Ottawa is home to a thriving performing arts scene where aspiring actors, filmmakers, and theatre lovers can receive world-class training. This comprehensive guide covers the Top 15 Acting Schools in Ottawa, including their fees, programs, and training methods, all optimized for search engines and readability.
Top 15 Acting Schools In Ottawa And Fees
1. The Acting Company Ottawa
The Acting Company remains one of Ottawa’s leading training studios for actors of all ages. Their curriculum balances stage and on-camera techniques while also placing strong emphasis on movement, voice, and emotional connection.
Programs Offered:
- Acting for adults
- Youth acting programs
- Scene study
- Improv & character development
- Private coaching
Fees:
- Adult classes: $350–$500 per session
- Kids & teens: $300–$450 per session
- Private coaching: $60–$75/hour
Who This School Is For:
Beginners and intermediate actors seeking structured and professional training.
2. Ottawa School of Theatre
Located in the Shenkman Arts Centre, the Ottawa School of Theatre (OST) is one of the city’s most respected acting institutions offering year-round programs.
Programs Offered:
- Adult & youth theatre
- Ensemble performance
- Playwriting
- Summer drama camps
Fees:
- Youth programs: $280–$450 per term
- Adult programs: $350–$550 per term
- Advanced ensembles: $600–$900
Who This School Is For:
Families and adults looking for community-rooted drama training with professional standards.
3. Ottawa Little Theatre Acting Programs
Ottawa Little Theatre is not only a venue but also a training hub offering acting workshops throughout the year.
Programs Offered:
- Acting fundamentals
- Audition masterclasses
- Character development
- Directing & dramaturgy basics
Fees:
- Workshops: $150–$350
- Multi-week classes: $300–$600
Who This School Is For:
Actors who want theatre experience plus training opportunities in a performance-active environment.
4. CANTOR Acting Studio
This modern acting studio focuses heavily on film and TV performance, employing contemporary on-camera techniques and industry-level training strategies.
Programs Offered:
- On-camera acting
- Meisner technique
- Audition preparation
- Private coaching
Fees:
- Group classes: $400–$750
- Private coaching: $85–$120/hour
Who This School Is For:
Film and TV actors seeking industry-focused, practical training.
5. OYA Black Arts Coalition Acting Program
OYA offers unique acting and filmmaking opportunities, especially supporting Black youth and emerging actors.
Programs Offered:
- Acting labs
- Youth arts mentorship
- Film production
- Community workshops
Fees:
- Many programs: Free or grant-funded
- Paid workshops: $100–$300
Who This School Is For:
Students seeking inclusive, culturally rich acting training.
6. University of Ottawa – Theatre Department
The University of Ottawa’s theatre program provides a full academic pathway with an acting specialization.
Programs Offered:
- BA in Theatre
- Acting stream
- Stage production
- Voice & movement
- Directing
Fees:
- Domestic tuition: $7,700–$12,500/year
- International tuition: $33,000+/year
Who This School Is For:
Students looking for a university-level theatre degree.
7. Carleton University – Drama Studies
While not a pure acting conservatory, Carleton University offers strong drama studies with performance opportunities.
Programs Offered:
- Drama studies
- Performance electives
- Production work
- Theatre history
Fees:
- Domestic: $7,100–$11,000/year
- International: $32,000+/year
Who This School Is For:
Students wanting a theory-rich drama degree with some acting electives.
8. Ottawa Acting Studio
Ottawa Acting Studio focuses on camera training for actors aiming to enter the screen industry.
Programs Offered:
- On-camera acting
- Script breakdown
- Improv
- Self-tape training
- Scene work
Fees:
- Courses: $300–$700
- Drop-ins: $25–$40
- Private sessions: $70–$100/hour
Who This School Is For:
Aspiring screen actors needing hands-on, practical training.
9. St. Lawrence College – Acting for Stage & Screen
Though based in Kingston, this college is popular among Ottawa residents for its high-quality acting diploma.
Programs Offered:
- Acting for stage
- Acting for camera
- Voice & movement
- Directing
- Production training
Fees:
- Domestic: $4,000–$6,000/year
- International: $15,000–$18,000/year
Who This School Is For:
Students seeking structured conservatory-style training.
10. Live! On Elgin Performance Workshops
Live! On Elgin is known for its indie arts scene and offers various short-term performance workshops.
Programs Offered:
- Acting workshops
- Improv & comedy
- Stage presence
- Scene technique
Fees:
- Workshops: $100–$250
Who This School Is For:
Actors seeking short, intensive training sessions.
11. Dramatic Arts Academy Ottawa
This academy specializes in youth and teen acting programs that build confidence, focus, and stage presence.
Programs Offered:
- Youth drama classes
- Acting for teens
- Theatre performance
- Creative arts camps
Fees:
- Programs: $250–$400
- Camps: $180–$350/week
Who This School Is For:
Young students developing foundational acting skills.
12. Ottawa Improv Theatre
Ottawa Improv Theatre provides powerful improv training beneficial for actors, comedians, and presenters.
Programs Offered:
- Improv levels 1–5
- Sketch comedy
- Scene creation
- Performance teams
Fees:
- Courses: $250–$450
- Drop-ins: $10–$20
Who This School Is For:
Actors who want to strengthen creativity, spontaneity, and stage confidence.
13. Stagecraft Young Artists Ottawa
Stagecraft offers structured youth theatre training with a focus on building performance discipline.
Programs Offered:
- Acting & drama
- Musical theatre
- Stage performance
- Seasonal workshops
Fees:
- Classes: $250–$380
Who This School Is For:
Kids and teens interested in theatrical and musical theatre performance.
14. Acting Out! Ottawa
Acting Out! blends acting with expressive arts, making training accessible for beginners.
Programs Offered:
- Adult acting
- Youth drama
- Voice & communication
- Creative expression classes
Fees:
- Sessions: $275–$400
Who This School Is For:
People exploring acting for creative growth or personal development.
15. The Gladstone Theatre Workshops
The Gladstone occasionally hosts high-level acting workshops led by professional actors and directors.
Programs Offered:
- Scene study
- Movement & voice
- Character development
- Acting technique intensives
Fees:
- Workshops: $125–$350
Who This School Is For:
Actors seeking flexible, advanced workshops from working professionals.
Conclusion
Ottawa offers a diverse mix of acting schools—from university-level drama departments to industry-focused studios and youth academies. Whether you’re pursuing stage acting, film acting, improv, or general performance development, there is a program in the city for every level and budget.