5 Best Acting Schools in Winnipeg That’ll Help You Master Your Craft in No Time
Last week, I saw my friend’s daughter in a TV show, and I was pleasantly surprised. That’s because it has been less than a year since she signed up for acting classes.
I remember that because I helped my friend while she was hunting around for the best acting schools in Winnipeg. Together, we did some research and even interviewed students!
I’m glad to see that those sessions paid off, big-time! Hopefully, our handpicked list below can help you out, too.
How much do acting classes cost in Winnipeg?
Acting classes in Winnipeg typically range from $150 to $600 per session, depending on the school, class length, and level of instruction.
To help manage costs, some schools offer discounted perks and packages, as well as financial aid.
1. The Winnipeg Actors Academy
Address: 906 Cottonwood Road (location may vary per season)
Phone: +1 204-995-5835
Business hours:
- Open 24/7 hours
The Winnipeg Actors Academy caters to teens and adults to help them build a solid foundation for a career in acting. It was founded by Michael Strickland, who was part of several Hallmark and Lifetime movies, as well as comedy TV shows.
His studio offers Teen Academy—a three-month program that discusses the full spectrum of film productions. That means students learn not just acting but also framing, directing, and lighting.
On the other hand, their Adult Academy focuses mostly on acting, including techniques like Stanislavski’s Method, as well as scene study work.
We think their audition technique workshops are pretty helpful—students get to practice mock auditions and receive feedback from industry pros.
A minor downside is that some former students felt they focused more heavily on theory rather than hands-on practice.
Worth every penny and would 100% go again
“Michael is a very professional actor/teacher and definitely knows his stuff. Worth every penny and would 100% go again.” — Matthew Prefontaine, Google Review
I booked a speaking film role after the course
“I am so glad that I joined Michael’s class- The Art of Acting in Spring 2024, right after I finished the Scene Study Class with Cora Matheson. There are so many things to learn in acting, which makes me feel so intimidated and overwhelmed. The Winnipeg Actors Academy helped me overcome that challenge and showed me a safe and happy place to discover my passion for acting. Even in a short period of time, they helped every student and me in the class to learn the acting fundamentals, embody different personalities, discover different acting techniques and bring the confidence that we need in acting. Right after I finished the course, I saw the opportunity to use what I’ve learned from the class. And YES, I booked a speaking role in a feature movie film- “The Long Walk”!! I don’t think I would have ever gotten to that point without having the knowledge and confidence that Michael and Cora selflessly shared and taught in the class. THANK YOU for helping me discover my passion for acting. The Winnipeg Actors Academy will always be a special part of my acting journey!” — Carr, Google Review
2. Expressions Film Studio
Address: 15-1391 St James St
Phone: +1 204-290-1015
Business hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11 AM–2 PM
Expressions Film Studio started as a tiny school with a borrowed camera. Now, it has grown into a buzzing creative hub where kids, teens, and adults can explore acting in a fun and collaborative way.
They offer an impressive range of programs for youth aged 7 to 18. You can pick foundational classes, one-time workshops for character development or self-taping, or a week on-set at one of their camps.
Adults aren’t left out, either. The team has weekly classes for beginners or returning performers that help build stage presence and audition readiness.
If you can’t make it in person, no worries. You can take their flexible online classes, which include live feedback and optional in-person taping.
We recommend booking ASAP as soon as you’ve decided on which class to take. This is because they fill up very quickly.
They have the best teachers and coaches
“My girls absolutely 💯% love love love Expressions film studio. They have the best teachers and coaches.” — Louisa Guitard, Google Review
Cultivates a professional and fun environment
“Great teachers who cultivate a professional and fun environment. My child loves her lessons. Neil, Reena, Matthew and crew are great.” — Gabrielle Prefontaine, Google Review
3. Meraki Theatre
Address: 174 Scott St
Phone: +1 204-333-3920
Business hours:
- Mon – Sun: 9 AM- 4 PM
Meraki Theatre was founded in 2018 by Taylor after her time teaching theatre in Greece. The name is actually a Greek term, which means pouring your heart and soul into what you choose to do.
