Acting for Film & Television
Online Certificate Courses
Grow your acting skillset & portfolio for the entertainment industry.
This is your opportunity to connect with yourself and other actors around the world who want to take the first steps in discovering and developing their craft.
We welcome enthusiasts, high school students, mature students, and anyone looking to make a career change. When you finish an online certificate course at Vancouver Film School, you will receive a digital certificate of completion confirming your experience.
Explore the certificate courses:
* Upon successful completion of this CONNECT course, the cost can be deducted from any full-time Advanced Production program tuition at VFS. Only one discount may be applied. Contact a VFS Advisor for eligibility.
**Students must confirm they are at least 16 years old at the beginning of the course in order to register.
***Please note that courses may be cancelled at any time due to low enrolment. Upon cancellation, registrants will receive a full refund.
To meet your industry instructor(s), click here.
If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]
Acting: From Script to Screen (online)
This 7-week course empowers actors in their professional journey as an actor. This course is intended for students with some previous acting experience and a basic understanding of the craft.
With expert guidance from instructors, you will become a collaborative and empowered actor in the online rehearsal space, getting comfortable on camera and developing a better understanding of what it means to listen and give & receive with a scene partner. As you progress through the course, you will activate your imagination and fully embody your unique take on the text and character of a script.
You will finish this course with a polished and professional self-tape recording for your creative portfolio.
- Expand on text script analysis principles taught in ‘Connecting to Craft’.
- Deepen analysis skills by working on a film script.
- Discover how to conduct a thorough character analysis.
- Refine your rehearsal techniques.
- Develop best practices for safe & creative collaboration, actor self care, setting boundaries, and clear communication with other artists.
- Learn to partner and rehearse with another actor/reader.
- Execute with confidence the technical aspects of auditioning for online platforms.
- Memorize, rehearse, record, and submit a self-tape audition scene.
- Receive important feedback for your second take.
- Finish with a recording of your audition scene.
- Computer with microphone and camera
- Any video capturing device with sound (cell phone or other)
- 5x8 ft. space (approx.) for some limited movement work
- Stable Internet connection
- English Level: all participants are required to speak and write English at an acceptable level. In order to succeed in any VFS program, you will need to understand technical terms and be conversant enough in English to participate in presentations and in-depth discussion. For this program we recommend an IELTS Band 6.0 – Academic level or equivalent.
Some prior acting experience is recommended.
**Sorry, this course is now closed.**
Don't miss out when the next workshop becomes available. Save your spot by joining the wait list today!
On-Camera Acting: The Craft of Self-Taping (online)
This 4-week certificate course will offer students a better understanding of how to achieve a balance between a subtle, internal life and a clearly projected intention. This is the key to filmic naturalism.
These lessons will be put into practice through self-taped auditions. Self-tapes are now the norm for industry casting and academic submission. Having a clear understanding of the format and a list of common mistakes can give the actor a competitive edge.
You will finish this course with a polished and professional self-tape recording for your creative portfolio.
- Record an acting self-tape that meets industry format standards.
- Recognize key principles of acting for the screen.
- Identify common technical mistakes when auditioning for film and television roles (labeling, missing slate, distracting props and wardrobe, etc.)
- Define eye-lines and marks and their importance to on-camera acting.
- Computer, microphone & camera
- Stable internet connection
- A way to record and edit video self-tapes (smart phone, laptop, and/or camcorder)
- Editing software (VFS Instructors will provide a list of free software)
Students are not required to have any previous training or experience.
**Sorry, this course is now closed.**
Don't miss out when the next workshop becomes available. Save your spot by joining the wait list today!
Singing for Actors (online)
Explore your voice through story and song in this 7-week online certificate course. Whether you're new to singing and looking explore your potential or take meaningful steps towards full-time professional training, this course is for you. Learn how to find your voice through your breath and body, acquire new tools for working through nerves, and learn how to interpret song as just another scene to act through.
- Develop their voice as an expressive instrument
- Demonstrate how to integrate breath, sound, and movement and connect this to the physical and vocal endurance necessary for a strong singing voice
- Develop the skills necessary for working with a pianist
- Learn the dos and don’ts of audition etiquette
- Build confidence by singing in front of classmates in a mock audition setting
- Computer with microphone and camera
- Stable Internet connection
- A way to record and edit video (i.e. smart phone, laptop, and/or camcorder)
- Editing software (a list of free software will be provided)
Students are not required to have any previous training or experience.
**Sorry, this course is now closed.**
Don't miss out when the next workshop becomes available. Save your spot by joining the wait list today!
Andrés Soto
Actor, Producer & Mindset Coach
An actor from Costa Rica, Andrés began his career as an Engineer and TV Producer. He studied Communications at The University of Costa Rica and is a Vancouver Film School graduate. He is known for The Flash, Far Cry 6, and Yellowjackets.
Omari Newton
Actor, Writer & Producer
Alison James
Actor, Director & Senior Instructor at VFS
Alison is a New Zealand and Canadian actor/director/writer, who has worked in Canada, Germany, NZ, and the UK. She is best known for her roles as Nurse Tiffany in the soap opera Shortland Street and Death of a Cheerleader.
Missy Cross
Instructor (Singing for Actors)
Missy is an actor, director, and theatre producer. She sings in a touring blues rock band called Wooden Horsemen and spearheads her own company Mindful Actor Workshops. A VFS alumna, she has taught camera, voice, singing, and has also directed student work.
Sam Bregoliss
Artist, Educator & Creator
Sam has worked as a dancer, actor, and choreographer for the past 10 years. He has had the privilege of performing, choreographing, and adjudicating all across North America and Europe. Sam has appeared in award-winning short film Eleftheromania, starring Olympia Dukakis, and in national marketing campaigns for Save-on-Foods. In the spring of 2020, he partnered with the Kamloops Music Collective and began producing/directing online musical theatre content for young audiences. He is thrilled to bring you his first-hand knowledge and industry experience, along with his passion and dedication for arts education.