Amelie CameronWhen I was young, I dreamed of becoming the next big child star (kind of like Dakota Fanning and the Harry Potter lead actors). That’s why I took a few acting classes as a child and auditioned a couple of times for different projects.
Obviously, I didn’t become a big-time actress, but I have participated in a few commercials and local plays. I’ve made many friends because of acting, and I’ve also found that I do love it. So, I decided to continue taking acting classes when I could.
Here are some of the best ones in Toronto, in my opinion. Some I’ve personally tried, while others are recommended to me by my fellow thespians.
- EVN Film Studios
- Alza Acting Studio
- Milne Acting Studio
- Armstrong Acting Studios
- Cindy Tanas Actors Studio
- Miriam Laurence Studio
- Toronto Film School
- Toronto Academy of Acting
- LB Acting Studio
- Karen Ivany Acting Classes
- Children’s Arts Theatre School
- Talent INC Canada
- Reel Talents T.O.
- Bravo Academy for the Performing Arts
EVN Film Studios
– From: evnfilmstudios
Address: 2465 Dundas St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165366939
EVN Film Studios is one of the first acting schools I tried when I decided to come back to acting as an adult, and now I’m one of its returning students.
What I love about this school is the way the teachers approach the craft. They argue that acting is an act of “being and doing;” “being” refers to the role, and “doing” refers to living the life of the role.
I know the concept sounds vague, but essentially, this approach focuses on the importance of listening and perceiving—not just during filming but also during our day-to-day lives. It’s such a simple approach, but a game-changer all the same.
There’s a wide variety of classes offered here. If you’re new to acting, you can take any of the beginner-level classes (or the seminar about breaking into acting), and as you get better, you can attend the intermediate and advanced ones.
| Pro Tip: Feeling shy? You might want to book a private coaching class instead. |
Alza Acting Studio
– From: alzaactingstudio
Address: 7 Hayden St Suite 207S
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Saturday—10 am to 8 pm
- Tuesday to Friday—10 am to 9:30 pm
- Sunday—10:30 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14168508936
Named after the Latin word that means “to rise,” Alza Acting Studio is truly an acting school for aspiring actors. After all, this place has produced many successful actors in the past 20 years (e.g., RJ Parrish, Craig Porriet, and Brendan Jeffers)!
The classes here are always fun and engaging. You’ll be given original sides (small sections of a script), and you have to provide your own interpretation and flourish to them.
There will also be lectures about certain topics that will help you improve your craft. I particularly like the classes on how to understand and use tempo in acting, how to develop the character you’ll be playing, and how to analyze a script.
| Pro Tip: This studio offers private coaching. Sometimes, there are also classes that you can take in the comfort of your home. You can specify if you prefer private coaching or online classes in the registration form. |
Milne Acting Studio
– From: bradmilne
Address: 500 Queens Quay W #105e
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 4 pm
- Sunday—2 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477824888
Milne Acting Studio weaves different acting principles of different actors (most notably, Konstantin Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg, and Stella Adler) into their training. As a result, students here develop a wide range of acting skills.
This studio offers classes for all ages and all difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone. I personally love the classes for adults. I got to learn about Brad Milne’s script interpretation technique, which has been helpful in my projects.
Aside from acting classes, there are also classes about improv, self-tapes, audition, and more.
| Pro Tip: If you prefer attending a class where you’re the only student, book a private coaching session instead. |
Armstrong Acting Studios
– From: armstrongacting
Address: 9 Davies Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14164830056
Honestly, I first heard about Armstrong Acting Studios (AAS) from pretty well-known actors like Nina Dobrev and Mishael Morgan. Curious, I decided to book a class here on a whim, and now I totally understand why these actors recommend this acting studio.
I love that the classes here are divided by age groups, so you’ll be able to learn and grow with your peers. The executive director will also take the time to review each application to ensure that everyone is placed in the right class.
The beginner-level classes introduce you first to language and methodology before you get to the practical side of training.
