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The Ottawa School of Speech and Drama (OSSD) is a not-for profit charitable organization that provides training and education in Drama, Theatre, Speech Arts and Musical Theatre for students ages 6 through adult in the Ottawa-Carlton area.  The School aims to achieve a high standard of instruction by working with theatre professionals and drama educators with proven artistic sensibility.

OSSD offers a number of different courses that can be broken into two main groups: courses that focus on Arts Education and our Arts Training program.

ARTS EDUCATION

We believe that lives are enriched through arts education. Our classes allow students to explore their creative potential, as well as develop specific theatre related skills. Working with professional actors and specialists in Drama Education, the School focuses on developing vocal, physical and language skills while teaching techniques of improvisation, scene study, characterization and collective creation. Courses are offered at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels to students age 6 through adult. Students select from courses that focus on creative drama, acting, script analysis, Shakespeare studies, collective creation, performance skills or musical theatre. Some of the skills gained by students in OSSD courses:

  • increased spontaneity
  • increased confidence
  • increased ability to articulate thoughts and emotions
  • ability to work empathetically
  • increase in understanding of language structure: ie narrative and lyric poetry, Shakespearean texts and contemporary prose. OSSD places specific emphasis on contemporary Canadian plays and poetry.
  • increased physical awareness: relating to others physically, working with your body, understanding the rudiments of dance and physical rhythm.
  • increased vocal ability: the development of breathing, articulation and resonance skills
  • Performance skills: Performance is both a part of the skill set of OSSD’s courses and a contribution to the cultural landscape of Ottawa. Intermediate and advanced courses perform at the N.A.C. 4th Stage, Arts Court, Alumnae Theatre ( Carleton University), Academic Hall ( University of Ottawa) and The Bronson Centre.


ARTS TRAINING

The Ottawa School of Speech and Drama is also home to the Ottawa Theatre School. The Conservatory Acting Program offers an opportunuty for dedicated students to develop the skills they need for a career in acting. The primary emphasis of the program is to embed the basic physical skills that an actor relies on to work successfully in the profession. At OTS there is a focus on the development and creation of new work, coupled with intensive and physical training. The School is uniquely positioned to work with top professionals in the field.

The Ottawa Theatre School is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. The program is recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Tuition receipts are issued for students 17 years and older. Students may apply RESP funds to the program tuition.

Enrolment is limited, ensuring individualized attention and a personalized approach benefiting students from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Approximately 14 students are admitted into the program each year.

For more information, go to www.ottawatheatreschool.com