Semester Dates

Fall
Sept 19 to Nov 28, 2011

Winter
Jan 16 to April 2, 2012

Spring
April 10 to June 25, 2012


Summer
July 3 to August 9, 2012

Timetable - Winter 2012

 

------- EVENING Programming ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Playwrighting Finding Your Voice    
Monday YogaSense Improvise the Act Lvl 2 Acting Camera Introductory Playwrighting
Tuesday Get into the Act: Lvl 2 Improvise the Act Lvl 3 Urban Storytelling  
Wednesday Get into the Act: Lvl 3 Improvise the Act Lvl 1 Acting Camera Advanced  
Thursday Get into the Act: Lvl 1 Finding Your Voice Acting Camera Intermediate Drama Sensations
Friday Dance Eclectic      

All courses are 10 weeks long, unless otherwise specified.

GET INTO THE ACT

Level 1 is a great introduction to lots of new skills. Whatever your age or experience, you’ll be energized as you learn how to play theatre games that will strengthen your powers of concentration and your creativity. You’ll increase your ability to be spontaneous in any situation, and surprise yourself by discovering new facets of yourself. No previous experience is required.


Thursdays
7:00 – 9:00pm
January 19, 2012 to March 22, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration


Level 2 is a chance to explore the dynamics of social relationships. You’ll use your voice and physicality to learn about character development. Understanding and working with impulses, you'll discover a whole new level of creative expression.
Level 1 or previous experience is required.

Tuesdays 7:00 – 9:00pm
January 17, 2012 to March 20, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration

 

Level 3 (Scenes and Monologues). In level 3 you will work with scripted scenes and monologues to find and explore characters and rhythms in the text. Taking the skills that you have learned in Levels 1 & 2, you'll begin to discover your individual strengths as an actor.
Level 2 or previous experience is required.

Wednesday 7:00 – 9:00pm
January 18, 2012 to March 21, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration

 

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DRAMA SENATIONS NEW!

DRAMA SENSATIONS  (For Adults on the Autism Spectrum)

In collaboration with Tamir, OSSD has launched classes designed for students with Asperger's syndrome, and/or those on the Autism Spectrum with related special needs. Our programming is created and implemented with specific consideration for the needs and abilities of the students, with a focus on the individual and their creativity. 

Fifty percent of an actor's job is acting and the other fifty percent is reacting. As an ensemble, we’ll work through play, music and movement to develop these skills. We’ll explore and read of all the senses through the actors' "tool box": facial expressions, body language and tone of voice.   

The emphasis is on process, not product, in a supportive and encouraging environment. The winter term will culminate with an open house presentation for family and friends.

Please contact the school to book an appointment with instructor Natalie Fraser-Purdy for placement in the class. Classes are kept small to ensure maximum individual attention. Call 613-567-6788

Instructor: Natalie Fraser Purdy

Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30pm
January 19, 2012 to March 22, 2012

Course fee: $350.00 + tax
online registration

 

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PLAYWRIGHT’S WORKSHOP

You, the playwright: Do you have a story to tell? Have you ever thought, "This would make a great play!"? This course will help develop those ideas in a step by step process covering; Characters, Conflict, Plot, Subtext and much more. In- class exercises and direct, one on one feedback will help you to find the story you want to tell and uncover the voice to tell it. Small workshop readings will be held to finally take your work from page to stage.

Instructor: Pierre Brault

Sundays 6:30 – 8:30pm
January 22, 2012 to March 25, 2012

Course fee: $365.00 + tax
online registration

and / or

Mondays 7:00pm – 9:00pm
January 30, 2012 to April 2, 2012

Course fee: $365.00 + tax
online registration

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IMPROVISE THE ACT

Level 1 The ability to improvise is a life skill -- reacting spontaneously to external stimuli can help you entertain a crowd, get a date and get you through a job interview. It’s a very important part of teamwork, creativity, writing, listening, public speaking, corporate presentation skills, and acting. This course gets to the heart of improvisation by tapping into the secret powers that everyone possesses but few utilize. No experience necessary. Be ready to play.

Wednesdays, 7:00 –9:00pm
January 18, 2012 to March 21, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration

 

Level 2 With the fundamentals of Level 1 in place, Level 2 works on helping you develop spontaneous characters, scene environments and mimed objects. Using the positive and productive "yes, and...” principle, we will explore the WHO, WHERE, and WHAT of improvised scenes. From scene starters to full length scenes, you can experience the fun, creativity and spontaneity of storytelling from the inside.

Mondays, 7:00 –9:00pm
January 16, 2012 to March 26, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration

 

Level 3 This course delves into improvised scene work by adding WHY each scene is important and HOW it can be resolved. In multi-person scene after scene after scene, you will gain experience in ensemble acting, focus, and the ability to let go and allow natural, believable theatre to be created.

Tuesdays, 7:00 –9:00pm
January 17, 2012 to March 20, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration

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URBAN STORYTELLING

The participants will discover the world of urban storytelling through writing,character development, style and acting. This passionate process takes root in the city where the stories are being told- juxtaposing real locations with the invention of captivating stories and characters. This is modern storytelling for adults. This is a perfect workshop for people who love to write and tell stories. The more varied the better!