After these Intro to Acting classes, you can make your way through the intermediate and advanced ones, which will teach more about breaking down stories, identifying conflict, and finding spontaneity in auditions and other types of acting work.
| Pro Tip: This school offers discounts for people who are members of certain associations, especially ACTRA and SAG-AFTRA. |
Cindy Tanas Actors Studio
– From: cindytanasactorsstudio
Address: 643 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165655005
What I love about Cindy Tanas Actors Studio is that their approach is more holistic than technical. Cindy Tanas believes that life is a stage in and of itself, and we can learn how to act by simply tuning into our emotional and psychological selves.
The classes usually focus on learning how to integrate our mind and body so that our facial expressions and movements seem natural and fluid. The instructor will also train you how to connect to your emotions and stay grounded during filming.
Aside from the practical acting classes, there are also studies about studying scenes and reading plays.
| Pro Tips: If you can’t make it to the studio, you can book an online class instead. Contact Cindy directly via email ([email protected]). The studio also offers a free consultation if you’re interested. This is your chance to see if this acting studio is for you. |
Miriam Laurence Studio
– From: actingstudiotoronto
Address: 474 Ontario St
Operating Hours: Monday and Sunday—12:30 to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163999457
Miriam Laurence has been training actors for over 35 years, so you can expect to learn a lot from her when booking a class at her studio.
The instructors here use integrated method acting techniques. Students usually begin their classes with voice warm-ups, a bit of yoga for body alignment, and theater games for spontaneity. Then, you delve into technical lessons.
I love that the classes cover a wide range of techniques. We don’t just study text analysis and memorization techniques, but we also learn about monologues and tips and tricks for surviving auditions.
| Pro Tip: If you’re shy or you just want the instructor to be focused on you, you might want to book a private class. You can have it in person at the studio or online. |
Toronto Film School
– From: torontofilmschool
Address: 460 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—7:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—7:30 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14169290121
Toronto Film School is truly a haven for aspiring filmmakers. This school offers a wide variety of programs about film production; there are even programs about video game production and graphic design!
In terms of acting, you can choose what art form to specialize in: do you want to become a film and television actor, theater actor, or voice-over artist? You can also learn about other skills, such as screenwriting!
Graduates of Toronto Film School have gone on to work on big-time projects like The Boys, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Priscilla. So, it’s hard not to feel inspired and motivated when studying here.
| Pro Tip: If you don’t think you can commit to on-campus lessons, you might want to sign up for Toronto Film School’s online programs instead. |
Toronto Academy of Acting
– From: torontoacademyofacting
Address: 219 Dufferin Street, Unit #1D
Operating Hours:
- Monday—9 am to 6 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—10 am to 8:30 pm
- Thursday—10 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165368574
Toronto Academy of Acting is another haven for aspiring thespians. This school is recognized as a career college, so you can get diplomas and certificates here. The best part is anyone can attend a class here—yes, including children and teenagers!
The acting programs here are divided into several eight-week courses. You can start with the Scene Study for Beginners, a class that teaches you how to break down scenes into “beats” and assign specific actions and emotions to each beat.
There are other specific courses available. For example, you can take their course about method acting or how to audition for TV commercials if you’re interested.
| Pro Tip: If you can’t afford any of the diploma or certificate programs, you can try to get a scholarship or financial aid instead. There are several scholarships and financial aid programs available for this school. |
LB Acting Studio
– From: lbactingstudio
Address: 672 Dupont St Suite 311
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +16472214387
Located in the heart of Toronto, LB Acting Studio offers weekly group classes and periodic workshops that are perfect for both beginners and working actors alike.
The main approach to acting taught here is based on the “science of the human brain.” Essentially, the instructors believe that a character grows from the actors; it’s not something that actors have to construct.
