Acting for Stage & Screen
Aidan Hardy & Ryan Kearns in Clue On Stage, 2023. (Photo by Patrick Leung).
The Acting for Stage and Screen Diploma is an immersive, three-year training program that provides students with the skills necessary to begin a professional acting career in theatre, film and television.
What makes ASAS unique?
ASAS offers acting courses in stage and screen techniques every year of the program.
The split between stage and screen training is about 50/50.
You’ll take courses in film production and other elements of film work, including MOCAP (Motion Capture) techniques.
ASAS students have opportunities to collaborate with MOPA (Motion Picture & Performing Arts) students on short films and other projects.
Most ASAS courses are studio classes, meaning you are learning and practising skills in voice, movement and acting in class.
The ASAS program is a conservatory-style program where you take classes with a cohort.
Performance opportunities include mock auditions with local theatre directors and producers. In your final year, you’ll perform on the Blueshore Theatre as part of our Mainstage Season.
Every graduate performs in our Graduation Showcase, which local agents and producers attend.
All courses are taught by faculty who are active professionals in their fields.
“The faculty here didn’t just teach me acting.
They taught me how to step into the industry and take ownership of my dream.”
— Tai Leathem, ASAS 2025
ASAS graduate Jenn Adelle during filming of a project in Screen Acting class (2026). Students train extensively in screen acting, often collaborating with the Motion Picture Arts program. (Photo courtesy Jenn Adelle.)
FAQ’s
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Yes. Everyone who applies to ASAS must audition.
A detailed overview of the application and audition process is available on our Audition Info - Acting page.
Full instructions will be sent to you once your initial application to CapU has been received.
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Distance Auditions are available! Detailed information will be sent to you once you have submitted your application.
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Deadlines for applications can be found here.
Usually, we do two rounds of auditions: one in February and one in May for the following fall, but this varies slightly from year to year. Click on the link above for this year’s details.
If you are determined to attend school in the fall, we recommend you submit your application in time for the earlier audition cycle (February). -
It varies between the different years of the program, but overall the majority of your classes are studio classes, meaning you are on your feet, and learning and practising those skills right there in class. Assignments are often practical as well, and presented in class.
Many classes also include some written work, including reflections and essays.
For a complete list of ASAS courses and links to course outlines, go here.
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Yes. The ASAS program has many opportunities to perform that are included as courses in your program.
Generally, 1rst Year is focussed on building foundational skills and in-class work.
However, in 2nd Year there is a performance project presented in the Arbutus Studio, and in 3rd Year, the performance project is presented in the Blueshore Theatre. Both of these productions are open to the public.
Other performance opportunities include in-class scene work, end of term show cases, screen projects, and working with MOPA students.