Acting for Film & Television
On-Campus Certificate Courses
Grow your acting skillset & portfolio for the entertainment industry.
This is your opportunity to connect with yourself and other actors around the world who want to take the first steps in discovering and developing their craft.
We welcome enthusiasts, high school students, mature students, and anyone looking to make a career change. When you finish a certificate course at Vancouver Film School, you will receive a digital certificate of completion confirming your experience.
Explore the certificate courses:
* Upon successful completion of a SHORT-TRACK course, the cost can be deducted from any full-time Advanced Production program tuition at VFS. Only one discount may be applied. Contact a VFS Advisor for eligibility.
**Students must confirm they are at least 16 years old at the beginning of the course in order to register.
***Please note that courses may be cancelled at any time due to low enrolment. Upon cancellation, registrants will receive a full refund.
To meet your industry instructor(s), click here.
If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]
Acting: From Script to Screen (on-campus)
This 7-week course empowers actors in their professional journey as an actor. This course is intended for students with some previous acting experience and a basic understanding of the craft.
With expert guidance from instructors, you will become a collaborative and empowered actor in the online rehearsal space, getting comfortable on camera and developing a better understanding of what it means to listen and give & receive with a scene partner. As you progress through the course, you will activate your imagination and fully embody your unique take on the text and character of a script.
You will finish this course with a polished and professional self-tape recording for your creative portfolio.
- Expand on text script analysis principles taught in ‘Connecting to Craft’.
- Deepen analysis skills by working on a film script.
- Discover how to conduct a thorough character analysis.
- Refine your rehearsal techniques.
- Develop best practices for safe & creative collaboration, actor self care, setting boundaries, and clear communication with other artists.
- Learn to partner and rehearse with another actor/reader.
- Execute with confidence the technical aspects of auditioning for online platforms.
- Memorize, rehearse, record, and submit a self-tape audition scene.
- Receive important feedback for your second take.
- Finish with a recording of your audition scene.
- English Level: all participants are required to speak and write English at an acceptable level. In order to succeed in any VFS program, you will need to understand technical terms and be conversant enough in English to participate in presentations and in-depth discussion. For this program we recommend an IELTS Band 6.0 – Academic level or equivalent.
Some prior acting experience is recommended.
Course Details:
Dates: May 6 - June 17, 2026
Duration: 7 lessons
Time: Wednesdays, 6 - 8 p.m. PDT
Cost: $550
On-Camera Acting: The Craft of Self-Taping (on-campus)
This 7-week certificate course will offer students a better understanding of how to achieve a balance between a subtle, internal life and a clearly projected intention. This is the key to filmic naturalism.
These lessons will be put into practice through self-taped auditions. Self-tapes are now the norm for industry casting and academic submission. Having a clear understanding of the format and a list of common mistakes can give the actor a competitive edge.
You will finish this course with a polished and professional self-tape recording for your creative portfolio.
- Record an acting self-tape that meets industry format standards.
- Recognize key principles of acting for the screen.
- Identify common technical mistakes when auditioning for film and television roles (labeling, missing slate, distracting props and wardrobe, etc.)
- Define eye-lines and marks and their importance to on-camera acting.
- There are no requirements for this course.
Students are not required to have any previous training or experience.
Course Details:
Dates: January 21 to February 11, 2026
Duration: 7-week certificate course, one on-campus class per week
Time: Wednesdays, 6 - 8 p.m. PST
Cost: $550
Acting: Voice Acting (online)
Dive into the exciting world of voiceover acting in this hands-on, 4-week course! In Week 1, you'll learn essential voice acting terminology and get an overview of the craft, followed by a recording session of a simple script. Week 2 focuses on commercials, with video and audio examples to guide your recording of a commercial script.
In Week 3, you'll immerse yourself in the world of video games, recording a powerful opening monologue inspired by iconic scenes. Finally, Week 4 will take you into the world of animation, where you'll voice characters from a curated selection, using scripts developed for the Kadenze program.
By the end of the course, you'll have acquired the skills and experience needed to bring a wide range of characters to life!
- Learn key voice acting terminology and industry concepts.
- Develop an understanding of vocal techniques and script interpretation.
- Record a basic script, demonstrating clarity, tone, and expressiveness.
- Analyze and perform commercial voiceovers, adapting delivery to different branding styles.
- Explore character-driven performances for video games and animation.
- Perform a compelling monologue for a video game character, focusing on emotion and storytelling.
- Bring animated characters to life using scripts tailored for the Kadenze program.
- Participate in hands-on recording sessions with guided feedback.
- Enhance vocal control, projection, and emotional expression through practice.
- Experiment with vocal range and delivery styles to suit different roles.
- Receive constructive critiques to refine skills and improve future performances.
- English Level: All participants are required to speak and write English at an acceptable level. In order to succeed in any VFS program, you will need to understand technical terms and be conversant enough in English to participate in presentations and in-depth discussion. For this program we recommend an IELTS Band 6.0 – Academic level or equivalent.
- Participants must confirm they are at least 16 years old at the beginning of the course in order to register.
Course Details:
Dates: March 25th; April 1st, 8th, 15th, 2026
Duration: 4-week course, one online class per week
Time: Wednesdays, 6 – 8 p.m. PDT
Cost: $350
Acting: Voice Acting 2 (on-campus)
Level-up your voice-acting skills & get studio recording time with a professional engineer in this 4-week course in the heart of Vancouver!
Build on your voice acting skills with this intermediate course. You'll learn script analysis, work with scene partners to experience listening and reacting, practice audiobook reads, and explore voice acting for animated characters. This is the perfect course for any aspiring actor or acting enthusiast who wants to strengthen their confidence in delivering a compelling performance with their voice, while stretching their artistic POV.
- Develop confidence in script analysis specific to Voice Acting
- Deepen their understanding of different Voice Acting genres
- Learn to work with a scene partner, practicing listening & response
- Explore audiobook pacing, expression, and vocal delivery
- Practice techniques to expand vocal range
- Receive direction and build confidence in applying notes
- Increase familiarity and comfort with technical skills required while working on mic
- Receive access to your in-class recording files upon completion
- Completion of VFS’s Acting: Voice Acting 1 course is suggested but not required.
- English Level: All participants are required to speak and write English at an acceptable level. In order to succeed in any VFS program, you will need to understand technical terms and be conversant enough in English to participate in presentations and in-depth discussion. For this program we recommend an IELTS Band 6.0 – Academic level or equivalent.
- Participants must confirm they are at least 16 years old at the beginning of the course in order to register.
Course Details:
Dates: May 6 - June 17 , 2026
Instructor: Maryke Hendrikse
Duration: 7-week course, one on-campus class per week
Time: Thursdays, 6 – 8 p.m. PST
Cost: $450
Acting: Comedy for Teens (on-campus)
How does an actor make others laugh? This four week course, for aspiring actors ages 15-18, will focus on the foundational skills of comedic acting. Participants will explore key elements of comedic performance including improvisation, comedic timing and the technical skills of acting for a multi-camera sitcom.
Through practical exercises and a scripted sitcom shoot, you’ll learn how to find humour through a playful exploration of a wide range of comedic characters. Upon completion of this course, you will possess a foundational proficiency in comedic acting, an understanding of the distinctive requirements of sitcom performance, and the ability to portray a range of comedic characters.
Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Comedic Timing and Improvisation
- Focus on the foundational principles of improv, a vital skill for any comedic performer
- Engage in various improvisational games and exercises meant to cultivate quick thinking and the ability to generate spontaneous, funny responses
- Emphasis will be placed on the core aspects of comedic timing, including the effective use of pauses, comedic rhythm, and organic reactions
- Develop a stronger understanding of how to foster humor through spontaneity and collaborative interaction with scene partners
Lesson 2: The Eight Characters of Comedy
- Learn the eight archetypal characters that form the foundation of comedic narratives (i.e., the Straight Man, the Fool, the Eccentric, and the Rule-breaker)
- Through detailed analysis of classic comedic works and focused character studies, you’ll learn how to effectively portray each archetype
- Understand how to recognize and embody different comedic personas, allowing you to navigate a broad range of comedic situations with ease.
Lesson 3: Acting in a Three-Camera Sitcom
- Explore the unique dynamics of performing within the structure of a three-camera sitcom
- Understand the pacing, rhythm, and technical aspects specific to sitcom acting, including how to adapt to the multi-camera setup and interact with a live studio audience
- Analyze scenes from classic sitcoms, providing insight into the distinct performance style required to excel in this medium
- Practical exercises will provide you with the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the nuances of sitcom acting, including blocking, timing, hitting marks and cueing
Lesson 4: Integration of Improvisation, Sitcom Acting, and Character Work
- Apply your new improvisational skills, sitcom acting techniques, and character work in performance-based exercises that incorporate all elements you’ve learned
- Participate in group activities and short comedic scenes, refining your ability to integrate your understanding of comedic timing, character portrayal, and situational humor
- Constructive feedback from the instructor and peers will help you further hone your skills, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of comedic acting
- English Level: All participants are required to speak and write English at an acceptable level. In order to succeed in any VFS program, you will need to understand technical terms and be conversant enough in English to participate in presentations and in-depth discussion. For this program we recommend an IELTS Band 6.0 – Academic level or equivalent.
- Participants must confirm they are 15 to 18 years old at the beginning of the workshop in order to register
Course Details:
Dates: May 9 - 30, 2026
Instructor: Chloe Payne
Duration: 4-week course, one on-campus class per week
Time: Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. PST
Cost: $400 CAD
Andrés Soto
Actor, Producer & Mindset Coach

