National Theatre School of Canada
Canada's premier bilingual professional theatre training institution
Overview
The National Theatre School of Canada is the country's premier professional theatre training institution, offering programs in both English and French. Located in Montreal, it provides intensive conservatory-style training to a small, highly selected cohort each year.
The acting program is a rigorous three-year diploma that covers classical and contemporary technique, voice, movement, and ensemble work. Students perform in fully produced public productions throughout their training.
How It Works
NTS is unique in Canada for its bilingual mandate, reflecting the country's two official languages. Graduates are well prepared to work in both English and French-language theatre and media across Canada.
Tuition is substantial, but NTS offers significant financial aid, and all admitted students receive some form of bursary or scholarship. The school is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from attending.
Who Uses It
NTS is the top choice for actors seeking elite professional theatre training in Canada. Its bilingual environment, small class sizes, and strong industry connections provide an unmatched foundation for a Canadian theatre career. The school accepts only about 12 to 14 acting students per year in each language section, ensuring an exceptionally personalized training experience. Graduates frequently transition into leading roles at major Canadian theatres within a few years of completing the program.
Pricing & Plans
Tuition at the National Theatre School of Canada is approximately $5,000 to $7,000 CAD per year, but the school's generous financial aid policy means most students pay significantly less out of pocket. Every admitted student receives some form of bursary, and many receive full tuition coverage based on financial need. Additional living expenses in Montreal should be budgeted, though the city's cost of living is lower than Toronto or Vancouver. Compared to private conservatory programs in the US or UK, NTS offers world-class training at a fraction of the cost. The school also provides emergency funding for students facing unexpected financial hardship during their studies. The combination of low tuition and strong bursary support makes NTS one of the most accessible elite theatre programs in the world.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
The National Theatre School's most significant strength is the caliber of its faculty and guest instructors, who are drawn from the top ranks of Canadian and international theatre. The bilingual training is genuinely unique, producing graduates who can work seamlessly in both English and French-language productions across Canada. Class sizes of roughly 12 to 14 students ensure intensive, personalized instruction that is impossible to replicate in larger programs. The three-year program length allows for deep skill development and artistic maturation that shorter programs cannot match. NTS graduates have an exceptionally strong hiring record, with alumni regularly appearing at the Stratford Festival, National Arts Centre, and major theatres across the country. The school's Montreal location provides access to one of Canada's most vibrant and culturally rich cities, with a thriving theatre scene in both languages.
What Could Be Better
The highly selective admissions process means the vast majority of applicants are rejected, making acceptance far from guaranteed even for talented performers. The three-year commitment is substantial and requires relocating to Montreal, which may not be feasible for all prospective students. The program's focus on theatre means actors primarily interested in film and television careers may find the training less directly applicable. Montreal's predominantly French-speaking environment can be challenging for English-section students who do not speak French. The small cohort size, while beneficial for instruction, means limited diversity of scene partners and ensemble dynamics. Some graduates report that the intensity of the program can lead to burnout, and the transition from the school's supportive environment to the competitive professional world can be jarring.
Our Recommendation
We strongly recommend the National Theatre School for actors who are deeply committed to a career in professional theatre and are prepared for three years of intensive, full-time training. It is the single best theatre training program in Canada, and its reputation alone opens doors throughout the industry. Actors who are unsure about a theatre-focused career or who want to pursue screen acting primarily should consider other options. Bilingual actors will extract the maximum benefit from NTS, as the ability to work in both English and French doubles the available opportunities in Canada. International applicants are welcome but should be prepared to commit to the Canadian market. Those who cannot relocate to Montreal for three years should explore programs in their home city, such as George Brown in Toronto or Studio 58 in Vancouver.
Pro Tips
Begin preparing your audition material months in advance, choosing monologues that showcase emotional range and a genuine connection to the text rather than flashy technical displays. Research the school's faculty and artistic philosophy before your audition to ensure your approach aligns with what they value. If you are applying to the English section, consider taking basic French classes beforehand, as even rudimentary French will enrich your experience in Montreal. During the program, immerse yourself fully in the training and resist the temptation to seek outside professional work, as the school's intensive schedule demands your complete focus. Build relationships with your cohort, as these peers will become your professional network for decades. Take advantage of NTS's alumni network by attending school events and staying connected after graduation, as alumni frequently hire and recommend fellow graduates.