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.

Actors are supported by industry professionals who share knowledge and counsel on best practices and the realities of working in the screen industry. The 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 skillsets through the following:

STRENGTHENING THEIR INSTRUMENT

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

EXPANDING ONSCREEN WORK

The Conservatory offers a wide variety of on-camera workshops, productions and exercises. These opportunities are designed to strengthen an actor’s onscreen acting skills as they work towards building a solid body of produced work. Actors will gain a better understanding of how camera impacts performance, how to work with a director to maximize the cinematic potential of a scene, and how best to interact and engage with industry expectations and onset protocols.

STRENGTHENING CREATIVE STORYTELLING AND COLLABORATIVE SKILLS

As part of the larger creative ecosystem at the CFC, actors in the Conservatory work closely with creators and talent across a range of programs and disciplines. Through this collaborative process, actors 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 expand their creative and professional network.

OWNING THE AUDITION PROCESS

Actors will work with a wide variety of material, characters and genres to explore within multiple audition settings. They benefit from specific coaching and feedback on their audition work from a diverse range of casting and industry professionals, leaving the Conservatory with confidence in their ability to properly prepare for an audition and fully deliver on their intentions in the room.

ACCELERATING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER STRATEGIES

Actors meet with a number of industry professionals to gain a better understanding of the wider screen-based business. Guests and mentors share knowledge, coaching and insights into different aspects of the business, providing tools and strategies for actors to manage their careers.

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

RBC COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

The RBC Competitive Advantage series is a new component of the CBC Actors Conservatory, made possible thanks to support from the RBC Foundation. This offering was created to build on the Conservatory’s impact, offering CFC Actors Conservatory residents and alumni access to continued high-level training and opportunities to expand their skill set and strengthen their abilities to remain healthy, relevant and self-sufficient.  

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, CHRO, at: dfallows@cfccreates.com.

CONTACT

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

*Application Deadline Update – Extended to April 15*

As we all do our part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmissions and to maintain a period of social distancing, we are aware that it might be difficult for some applicants to record a professional self-tape at this time. As a result, we have extended the CBC Actors Conservatory application deadline to Wednesday, April 15, and we continue to accept self-tapes that are recorded at home. Please reach out to us directly if you have any questions or concerns with your application.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

As part of the online application form, you will be asked to upload PDF files of each document listed below. Be sure to include your full name on each document.

1. Letter of Intent (ONE PAGE)

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 craft? What skills would you like to further develop as an actor and how do you plan to do that within the Conservatory?

2. Acting Resume

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. Letters of Intent (MAX 2)

Letters from individuals familiar with your acting abilities. The letters should emphasize your proven commitment to your craft and be addressed to the ‘Actors Conservatory Selection Committee.’ These can be uploaded with the application, or emailed directly by the referee to programs@cfccreates.com.

5. Self-Tape

Demonstrating your range and talent, your self-tape should be a three- to four-page scene from film or television in the style of an audition self-tape.

SELECTION PROCESS

APPLICATION

Please review all application requirements in advance of submitting.

All applicants will be notified via email of their application status no later than the end of April. Due to the high volume of applicants, feedback will only be offered to shortlisted applicants.

INTERVIEW & AUDITION

A selection committee comprised of industry professionals from across Canada and key program staff are involved in the review process.

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by phone of audition and interview dates and times.

An audition and interview mark the final stage of the selection process. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are intended to clarify each applicant’s expectations and assist the committee in determining which candidates will best contribute to and benefit from the Conservatory’s immersive design.

If you are shortlisted, auditions take place towards the end of April and you will be notified of acceptance soon thereafter.

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, CHRO, at: dfallows@cfccreates.com.

CONTACT

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

The RBC Competitive Advantage series is a new component of the CBC Actors Conservatory, made possible thanks to support from the RBC Foundation.

This component was created to help grow the actor’s international opportunities, well being and career longevity. It will offer CFC actor alumni access to continued high level training, select workshops to expand their skills set and strengthen their abilities to remain healthy, relevant and self sufficient.

2019 OFFERINGS:

1. LINDY DAVIES' TORONTO INTENSIVES

Lindy Davies & CFC are delighted to announce Lindy's 2019 Toronto Intensives/Master Classes will be presented in collaboration with the CFC’s RBC Competitive Advantage series.

2. ADVANCED MEISNER INTENSIVE

Lead by Stephanie Jones, the CFC is delighted to host an advanced 3 day Meisner preparation workshop this fall. Participation for actor alum was made possible through the CFC’s RBC Competitive Advantage Series.

3. ARTISTS & WELL-BEING CLINIC

Presented by the CFC’s RBC Competitive Advantage Series in partnership with The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre, this 2 day clinic explores stress management and mental wellness, offering best practices and strategies for living a healthy artist life. Topics include: Master the Art of Managing Stress: Finding Balance with the Four Elements, The Power of Words: Intention & Attention, Mental Health Self-Care and Living Well with Stress.

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 insight 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: