Expert: Peter Messaline - 9/17/2007

Question
I'm 17 years old and I want to study to become an actor.I have only been in school plays so i don't have much experience. I'm moving to Vancouver, BC next year and I would like to know if there is any colleges,universities or programs where I can learn.

Answer
Congratulations for realising that being an actor needs training!
There are good colleges in Vancouver:
University of British Columbia -- I think it may have an academic flavour to it. This would mean that you could more easily add teacher qualifications to it and have a really good back-up job!
Langara College Studio 57 -- this is a real performer course, with a good reputation.
Vancouver Film School -- a more specialist course, as you can see.
All performer-focussed schools will audition to get in, and will be looking at evidence that your interest in acting is more than a passing fad. Get as much theatre experience as you can between now and making your applications. You don't say where you are now, but perhaps there's a local theatre where you could volunteer, a community theatre where you could act and do backstage things, a local film school needing actors for its production projects, or a local cable station desperate for volunteers (They have to offer air time to their viewers, so anyone can end up seeing their gardening uncle, or knitting grandma, with their own show!.
Here is a Vancouver discussion board, with good information attached:
www.vancouveractorsguide.com
And here's a national board with a huge FAQ that you'll find useful.
www.canadianactor.com
Look at Biz Books
www.bizbooks.net
and ask them for a recommendation of a book about the Canadian business.
Keep up this methodical approach, and you'll do well. We all need to build castles in the air, but you're digging the ncessary foundations, too!