Training and Counselling

Theatre Ontario offers a variety of training activities:

• For emerging actors, our workshop Getting Started For Actors
• For emerging producers, and actors looking to self-produce, our workshop Self-Start: The Basics Of Producing
• For artists seeking intensive training, our Summer Theatre Intensive (acting and directing) and Weekend Retreat (behind the scenes)
• For youth seeking intensive training, our Youth Scene Study Program
• For teachers, practictioners and audiences, our appreciate course (in partnership with the Shaw Festival), By George! A Theatre Immersion
• Special courses such as Introduction To Adjudication and Adjudicators Symposium
• Special workshops such as Personal Taxes for Theatre Artists and Being A Self-Employed Contractor
• For elementary and secondary school teachers, our workshops (in partnership with CODE), Classroom Stages

We also support training and mentorship programs such as:

• For artists seeking funding for professional development in any discipline (except performance), our Professional Theatre Training Program
• For organizations seeking funding for unique training programs for youth, our Youth Theatre Training Program
• For professional directors seeking an internship opportunity, the Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival
• For community and educational theatre organizations seeking workshop leaders, our Talent Bank

For information on post-secondary training, please visit Post-Secondary (College and University) Training.

Counselling

Free counselling services are offered to Theatre Ontario members on specific needs that are not addressed in our regular workshops.  With broad experience in every aspect of theatre, our staff has the expertise to answer questions, to help resolve issues affecting your career or your organization, or to direct you to the appropriate sources of information.

Training From Our Members

For over twenty years, the Toronto Association of Acting Studios (TAAS) has been an association of independent studios offering a wide variety of high-quality approaches to the craft of acting and theatrical skills. Here is their advice when choosing any training program:

• Ask questions!
• What are the instructor's credentials and qualifications?
• What will the course include?
• Is the emphasis on teaching or performance/studio/theatre promotion?
• What is the cost of the course?
• Are there any other costs (books, class notes, administration fees)?
• What is the refund policy?
• How large is the class?
• Is there a maximum enrolment?
• Will you be placed in a class suitable to your skill?
• Can you audit the class before you sign up for it?
• Will the studio meet with you in person, answering all your questions?

Even the most highly rated studio may not be right for you.

Find training:

• Workshops You Want - a catalogue of workshops for organizations looking to host a workshop
• Studios, Acting Coaches and Continuing Education
• Training programs from theatre producers (coming soon)
• Youth Training (coming soon)
• Theatre workshops can be found on The Bulletin Board