<p>So after lurking here as a non-member for a while, and through the grapevine, I've heard a lot about BFA and BA acting programs in the US. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any reputable ones in Canada? The main one you hear about is National Theatre School of course, and I've also heard that UBC has an acting program (although if anyone could tell me more about it I would be eternally grateful). I also know Queens has a program, but it's not a conservatory-style one, which is really what I'm looking for. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>It has been mentioned here before that the Directory of Theatre Training Programs has detailed entries for theatre programs in Canada as well as the US.</p>
<p>The CC member “alwaysamom” knows a lot about Canadian programs. She will probably notice this thread and respond soon. If not, you could send her a private message or an email. </p>
<p>Alwaysamom once mentioned the University of Toronto as being good, I know.</p>
<p>sugarfix, there are several good programs in Canada. I’m not sure you’ll find what you want in a conservatory program; at least, your choices will be fewer. Check out the program at Ryerson, although I’m not sure that it is strictly a conservatory approach. Is there a particular reason that you’re looking for a conservatory program? York has an excellent BFA acting program. U of T’s drama dept. is well-respected but very selective and you have to be approved to continue at the end of each year. U of T does, however, have probably more performance opportunities, for all students including non-majors, than any other university in Canada. If you’re interested in MT at all, then the top program, as you probably know is the one at Sheridan. Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts might be worth a look. Windsor also has a good rep for MT. The National Theatre School in Montreal is a great program but selective enough that no one should count on getting in there, sort of like Juilliard in the U.S. They only take 10-12 students each year.</p>
<p>I’m from Toronto, so I’ll try and share my knowledge about Canadian programs. Obviously National Theatre School is a great option (if you can get in). I have also heard about UBC having a good program, however I don’t know a lot about it.</p>
<p>Concordia University in Montreal has a strong BFA program for theatre and acting, specifically, and Montreal is a great city to be in. The one that seems to have the strongest reputation though is Ryerson University. They’re located in downtown Toronto, and their theatre is beautiful (I know because I saw a movie as a part of the Toronto International Film Festival there, and it was a very nice facility). Plus, Eric McCormack went there, if you’re a Will and Grace fan!</p>
<p>Another excellent school is the University of Alberta - highly recommended to us by respected professionals. There is also a fine program at Langara College in Vancouver, called Studio 58. If you can get biographical infomation about Canadian actors, you’ll see that many have trained at both these schools.</p>