MANDATE:
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 curriculum developed by specialists in Drama in 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
OSSD offers professionally oriented training for senior high school and post secondary students. All courses are taught by professional actors and theatre specialists. These courses are aimed at students interested in making a career in theatre.
- AUDITION COURSE:
A course for high school students interested in going to post secondary theatre training schools. The course focuses on the specific audition requirements for Canadian theatre schools. Students work on the selection of material (with a particular emphasis on classical texts) and monologue preparation. OSSD maintains complete, up-to-date information about Canadian theatre schools and regularly updates students on the approaches and philosophies at different post-secondary institutions. - PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM:
The Pre-Professional Acting Program at OSSD offers a unique opportunity for dedicated students. A curriculum of professionally based training helps you to develop the skills you need for a career in acting.
The primary emphasis of the program is on embedding the basic skills that an actor relies on to work successfully in the profession. What makes OSSD’s program unique is a commitment to help you begin to find your own artistic voice. At OSSD there is a focus on the development and creation of new work, coupled with intensive and specific training.