We opened the doors to the Acting Company in 2013. Our classes are a mix of classical and modern acting techniques. We are renowned for our ability to create safe and fun spaces for actors to take risks. We do not believe that acting is therapy.
We believe that the best acting comes from technique, imagination, practice and encouragement.
Our program draws upon the classic standards and traditions established by Stanislavsky and the Moscow Art Theatre. We also incorporate practices of such noted teachers as Michael Chekhov, Sanford Meisner, and Uta Hagen, as well as the techniques of current teachers such as Anne Bogart and voice teacher Kristin Linklater.
Our favourite Acting Quotes:
"Acting is the ability to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances." - Sanford Meisner
"You cannot create results. You can only create conditions in which something might happen."
- Anne Bogart
"An ounce of behavior is worth a pound of words." - Sanford Meisner
"I'm curious about other people. That's the essence of my acting. I'm interested in what it would be like to be you." - Meryl Streep
An Actor Prepares: Constantine Stanislavsky
Respect for Acting: Uta Hagen
A Challenge for the Actor: Uta Hagen
On Acting: Michael Chekov
Audition: Michael Shurtleff
And Then, You Act: Anne Bogart
On Acting: Sanford Meisner
Actions: Actor's Thesaurus: Marina Caldarone
Freeing the Natural Voice: Kristin Linklater
Voice and the Actor: Cicely Berry
An Actor and the Text: Cicely Berry
Chris is the co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Acting Company and has taught acting and voice at York University, University of Ottawa, private studios, and currently teaches acting and voice at Algonquin College. Chris is a graduate the National Theatre School of Canada and has an MFA in Acting from York University.
Recent acting credits include The Virgin Trial (GCTC - 2019 Ottawa Rideau Award for Best Actor); Up to Low (NAC); Half Life (Theatre Northwest); A Christmas Carol (NAC); Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (Plosive Productions); The Amorous Servant (Odyssey); Glengarry Glen Ross (Avalon Productions – Capital Critics Award for Best Production); Billy Bishop Goes to War (Plosive Productions – Capital Critics Best Actor nomination); The Game of Love and Death (Odyssey); and Death and the Maiden (Plosive Productions).
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