An actor from Costa Rica, Andrés began his career as an Engineer and TV Producer. He studied Communications at The University of Costa Rica and is a Vancouver Film School graduate. He is known for The Flash, Far Cry 6, and Yellowjackets.
Omari Newton
Actor, Writer & Producer

Alison James
Actor, Director & Senior Instructor at VFS

Alison is a New Zealand and Canadian actor/director/writer, who has worked in Canada, Germany, NZ, and the UK. She is best known for her roles as Nurse Tiffany in the soap opera Shortland Street and Death of a Cheerleader.
Missy Cross
Instructor (Singing for Actors)

Missy is an actor, director, and theatre producer. She sings in a touring blues rock band called Wooden Horsemen and spearheads her own company Mindful Actor Workshops. A VFS alumna, she has taught camera, voice, singing, and has also directed student work.
Sam Bregoliss
Artist, Educator & Creator

Sam has worked as a dancer, actor, and choreographer for the past 10 years. He has had the privilege of performing, choreographing, and adjudicating all across North America and Europe. Sam has appeared in award-winning short film Eleftheromania, starring Olympia Dukakis, and in national marketing campaigns for Save-on-Foods. In the spring of 2020, he partnered with the Kamloops Music Collective and began producing/directing online musical theatre content for young audiences. He is thrilled to bring you his first-hand knowledge and industry experience, along with his passion and dedication for arts education.