Workshops

All workshops are “pay-what-you-can”. This means to pay what is sustainable for you!

Shakespeare Study

Join us for an exclusive, hands-on Shakespeare Study Workshop led by renowned director and instructor Scott Swan.

In this focused study workshop, Scott Swan pulls back the curtain on the Bard's work, giving participants the practical tools needed to approach the text with absolute confidence.

This workshop is open to actors of all experience levels, students, teachers, and anyone with a passion for classical theater. Scott’s supportive, insightful coaching style ensures that beginners will feel welcome and seasoned performers will find fresh, challenging perspectives.

Sunday, June 28, 2026

11AM–1:00 PM Pacific

Location: Nanaimo BC

As always, ACT’s Professional Development Workshops are on a pay-what-you-can basis!

We hope to see you there!

Scott Swan, M.F.A. (Directing), Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, is the Executive Artistic Director for the Street Performers Festival. He is also Artistic Director of the Seacoast Theatre Centre and Principal and Head Teacher of Seacoast Studios. Scott has been a theatre director and teacher for over forty years, winning numerous awards for his work. He was the Founding Artistic Director of the Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts as well as for Northern Light Theatre in Edmonton, and the Artistic Director of Festival Lennoxville in Quebec. Select directing engagements include: The National Arts Centre, The Shaw Festival, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Alberta Theatre Projects The Citadel Theatre, The Vancouver Playhouse, and Bard on the Beach. Scott has had two shows optioned for Broadway, served as a National Radio Drama Producer for CBC, and has numerous stage and television credits.  As an instructor, he was the Artistic Director and Head Teacher at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre School, from 1987-1991.  The V.P.A.S. was the second largest and most prestigious school in Canada, after N.T.S.  Under his Direction, many of the students have gone on to make major contributions to the performing arts all across Canada, the U.S. and Europe as actors, directors and playwrights.  Since the founding of his own Studio, Seacoast Studios in 1993, a large number of Scott’s students work professionally in both Canada and the US, and/or have been accepted to highly acclaimed theatre programs all over the world. He is a member of the professional company, and the founder (and a member) of the Mentorship Program at the Studio.

Empowering Your Craft

Our professional development series is built on the belief that a thriving arts community depends on the continuous growth of its creators. We offer a rigorous yet supportive environment to sharpen your skills across the entire spectrum of production:

• Performance Excellence: Master the rhythmic complexities of performance

• Technical Artistry: Build your portfolio with hands-on sessions

• Artistic Evolution: Bridge the gap between foundational training and professional industry standards.

Accessible Excellence for All

In the spirit of true community support, we are committed to making high-level training accessible through a pay-what-you-can model. We believe that financial barriers should never dictate an artist's ability to learn. This sustainable approach allows us to invest in your talent while respecting the diverse economic realities of our local creators, helping to build a more resilient and skilled theatrical landscape for everyone.

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