Part Time Scene Study

Program Overview

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Diploma Programs

Acting: Film, Television & Voice-Over Diploma

Acting Conservatory Diploma

Comedy Conservatory Diploma

Writing for Film & Television Diploma

Part Time Programs

Fundamentals

Audition

Voice over

Screenwriting

Scene Study

Dialects & Accents

Part Time Scene Study

Class Description

All actors, whether novices or veterans, need to stretch their muscles. Scene Study is where a new actor discovers the joys of bringing a story to life, and where a seasoned professional learns to push themselves in exploring a different part of their craft. Through extensive character work and text analysis, our Scene Study for Film & Television classes focus on telling the story of a scene and embodying a character’s arc (their journey throughout the scene). You will discover the emotional and physical life of your character, use text analysis to mine scripts for motifs and indisputable facts, and learn how to navigate your character’s objectives while responding to the choices of your scene partner. The skills learned in these classes allow actors to build and strengthen the tools needed to effectively book and perform larger, more complex roles.

Choose Your Class

• Tuesday - Scene Study 2 with Geoff Gustafson - 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
• Thursday - Scene Study 1 with Bronwen Smith - 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Pre-Requisite

• Students should have a strong grasp of acting concepts such as beats, objectives, text analysis skills, working with a scene partner, through experience or training such as our Scene Study 1 or full-time program.

Upcoming Classes

• 2025 Dates:
  • Tuesday Evenings – 6:30pm – 9:30pm with Geoff Gustafson
    • Winter – January 7th – March 25th
    • Spring – April 8th – June 24th – in progress
    • Fall – September 9th – November 25th – REGISTRATION ON NOW!
  • Thursday Evenings – 6:300pm – 9:30pm with Bronwen Smith
    • Winter – January 9th – March 27th
    • Spring – April 10th – June 26th – in progress
    • Fall – September 11th – November 27th – REGISTRATION ON NOW!

Course Summary

• Using an in-depth method of text analysis and exercises, scenes will be brought to life honestly and creatively. There are no short cuts in this class. Students are expected to have their work prepared for the first class so they can get to work exploring blocking, relationship, and emotional investment. Students are expected to rehearse outside of class with their scene partners, continuing the work done in class. Always ask, “What will I work on next?”.

Meet Your Instructor

Geoff Gustafson

Geoff Gustafson is becoming one of the most sought after and prolific working actors here in Vancouver and we are lucky to have him as an instructor. He has appeared on several commercial campaigns including campaigns with Volkswagen, Future Shop, Canadian Tire, and Wisers Canadian Whiskey. Geoff has been featured as a series regular on the SyFi series, Primeval New World as well as Hallmark’s Signed Sealed and Delivered. He completed a B.F.A. in Theatre and Education at the University of Victoria and has trained extensively with Vancouver acting coach Ben Ratner. Geoff also received a Bessie Award for his performance in a 2004 AGF Financial Services campaign. Geoff’s invaluable experience in film, television, and commercial work make him a vital component of our team.

Bronwen Smith

Bronwen Smith comes to Vancouver Acting School with a combination of years of experience and an unwavering passion for the craft of acting. Her training includes studying at Studio 58, Gastown Actors’ Studio, working with Larry Moss and attending Canada’s National Voice Intensive. Comfortable on both stage and screen, her credits are diverse and span theatre, film, and television. Her performances on stage in Twelfth Night, Problem Child and ‘Night, Mother are just a few that have garnered her praise from critics and audiences alike. Her roles on screen range from locally produced independent shorts and features to popular TV series and films. Bronwen’s favourite credits include roles on Smallville, Supernatural and Gunless. Kids of all ages will recognize her as Mrs. Jefferson, Rowley’s mom, in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.

What You Will Learn

• Developing the student actor’s personal process of preparation from cold reading to performance.
• Fine tuning technical elements of performance (blocking, working with props, etc)
• Deepening emotional connection to character and their relationships.
• Detailed text analysis and research.
• Developing the confidence required to transition from the classroom to professional sets.

What Students Say

• Very good at giving us the opportunity to figure out what works best for us individually. Gives us the space to try new things. - Sean Parker, VAS Actor Alumni
• Geoff was such an incredible teacher who helped me grow as an actor. His methods of breaking me out of my shell were much needed. - Jesse White, VAS Actor Alumni
• Geoff is amazing at letting students explore their own process while always being available to help guide. He’s tough but fair. - Ayla Jackson, VAS Actor Alumni

Cost

• 3 Equal Installments of $269.99

Class Begins

• The week of: 09/09/2025

Registration

• CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR TUESDAY SCENE STUDY LEVEL 2
• CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THURSDAY SCENE STUDY LEVEL 1

Program Outline

Outline:

• Part-time Scene Study: This course introduces students to the basics of scene study, including reading material, breaking down a scene, partner work, using the space of a theatre, presence in performance, and relaxation.
Students will also deepen their emotional connection to character and their relationships, and explore the importance of monologue work.

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Teaching:

• Zahf Paroo: Zahf Paroo is an experienced actor, host, voice-over, and sketch comedy artist.
He has worked in various genres, including science fiction, comedy, drama, and fantasy. Paroo's acting exercises focus on warming up and awakening actors' emotional life and presence.

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Bronwen Smith:

Bronwen Smith is an experienced actor who has worked in theatre, film, and television. She is known for her roles in Twelfth Night, Problem Child, and 'Night, Mother. Smith's teaching methods focus on developing students' personal process of preparation from cold reading to performance, fine-tuning technical elements of performance, deepening emotional connection to character and relationships, detailed text analysis and research, and developing confidence for professional sets.