The beginner classes for acting focus on the technical aspects of the craft, and if you’re a returning student, the intermediate and advanced classes delve deeper into the techniques. You’ll also learn how to memorize scripts effectively.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a teenager who wants to learn how to act but can’t go to the studio’s physical location, they’re offering virtual classes. |
Karen Ivany Acting Classes
– From: thekarenivany
Address: 30 Bridgman Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165040474
Aside from being an actress, Karen Ivany also served as a curriculum creator and instructor of the Acting Program at The Second City Training Centre. Needless to say, she’s passionate about acting, and you can tell that when attending any of her classes.
The classes here all include lessons in scene breakdown, script analysis, and memorization tips. You’ll also get to learn about objective observation and how to use this in building your character.
What I love about this acting school is that the classes only have a handful of students. Because of this, you won’t feel the pressure, and the instructor can give everyone detailed feedback.
| Pro Tips: Karen Ivany offers a free consultation, so if you’re interested to see if she’s the teacher for you, you can drop her a message via her contact form. If you’re scared about having to act in front of other people, you can book a private coaching session instead. |
Children’s Arts Theatre School
– From: catsdrama
Address: 4 Morningside Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14165382121
I’ve never actually booked a class at Children’s Arts Theatre School but many of my friends sent their children here, and they all love it. So, I have to recommend it to those aspiring young actors out there. Even toddlers as young as three are welcome here!
This school is focused on theater and drama, so young actors get to learn about what it means to act on stage. Classes here are always exciting because there are drama games and hilarious improv exercises.
The best part is that there’s a production at the end of the program, so you can see your child show off their acting prowess! I’ve watched a few of these productions, and I am so amazed to see the talent of these young actors!
| Pro Tips: If you’re unsure about committing to this school, they offer free trial classes. Send them a query via the contact form. If your child can’t come to the winter or fall classes, you can send them to summer camp instead. |
Talent INC Canada
– From: talentinccanada
Address: 550 Queen St E G120
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 to 8 pm
- Sunday—9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Contact Number: +16477487600
If you’re serious about becoming a Hollywood star, you should book a class at Talent INC Canada. This acting school hosts national showcases where you perform in front of top agents and casting directors, so your dreams might come true overnight!
I love that there are many classes here. Some are the typical ones like scene studies and on-camera acting lessons, while others are more niche, such as monologue classes, techniques for smaller roles, and voice-over lessons.
This school is also open to all ages, so you and your little one can learn acting together (though in different classes). I actually met a student here who was four years old! I was so impressed!
| Pro Tip: If you want to participate in their national showcase, you need to fill out this form and submit it before the deadline. |
Reel Talents T.O.
– From: reeltalentsto
Address: 2639 Dundas St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +14168583987
What I love about Reel Talents T.O. is that their teaching approach isn’t just to lecture to students. The instructors also take the time to know the students because they believe that an actor must know their truth and unique personality to succeed.
That’s why the classes can feel customized just for you—even though you’re with other students. I learned how to tap seamlessly into my emotions here, and now it’s a technique I keep going back to whenever I’m acting in a project.
The classes here have several levels. The first is an introduction to commercials, film, and TV acting, and as you progress, you’ll delve deeper into the nitty-gritty of show business (e.g. how to create a demo reel and techniques to ace an audition).
| Pro Tip: If you want to feel immersed when studying acting, you might want to join their acting retreats. |
Bravo Academy for the Performing Arts
– From: bravo_academy
Address: 77 Samor Rd Unit#4, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—2 to 9 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +16473507464
If your niche of interest is musical theater, then Bravo Academy for the Performing Arts is the school for you. It’s the school I keep hearing about from my actor friends who do musical theater, and I can understand why.
This school has everything you need to forge a career in musical theater. They have private music lessons and classes on how to act and perform in a musical. The training is well-rounded, so after their programs, students can add many skills to their resume.
I also love that you get to participate in an actual musical production. The rehearsals are very fun—though very tiring as well—and the thrill of performing in front of a crowd is unmatched!
| Pro Tip: If you have a child who loves musical theater, they might want to join Bravo Academy’s summer camp. |