Each participant will work on writing the base of his or her urban story and will be coached in the delivery and acting of it. The final stage of the workshop culminates in an evening of storytelling performed on March 24th by you at the OSSD studio!

Please note that on Friday March 23, 2012 a rehearsal will be held to prepare for the presentation on the 24th.

Instructor :André Perrier

Tuesdays 7:00 – 9:00pm
January 17, 2012 to March 24, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration

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DANCE ECLECTIC

Spice up your Friday nights with (Dance Eclectic)!!! Each week a new dance style will be taught and then put together in a small choreography. Some dance styles will be Ballet, Jazz, Salsa and Bellydance just to name a few. Classes will start with a head to toe warm-up and end with a relaxing cool down.

All ages and body types welcome.Learn different dance styles from Jazz, Ballet, Latin and creative movement. Add a new dimension to how you enjoy music. All that is needed is an open mind and a good sense of fun!!

Fridays 7:00 – 8:00pm (1 hour)
January 20, 2012 to March 23, 2012

Course fee: $165.00 + tax
online registration

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ACTING FOR THE CAMERA

In association with The Screen Training Works, OSSD presents an expanded series of Acting for the Camera courses. The Screen Training Works provides professional training in all areas of film, television and other recorded media. Courses include acting, directing, producing, screenwriting and the various technical disciplines.

Registration for Acting for the Camera courses is through The Screen Training Works. Please contact registration@thescreentrainingworks.ca or phone 613-526-5199.

For more information on Acting for the Camera courses, please go to www.thescreentrainingworks.ca/courses.

Note: Veteran screen actor and acting instructor Barry Blake teaches these Acting for the Camera courses. They are intensive, practical, hands-on sessions that prepare participants for the day-to-day realities of the film and television industries.

Classes take place at The Ottawa School of Speech & Drama (OSSD)

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all camera courses are 7 weeks long.

Introductory: This workshop is intended for aspiring or beginning actors with little or no on-camera experience. It provides an introduction to the art, the craft and the business of screen acting. Through a combination of acting exercises, on-camera work, feedback and group discussion, you will learn the fundamentals of preparing for and delivering an on-camera performance.

You’ll focus on:

  • Script analysis and memorization
  • Making character choices
  • Camera versus stage
  • Working effectively on camera
  • Analyzing your work to improve your performance

No previous experience required.

Mondays 7:00 – 10:00pm
January 16, 2012 to February 27, 2012

Course fee: $450.00 + tax
 


Intermediate: Intended for the more experienced actor with some on-camera background, this workshop builds on the foundation laid down at the introductory level.  In it, you will hone your skills as a screen actor and prepare to take your performances to a higher level. Through recorded scene work and feedback sessions, you will move beyond the fundamentals of on-camera performance and explore the differences between a good and a truly memorable performance.

You’ll focus on:

  • Script analysis and interpretation
  • Reality and Truth
  • Creating and sustaining strong characters
  • Active listening
  • The camera-actor relationship
  • Analyzing your work to improve your performance

Introductory level or previous experience required.

Thursdays 7:00 – 10:00pm
January 19, 2012 to March 1, 2012

Course fee: $450.00 + tax
 

 

Advanced: This workshop is intended for the experienced actor with significant on-camera experience. Building both on your experience and on the skills acquired in previous courses, it enables you to consolidate and fine-tune your skills as a screen actor in order to create unique performances of great intensity and truth. When possible, you will work on original material in collaboration with emerging screenwriters and filmmakers.

You’ll focus on:

  • Script analysis and interpretation
  • The collaborative model
  • Creating and sustaining strong characters
  • Emotional truth and connection
  • Expanding the envelope
  • Analyzing your work to improve your performance

Intermediate level or previous experience required.

Wednesdays 7:00 – 10:00pm
January 18, 2012 to February 29, 2012

Course fee: $450.00 + tax

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FINDING YOUR VOICE

Learn how to tap into the power of your voice in a natural, simple and enjoyable way, exploring your voice as a source of personal expression and creativity.
The class will focus on release of sound, breathing, resonance, techniques to improve your speech and diction. This is an essential class for anyone who presents on stage. Finding Your Voice will make you aware of your own power of communication.

Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00pm
January 19, 2012 to March 22, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration

or

Sundays 7:00 – 9:00pm
January 22, 2012 to March 25, 2012

Course fee: $300.00 + tax
online registration

 

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Ottawa Theatre School, The Acting Conservatory Program

Ottawa Theatre School  
The Ottawa Theatre School offers an opportunity for dedicated students to develop the skills they need for a career in acting. The Ottawa Theatre School is an intensive three year program in which students train with committed theatre professionals. The program encourages students to begin to find their own artistic voice while honing specific skills. The Ottawa Theatre School is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. This is a diploma program.

For more information, click here

 

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PRIVATE CLASSES

Instructors at OSSD offer private classes to develop vocal skills or to deal with specific vocal issues. Specialized sessions are available in a variety of training areas such as dialects, body awareness, classical text work (Shakespeare, Moliere etc.) and audition preparation. These sessions are individually tailored to suit your needs and can be flexibly arranged to fit your schedule.
Private classes cost $85.00 per hour with a minimum of a 4 session commitment. It’s $95/hour otherwise. Please call the office for details.


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