VADA's was originally founded by Simon Longmore in 2000. At the start the school offered only part time classes. Over time the demand for classes grew, ultimately resulting in a full blown academy with an entire faculty and studio.
With the mounting success of VADA graduates, the school expanded into a downtown studio on West Pender St. which was much more suitable as it boasted a little theatre and a light grid. Unfortunately, in 2003, a fire in the adjacent building caused sufficient damage to the downtown studio to force a move.
For the next two years, VADA resided on Hamilton Street in a bright, colorful and aesthetic 40 seat studio which was a beauty of a space in which to work. In the following years, VADA’s reputation grew; and by the summer of 2005, the Hamilton studio was bursting at the seams. With the Dramatic Arts Program filled to maximum capacity, and Simon’s vision to expand even more, VADA moved yet again; this time planting itself into the heart of Vancouver at 900 Helmecken.
Over 10 years later VADA has trained thousands of actors that have come from all over the world. The techniques and training methods are unsurpassed and the results show in the success of our graduates. Many of which can been seen on mainstream television, feature films and commercials.
VADA currently has two spacious studios, a taping room for auditions, generous props , and ample administrative space, VADA is the plateau of excellence.
