VFS Acting: Comedy for Teens (On Campus) May 9 – May 30

Learn the art of comedic acting in this 4-week course for teens, taught in the heart of Vancouver, BC.
How do you make people laugh? This Acting for Camera class will focus on the foundational skills of comedic acting. Participants will explore key elements of comedic performance including improvisation, comedic timing and the technical skills of acting for a multi-camera sitcom. Through practical exercises and a scripted sitcom shoot, participants will learn how to find humour through a playful exploration of a wide range of comedic characters.
Schedule: Saturdays, May 2d – May 30th, 10am-1pm (On Campus)
May 9th (First Class)
May 16th
May 23rd
May 30th (Final Class)
Cost: CAD400
Instructor: Chloe Payne
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, participants will possess a foundational proficiency in comedic acting, an understanding of the distinctive requirements of sitcom performance, and the ability to portray a range of comedic characters.
Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Comedic Timing and Improvisation The first session will focus on the foundational principles of improv, a vital skill for any comedic performer. Participants will engage in various improvisational games and exercises meant to cultivate quick thinking and the ability to generate spontaneous, funny responses. Emphasis will be placed on the core aspects of comedic timing, including the effective use of pauses, comedic rhythm, and organic reactions. By the end of the session, students will have developed a stronger understanding of how to foster humor through spontaneity and collaborative interaction with scene partners.
Lesson 2: The Eight Characters of Comedy This lesson will introduce participants to the eight archetypal characters that form the foundation of comedic narratives. These characters—such as the Straight Man, the Fool, the Eccentric, and the Rule-breaker—each fulfill a specific role that contribu