If you are an aspiring actor from outside of Canada hoping to start your career here, you have probably got a lot of questions. While the answer can be a little complicated — requirements for actors vary by country and by industry — there are a lot of great acting schools in Canada that do accept international students and can help advise you further about what your career options might be once you have completed your training.
COMPLETING YOUR ACTING TRAINING IN CANADA
International students tend to benefit greatly from their time studying in Canada. Many of them will enroll in acting courses or degree programs at Canadian universities or other educational institutions. Many of these programs provide a solid foundation for aspiring actors, allowing them to gain skills and experience in their field. There are also lots of great schools that focus on specific niches in the entertainment industry, so there really is something for everyone.
In addition, studying in Canada can also help international students gain exposure to different styles and techniques of acting. Actors who want to work in Hollywood or Broadway will be able to master specific and relevant techniques.
CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FIND WORK AFTER TRAINING?
There are certainly some challenges that international actors will face after completing their training programs in Canada. One of the top 10 acting schools on our list, VADA Studios, specifically tackles this question on the FAQ page of their website.
VADA says they absolutely accept International students, and that students who come from around the world to VADA thrive in their environment of diversity and multiculturalism. The VADA community is one that encourages idea and viewpoint exchanging to enrich the experiences of everyone.
Not only that, but if a student is enrolled in a DLI (otherwise known as a Designated Learning Institution), they are able to apply for a visa which that lets them work off campus on a part time basis during school, as well as a full time basis during break periods. (Be aware that students should be attending a program that goes for at least six months to qualify for this.)
However, VADA says that even though they are a Designated Learning Institution, students who apply for a PGWP (Post Graduate Work Permit) would most likely be unsuccessful in ultimately receiving one. The majority of international graduates who complete one of VADA’s programs will ultimately return to their home country to begin working in the entertainment industry there, where they find themselves well equipped to do so.
In conclusion, there is certainly some extra work that goes into attending acting schools in Canada if you’re an international student. The training, however, is excellent, and the experience is well worth the extra paperwork and requirements. While there are definitely some barriers international students will face when trying to work in Canada after they have completed their training, they will have learned some truly amazing techniques that will help them confidently launch their careers internationally.
