 Word Essay (minimum) on the subject of:

• Why would you like to become an actor?
• Why do you feel VADA is the right school for you?

1 Headshot photo (Does not need to need to be professionally done).

Copy of Valid Passport

Step 2: After submitting applications and support documents

• Staff will follow up to request/confirm documents received.
• Staff will schedule an Entrance Interview (conducted by phone or Skype with a member of the Admissions Board).

Step 3: Audition Monologue

If an applicant successfully passes Entrance Interview:

• Applicants will be assigned a monologue to audition
• The applicant is given 4 days to prepare, perform, videotape, then send back their performance by email attachment
• Staff will follow up to confirm that the monologue has been received
• Staff will confirm if the applicant has been accepted

Step 4: Letter of Acceptance and Tuition Deposit

• Applicant is accepted into the program and sent an email with the acceptance package
• Applicant will be given 2 weeks to send their tuition deposit to hold their seat in the program:

30% deposit (Domestic students: Canadians & Permanent Resident Visa holders)

Note: Payment plans can be created for the remainder of tuition (Note: There is a $250 administrative fee per payment plan)

Course Duration: 24 Weeks + 2 Week Break Monday – Friday 1:30pm – 5:30pm

Course Fee: Domestic $13,750 (CDN) (for DAP 2 program only). 

Applicants may apply online or in person (please contact the school to book an appointment if applying in person)

International Student Requirements

Step 1: Initial Application

Applicants must have one of the following prerequisites:

17 years of age or older with a copy of Grade 12 diploma (or transcripts) from a Canadian high school or an equivalent institution worldwide, or

 Successful completion of Government Equivalency Diploma (GED), or

Mature Placement: If applicant does not possess a high school diploma or GED, the may apply as a mature student (over 19)

Note: High school students may apply during their final year of study (Grade 12), however, cannot begin studies at VADA until proof of graduation is provided

Additional Requirements:

Application Fee: $75 

300 Word Essay (minimum) on the subject of:

• Why would you like to become an actor?
• Why do you feel VADA is the right school for you?

1  Headshot Photo (Does not need to be professionally done)

Copy of Valid Passport 

International Students (English Requirement)

Must provide all of the above requirements and proof of one of the following English Proficiency Test Scores:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 or higher
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) score of 65 or higher
• Pass an oral interview with an Admissions Advisor.

Step 2: After submitting applications and support documents

• Staff will follow up to request/confirm documents received.
• Staff will schedule an Entrance Interview (conducted by phone or Skype with a member of the Admissions Board).

Step 3: Audition Monologue

If applicant successfully passes Entrance Interview:

• Applicants will be assigned a monologue to audition by the Admissions Board
• Applicant is given 4 days to prepare, perform, videotape, then send back their performance by email attachment
• Staff will follow up to confirm that the monologue has been received
• Staff will confirm if applicant has been accepted

Step 4: Letter of Acceptance and Tuition Deposit

• Applicant is accepted into the program and sent an email with the acceptance package
• Applicant will be given 2 weeks to send their tuition deposit to hold their seat in the program:

50% deposit (International students)

Note: Payment plans can be created for the remainder of tuition (Note: There is a $250 administrative fee per payment on a payment plan)

Course Duration: 24 Weeks + 2 Week Break Monday – Friday 10am-3pm

International Student Course Fee: $12,500.00 (CDN) for DAP 2 Diploma only

Applicants may apply online or in person (please contact the school to book an appointment if applying in person).

Start Your Acting Career Today…

Join VADA, no other school gives you better support to kickstart your career after graduation! If you’re ready to hone your professional acting skills then fill out the form on this page to receive more information! Or give us a call at 604-633-1525 to speak to a friendly and knowledgeable VADA Admissions Advisor today.

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