The Actors Conservatory experience is a combination of tailored mentorship, workshops, and industry sessions that target the artistic, collaborative, practical, and business aspects of acting for the screen. This full-time, six-month program is designed to increase an actor’s confidence working in film and television, while expanding their onscreen portfolio, and establishing strong creative and industry partnerships.

Each actor will have different trajectories and goals coming into and upon leaving the program, so we take a targeted approach to skill development where possible, consulting with participants along the way.

This program is designed to engage a multitude of working professionals on short-term contracts as workshop leaders, consultants, and mentors who best reflect the needs of each cohort. We do not operate with a full-time/permanent faculty.

To ensure we have the flexibility to build the most suitable program activities for each cohort, we do not have a set curriculum. Elements of the program, including mentors, guests, and workshops, will change annually according to the needs of the specific cohort and changes in our industry, while continuing to reflect the core components outlined below.

The program is full-time, with the expectation that it is a priority for participants. We schedule a lot of activities, as well as pockets of time for you to digest the learning, and apply feedback to your preparation and practice.

In general, the program runs Monday to Friday during business hours, with exceptions made for guest availability, and for production activities as necessary. We cluster in-person program days wherever possible, with other days being set up for virtual/remote participation, as appropriate.

The CFC does not take any ownership of underlying IP to material brought into or created during the program, but does own the completed produced exercises and showcases, as all insurance, agreements, and ongoing liabilities are with the CFC.

Actors are supported by industry professionals who share knowledge and counsel on best practices and the realities of working in the screen industry. The CBC Actors Conservatory offers actors continued opportunities to put their learning into practice, with guidance and feedback at key stages. Actors refine their creative process and expand their skills through the following:

1. STRENGTHENING YOUR INSTRUMENT

Actors participate in workshops and intensives that explore a variety of approaches and techniques. Actors are challenged artistically within a productive forum, while expanding their acting toolkit.

2. EXPANDING ONSCREEN WORK

The Conservatory offers a variety of on-camera audition workshops, and script-to-screen scene studies, productions, and exercises. These opportunities are designed to strengthen an actor’s onscreen confidence, while adding new work to their reel. Actors will gain a better understanding of how the camera impacts performance, how to work with a director and editor to maximize the cinematic potential of a scene, and how best to interact and engage with industry expectations and onset protocols.

3. BREAKING DOWN THE SCRIPT-TO-SCREEN PROCESS

As part of the larger creative ecosystem at the CFC, actors engage in case studies and workshops that deconstruct how other artists approach screen storytelling. Through this collaborative process, actors will build a deeper understanding of what different disciplines bring to the onscreen storytelling process, how to effectively engage in the script-to-screen process, and how to expand their creative and professional network.

4. NAVIGATING THE BUSINESS & BUILDING CAREER STRATEGIES

Guests and mentors coach and share knowledge and insights into different aspects of the business, providing tools and strategies for actors to maximize opportunities.

Actors come to understand their rights as a performer, their role within the film and TV business, and best practices both on and off screen. They leave the Conservatory with a renewed perspective on building their career, more empowered to manage life as a professional artist.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The CFC is committed to providing accessible practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, or have any questions regarding appropriate accommodations please contact Deborah Fallows, Executive Lead, People & Culture, at: dfallows@cfccreates.com.

CONTACT

For questions and clarifications, please contact: programs@cfccreates.com.

WHAT YOU NEED

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete an online form, as well as upload a PDF comprised of your Acting Resumé/CV, a headshot, and a self-tape. You will be able to save and resume your application - you don't need to complete it in one sitting.

1. Letter of Intent [MAX 1000 WORDS]

This is our introduction to you! Please outline what you hope to achieve by attending the Actors Conservatory. How might this program specifically help you advance your process and practice for the screen? What skills would you like to further develop? What are you looking to explore/understand about working in the screen industries?

2. ACTING RESUMÉ / CURRICULUM VITAE [MAX TWO (2) PAGES]

A current and brief account of your acting experience, including education, training, and theatre/onscreen credits.

3. Headshot

A current photo or headshot in .jpeg or .pdf format.

4. Self-Tape

Your self-tape should be a three- to four-page scene from film or television in the style of an audition, including your slate. Your slate should be your full name, agent/agency (if applicable), union affiliation(s) (if applicable), and the role/source of material you will be presenting. Please choose a piece and/or character that is meaningful to you.

