Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts

05/09/2026

Down to Clown??

Clown School offers training in contemporary clown as a practice of presence, play and connection. Drawing from the lineage of Richard Pochinko alongside improvisation and embodied performance, the work focuses on attention, responsiveness and staying with not-knowing.

Through simple exercises, repetition and live exploration, students develop spontaneity, awareness and the ability to work under pressure. Clown is approached not as a style, but as a foundation for creative expression: supporting performers and non-performers alike in becoming more present, responsive and alive in front of others.

This summer, we are offering two different workshops at the AV Studio in Chinatown, Victoria, BC:

FUNDAMENTALS is a beginner-friendly course.

DEEP DIVE is for folks with some previous experience.

“Jouez et Rejouez” Clown School with Britt Small Clown School offers training in contemporary clown as a practice of presence, play and connection. Drawing from the lineage of Richard P…

04/23/2026

Update! Our upcoming intro class will be with our regular instructor, the great Joe McCoy! Come join us for some fun!

Jump into something exciting as you learn the basics of acting, the art’s language, and how to read between the lines. Explore what lies beneath the surface—the concept of authenticity, and the quality of being present. This 16-hour beginner’s course covers lots of material—all in a safe, entertaining, and often hilarious environment. Come prepared to work and be rewarded with a fun and thought-provoking experience.

Whether you’re starting your training to act on camera as a professional or just for a new adventure, this exciting intro class is the perfect place to begin.

Dates / Time: Tuesdays, 8-10pm
Apr. 28th to Jun. 16th
Also:
Jun. 23rd to Aug. 11th

Instructor: Joe McCoy
Fees: $279.00 (+GST)

This is the place to make your start. Learn how to act with a fun group of people like you. Thursday night acting classes in Victoria, BC.

04/16/2026

This intermediate-level class will require focus, commitment, and a willingness to put yourself into the work. Material will change week to week, dependent on students’ progress, offering students a safe environment to grow in their work.

Dates / Time: Mondays, 7-9pm
Apr. 27th to Jun. 15th

Instructor: Ian Ferguson
Fees: $289.00 (+GST)

This scene study class provides 24 hours over 8 weeks of on camera, acting training on-your-feet. You will work w/ fun, sharp, passionate, exciting scenes.

12/11/2025

Casting Call:

10/24/2025

This intermediate-level class will require focus, commitment, and a willingness to put yourself into the work. Material will change week to week, dependent on students’ progress, offering students a safe environment to grow in their work.

Dates / Time: Mondays, 7-9pm
Jan. 05th to Feb. 23rd

Instructor: Adam Thomas
Fees: $289.00 (+GST)

10/24/2025

Sold out for Oct 14-Dec 2!

Jump into something exciting as you learn the basics of acting, the art’s language, and how to read between the lines. Explore what lies beneath the surface—the concept of authenticity, and the quality of being present. This 16-hour beginner’s course covers lots of material—all in a safe, entertaining, and often hilarious environment. Come prepared to work and be rewarded with a fun and thought-provoking experience.

Whether you’re starting your training to act on camera as a professional or just for a new adventure, this exciting intro class is the perfect place to begin.

Dates / Time: Tuesdays, 8-10pm
Jan. 06th to Feb. 24th

Instructor: Joe McCoy
Fees: $279.00 (+GST)

08/31/2025

Getting “in the room” for auditions is no longer the issue as much as how to effectively self-tape your work. This has added a new level of commitment and knowledge that actors must have. How do you stand out and make a good impression? This course will take you through the auditioning process, including:
How to quickly analyze an audition script (sides)
How to find the arc of the character, even if you only have a few lines
Six steps to bring your scene alive
Tips for dealing with audition nerves
Callbacks & follow-ups
Effective use of props & wardrobe
This is a great course for those who want to learn the basics of auditioning or for those who would like to brush up with a weekly auditioning workout. We will also learn how to self-tape, what equipment you need, and what the expectations of a casting director are. We’ll also discuss and learn about callbacks. This course will provide you with all the tools you need to audition like a pro.

Instructor: Kelly Daniels

Pricing: $279.00 (+GST)

Dates & Time: Wednesday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm PDT
Sept. 24th to Nov. 12th

This is the place to make your start. Learn how to act with a fun group of people like you. Thursday night acting classes in Victoria, BC.

07/28/2025

Jump into something exciting as you learn the basics of acting, the art’s language, and how to read—between the lines. Explore what lies beneath the surface—the concept of authenticity, and the quality of being present. This 16-hour beginner’s course covers lots of material—all in a safe, entertaining, and often hilarious environment. Come prepared to work and be rewarded with a fun and thought-provoking experience.

Whether you’re starting your training to act on camera as a professional, or just for a new adventure, this exciting intro class is the perfect place to begin.

Dates / Time: Tuesdays, 8-10pm
Aug. 19th to Oct. 07th

Instructor: Joe McCoy
Fees: $279.00 (+GST)

This is the place to make your start. Learn how to act with a fun group of people like you. Thursday night acting classes in Victoria, BC.

07/18/2025

Rescheduled to August!

This intermediate-level class will require focus, commitment, and a willingness to put yourself inside the work. Material will change week to week dependent on students’ progress, offering students a safe environment to grow in their work.

Dates / Time: Mondays, 7-9pm
Aug. 25th to Oct. 13th

Instructor: Adam Thomas
Fees: $279.00 (+GST)

This scene study class provides 24 hours over 8 weeks of on camera, acting training on-your-feet. You will work w/ fun, sharp, passionate, exciting scenes.

06/11/2025

Now accepting applications for our two full-time programs:
Year One: Acting for Film & TV Diploma
Year Two: Actors Intensive: Working With Directors Program
Find more information about our programs at vadarts.com

Explore our full time programs for actors who are training for film and television. Two levels of full time programs are available.