What our grads have to say!
Being about half way through the full time Dramatic Arts Program we decided to check in with a couple students to see how things were going. Here’s what Liesl Ahlers, an international student from South Africa and Lucas Rubciewicz, a BC boy originally from Kamloops, had to say:
What were you doing before VADA?
LI: I graduated high school knowing that
my only goal and dream in life is to act. I started doing extra work and went
on a few
auditions. I managed to get an agent and got a part in a sitcom.
LU: I took a few acting workshops here and there, but for the better
part of the last 5 years I was working up north on the oil rigs
saving up to pursue acting full time.
What made you choose VADA?
LI: I spent a lot of time searching online for a good acting school I could
attend overseas, it was hard to find a good film school in South-Africa. Most
of the schools I found were theatre schools with 3 year courses. Coming from South Africa it
was too expensive to study overseas and for 3 years. I found VADA’s website and
was immediately impressed by the curriculum, it consisted of everything that I
wanted to learn and it was a 6 month course.
LU: I audited a few schools in Vancouver
and felt VADA was the better of the bunch. I took the Two Week Intensive to
really make sure I was making the right decision, and it quickly became clear
that the teachers at VADA really love teaching and pass their knowledge onto
their students, so I signed up for the full time program.
What are some of the major highlights of the program so far?
LI: Wow, there’s too many, I guess I’d say that for me is that VADA is even
better that I hoped for. I had this image in my mind, hoping and praying that
VADA would live up to my expectations and it even went beyond.
What it the most valuable thing you’ve learned so far?
LU: Its hard answering that question without writing a short essay. I
honestly feel I learn something valuable everyday. Its unreal how much we all
progressed and learned in only 3 months.
How are you enjoying the teachers at VADA?
LI: It’s really great how we get to work with such versatile teachers, each
with their own training background and
personal acting experience. They give you a big variety of different techniques
and approaches to acting.
LU: It’s nice to have a variety of actual professionals and working
actors teaching us. You get the opportunity to learn tons of technique and
tools from each teacher who have a unique approach to their craft.
Have you auditioned/booked yet? If so, how has VADA helped prepare you?
LI: Yes, I’ve booked a couple of roles in
students films. I seriously don’t know how I would have been able to audition
if it weren't for VADA. The audition tips that we’ve received from Daniel
really helped, it made me feel more
confident when I walked into the audition room.
LU: I’ve actually been quite busy auditioning for student and indie
films and so far I’ve booked 7 of those. VADA really gave me the confidence and
tools I needed to go out and audition. They actually encourage us to go on
auditions and don’t mind helping us after school hours to prepare auditions. I
like how we film the scene we work on at school, so by the time we are booking
projects we already have a pretty solid idea of what goes on on set.
Do you feel the school is delivering everything it promised:
LU: Yes, its delivering everything it promised and more. The teachers at
VADA don’t only teach, but really take the time to make sure we fully
understand everything we’re being taught. I think it’s a huge bonus for us
students to have teachers who really care and want to see us succeed.
Would you recommend VADA to other aspiring actors:
LI: Without a doubt! I think VADA is the best school if you’re looking for
hands-on training from amazing teachers/working actors.