Established in Montreal in 1960, the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS) offers professional training in English and French in a setting that unites all the theatre arts: acting, playwriting, directing, set and costume design, and production.

NTS is one of the few schools in the world that unites all the theatre arts under one roof. English- and French-speaking students study their respective theatrical traditions, learning in an atmosphere of respect for their cultures. NTS students acquire a strong base in traditional techniques, skills, and methods of learning that will serve them throughout their lives in and outside the theatre.

Theatre is anchored by traditions that are centuries old, but it is also constantly evolving. Training at the National Theatre School reflects this paradox. NTS students’ mastery of classical techniques and traditions is complemented by their exposure to contemporary and experimental work.

In its selection of teachers and students, the NTS seeks out artists who demonstrate exceptional creativity, autonomy, talent, dedication, discipline, curiosity, sensitivity, generosity, integrity and vision. While all students share these qualities, the School does not aim to put a recognisable stamp on its graduates. Rather, its goal is to give them the tools and environment that will let them realise their full potential as unique, individual artists.

Theatre is a collaborative art. At the National Theatre School, students experience the interdependence of writing, acting, directing, design and production on a daily basis.

NTS students not only benefit from individualized training (there is a maximum of 12 students per class), but also from daily contact with creators active in shaping theatre across the country and abroad. During the school year, the School’s approximately 160 students have direct, daily interactions with a constantly changing pool of close to 200 artists, including directors, producers, technicians, set, sound, lighting, and costume designers, playwrights, actors, choreographers, singers, stage managers, and voice coaches.

NTS teachers are working professionals, leaders in their disciplines who bring freshness and relevancy to their classes. This connection to the theatre community is part of the reason why NTS graduates enter their fields so successfully upon graduation.

Auditions and recruitment

Each year, auditions are held across the country to select the best candidates.
Number of applicants during the last audition tour: 890
Number of applicants accepted during the last audition tour: 55
Total number of students: 160
Number of teachers and mentors: approximately 150 full and part-time professionals from all over Canada and abroad

Origins and disciplines of students for the 2010-2011 school year

Origin		Programs
Newfoundland	2	Interprétation	44
Prince Edward Island	1	Acting	36
Nova Scotia	2	Écriture dramatique	6
New Brunswick	3	Playwriting	5
Quebec	91	Mise en scène	2
Ontario	37	Directing	2
Manitoba	2	Scénographie	12
Saskatchewan	2	Set and Costume Design	8
Alberta	7	Production	23
British Columbia	5	Production (French program)	22
Yukon	1
Other countries	7
TOTAL	160	TOTAL	160

Alumni

Close to 1,900 theatre professionals have graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada. Many alumni have established flourishing careers and solid reputations in the fields of theatre, film, television, opera and other performing arts, across Canada, North America, Europe and Oceania.