Their acting classes welcome students of all ages, with a goal of creating a collaborative environment based on theatre, music, and dramatic arts.
For younger actors (ages 6 to 9 and 10 to 13), they offer theatre camps. These explore a full assortment of options, from drama and musical theatre to improv and dance.
Our favorite is their wide range of on-stage opportunities. Not only do they hold seasonal recitals, but they also have adult productions like Sweeney Todd.
With all these awesome offerings, we’re not surprised that they’re a tad pricey. But if you need financial assistance, you can always sign up for their scholarship program.
Amazing student-led classes and unique productions
“Meraki Theatre and Taylor Gregory are awesome!! Amazing student-led classes and unique productions that get the students involved in the process. I would highly recommend it to kids and adults looking to have a blast in the theatre!” — Caroline Doucette, Google Review
Meraki is such an inclusive and welcoming space
“I’ve been taking classes at Meraki for a couple of years, and I’ve even got to be in some of their productions. Meraki is such an inclusive and welcoming space, and they’ve really helped me in finding my confidence as I’ve gotten older. I’ll always thank Meraki for helping me become the person I am today!” — stuppyisnotmyname 3, Google Review
4. Actors Studio with Cairn Moore
Address: Asper Centre For Theatre and Film, 400 Colony St
Phone: +1 204-290-3725
Business hours:
- Depends on the class
Cairn Moore brings over 35 years of experience, not just as an actor but also as a director and playwright.
Her younger students typically go for their Beginner Acting Method classes, which span 10 weeks. Students dive into the basics like improv and voice training, all while building confidence and stage presence.
Audition Prep classes are offered for intermediate students who want to level up. The focus here is on rehearsing monologues and honing performance—ideal for actors looking to polish their audition skills.
What sets them apart is their Private Coaching option for students who want an intensive, personalized experience, whether it’s for a theatre role or a film audition.
Just a quick tip—their classes tend to book up fast, so plan ahead to secure your slot.
No better place to learn and practice your craft
“If you have ever considered acting on stage, the Actors Studio is the place for you. The classes are simple, relaxed and designed to bring out your absolute best performance. Cairn Moore is a dedicated and talented teacher with the best interests of her students in her heart. If you have any fears or hesitancies, I can promise that nobody will believe in you the way Cairn does. Classes are very supportive. There is no better place to learn and practice your craft.” — Brandon Case, Google Review
Such an excellent and outstanding teacher
“I am always so grateful for having a chance to learn acting in this amazing studio for 1 year. Cairn Moore is such an excellent and outstanding teacher, and I always feel like home here as it is a safe place 🪻🌷🫶👍” — shohreh saeedibagha, Google Review
5. Rainbow Stage
Address: Kildonan Park, 100 Rainbow Dr
Phone: +1 204-989-0888
Business hours:
- Depends on class type
Where else to study musical theatre than at Rainbow Stage—Canada’s largest and longest-running outdoor playhouse?
Their Musical Theatre Classes are where you can learn from industry leaders and let your passion for stage performance shine. You’ll also find Acting Intensive classes, geared for emerging and early-career musical artists.
For younger actors(9 to 14), they have Camp Rainbow, a week-long summer program full of singing and improv. After the season, they hold an All Stars Week, where campers showcase their creativity.
What’s so cool here is they understand that finances shouldn’t block talent; that’s why they provide financial assistance online. They even have a Student Scholarship program, where students get to join via an audition process.
While it’s good that participants can display their talents on stage, we heard that the sound quality in the venue is terrible.
I value every piece of training I have received
“I feel so grateful to have been a part of this amazing Actors Intensive. I value every piece of training I have received this week, but more importantly, I feel blessed to have had this amazingly creative experience. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” — Anonymous, Online Review
This intensive was life-changing
“This intensive was life-changing. The amount of work and love we were able to put into it has made me realize that theatre is my passion and would not be happy doing anything else. The community is so strong, and being able to make these connections at a place like this is so beneficial to everyone involved.” — Anonymous, Online Review