Some self-tape tips:

• Be off book – in other words, memorize your lines, to the best of your ability.
• You should be the only person on camera.
• Frame yourself from the chest up, without having too much extra head space above you. The camera should be at eye level.
• If using a smartphone as a camera, remember to turn the phone horizontal, so that the footage is recorded in landscape mode.
• It is best if the camera is stationary, on a tripod or solid surface, rather than being held by another person.
• If you are shooting on your own, free versions of apps such as Slatable and Zoom can help make the process easier.
• If you are using a reader, they should be as far from the camera as you are, so that their voice is not louder than yours in the recording.
• Avoid background noise: turn off or do not shoot next to loud machines such as fans, air conditioners, etc, close windows to block street noise, and make sure other occupants of the space are quiet while you’re recording.
• Soft natural lighting is best – shoot during the day if you can, but avoid harsh direct sunlight that will make you look over exposed. You may want to turn on additional lights, and you should avoid distracting shadows on your face and body.
• Choose a plain, neutral coloured back drop, such as a blank wall or solid sheet. Do not shoot in front of a bright window, as you will show up in silhouette.

5. YOUR ADVOCATES

Please provide us with contact information (phone and email) for up to two (2) people who are familiar with you, your work, your process, and/or your artistic aspirations. We may reach out to your advocate(s) to arrange a phone or video call.

OUR SELECTION PROCESS

APPLICATION

Please review all application requirements in advance of submitting.

All applicants will be notified via email of their application status.

Due to the high volume of applicants, feedback will only be offered to shortlisted applicants.

interview & audition-style scene workshop

A pre-selection committee comprised of industry professionals and key program staff will be assembled to create a shortlist of applicants selected for a final interview and audition-style scene workshop, after a thorough review of your application materials.

We will notify shortlisted applicants of interview and workshop dates and times via email. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are intended to clarify each applicant’s expectations, and assist the committee in determining which candidates will best benefit from and contribute to the Conservatory’s immersive design. 

We will also share in advance who is on the final selection committee. Our pre- and final selection committees will reflect a cross-section of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and will include CFC alum/working professionals.

All components of the interview and workshop will take place online/virtually, in mid-June.

The CFC will provide feedback to all shortlisted candidates who request it, regardless of the outcome.

Applicants selected for the program will be contacted within a few weeks after the interviews. 

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The CFC is committed to providing accessible practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, or have any questions regarding appropriate accommodations, please contact Deborah Fallows, Executive Lead, People & Culture, at: dfallows@cfccreates.com.

CONTACT

For questions and clarifications, please contact: programs@cfccreates.com.

RBC Competitive Advantage Series is made possible thanks to support from the RBC Foundation, and was created to help grow actors’ international opportunities, wellbeing, and career longevity. It offers CFC actors (residents and alum) access to continued high-level training, including select workshops to expand their skill sets and strengthen their abilities to remain healthy, relevant, and self-sufficient.

OVERVIEW OF SELECT 2021 PROGRAM OFFERINGS:

1. Lindy Davies’ Autonomous Creator Intensive - Virtual Version

Supported in part through the CFC’s RBC Competitive Advantage Series, Australia’s Lindy Davies and CFC Actors Conservatory alum Araya Mengesha, Jean-Michel Le Gal, Varun Saranga, Emily Piggford, and Harveen Sandhu designed and planned a virtual edition of Lindy’s Autonomous Creator acting intensive. Combining on-site guidance from alum with remote coaching from Lindy, actors experienced three weeks of focused artistic discovery and growth.

2. INTRODUCTION TO MOTION CAPTURE

Presented by the CFC’s RBC Competitive Advantage Series in partnership with MOCAP-U’s Ivan Sherry and CFC alumna Amber Goldfarb, this two-day hands-on workshop provided a comprehensive overview of how motion capture intersects with film and TV, and its exclusive place in video games. Alongside shooting scenes with motion capture on-site at Sheridan Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT), the workshop covered the additional topics of: basic motion capture etiquette, audition and performance considerations for motion capture roles, and motion capture trends and growth in the Canadian screen industry. All actors received a demo reel of their best footage from the day, created with their input.

3. Stunt Workshop with Stunt Coordinator Angelica Lisk-Hahn

Led by experienced Stunt Coordinator and performer Angelica Lisk-Hann, actors participated in an advanced stunt prep workshop, where they were walked through the role of a Stunt Coordinator, including the proper process, rules, and regulations to follow when working with stunts and Stunt Coordinators during prep, and while on set.

Actors experienced first hand what goes into choreographing basic stunts, both with partners and as individuals, and reviewed the footage in real time for feedback and redirects.

4. CREATIVE MONEY: TECHNIQUES TO FEEL AT HOME IN YOUR FINANCES

Presented by the CFC’s RBC Competitive Advantage Series in partnership with Rags to Reasonable’s Chris Enns, this session offers techniques and insights into financial management for working actors. Topics include: Defining Financial Goals, Clarifying the Building Blocks of Financial Stability, Variable Income, Fundamentals of Tax, Money Management Tools, and Saving and Debt Management.

SUPPORTED BY: