One of the most exciting developments at VanArts has been our degree pathway partnerships with universities and colleges around the world, which give our graduates the option of continuing their studies towards a Bachelors' degree in their chosen field. 

VanArts' President Alan Phillips and Student Services Director Ken Priebe both had the recent opportunity to visit some of these schools in person, see their beautiful campuses and meet their staff and students. The schools visited were Bond University in Queensland, Australia (above left and below), Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, and Media Design School in Auckland, New Zealand.  All three campuses are beautiful, dynamic, and full of creative energy, with excellent programs and facilities for students to pursue their studies. 

At Bond University: (Left to right) Professor Raoul Mortley, Dean of Faculty in Humanities & Social Sciences, Mr. Alan Phillips, President of VanArts, Ms. Veronica Boulton, Faculty Business Manager, Dr. Michael Sergi, Director of Film & Television

At Deakin University (above photo: Motion Capture Lab), we also got to catch up with our fellow VanArts 2D Animation graduate Rhin Kelly (below), who is currently studying at Deakin pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Film and Digital Media under the pathway program (and really enjoying the experience.)  We look forward to seeing more of our graduates choose this option of pursuing their degree at these fine institutions! 

For a detailed look at which VanArts programs are eligible for applications to these degree pathways, visit our Degree Pathways page here >>

The William Davis Centre for Actors' Study at VanArts is very proud of our graduate Andrew Herr, who is starring in his first leading film role airing at 8pm this Sunday, April 28 on CBC.

Andrew plays the role of Mark Howe in the new TV movie for CBC Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story, an experience which enabled him to combine acting with his background playing Junior B hockey. He gained immense experience working under the enthusiastic direction of Andy Mikita and several other talented actors such as Michael Shanks, Kathleen Robertson, Lochlyn Munro, Martin Cummins, Brad Turner, Teach Grant, and the rest of his cast. 

Andrew (on left) shares with us about his experience, "Hitting the ground running on my first film role coming out of school, I really got to see how a film comes together in addition to the acting, which was amazing. Working with the director Andy was great because his enthusiasm for the project was contagious, and I felt I could always ask him questions and stay on the same page. Working with the other actors was a great experience and wonderful to see how they approach the craft. My first time playing hockey in vintage gear from the 1970s was a challenge, but overall it was a lot of fun.  It was a dream to start my career with such an experience, one I will never forget." 

About his training at VanArts, "The Acting Department at VanArts helped me learn and use all the tools necessary to work as an actor. As a school they pushed me beyond my comfort zone to find ways of working the craft continually, even outside the classroom. The teachers were incredibly encouraging and there was a level of trust that allowed me as a performer to take more risks and then form it into a habit. The tools VanArts taught me I will continue to work on and use for the rest of my life." 

Great work Andrew, we're proud of you! 

Film Still from Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story © 2013 CBC

It often seems the real capital of Australia is Whistler, BC.  The beautiful world class ski resort, home to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, attracts visitors from around the world, particularly those from "down under."

Given this strong connection, VanArts is running a special offer for students from Australia and New Zealand.  To receive a free trip to Whistler you must apply, be accepted and enrol in the September 2013, March or September 2014 intakes.

The package includes:

• Three day ski or snowboarding pass
• Two nights hotel accomodation
• Free equipment rental
• Bus shuttle to/from Whistler

All application requirements must be submitted by June 30, 2013 to qualify. The trip voucher will be issued to students in good standing three months after the start date of your qualifying intake, and the trip must be taken during your year of study at VanArts. This offer is open to students from Australia and New Zealand, is non-transferable, non-redeemable and does not include airfare or travel to Canada.

VanArts is pleased to announce that all of our programs now feature articulations for degree pathways with Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.  

Various Bachelor Degrees specific to each program can be earned in as little as one full year (3 trimesters) at Deakin, after graduating from the diploma program of their choice at VanArts.  

VanArts graduates from 2D/3D Character Animation are eligible to receive up to 12 credit points of advanced standing towards the 24-credit point Bachelor of Film and Digital Media (Animation Major) or Bachelor of Animation and Motion Capture degree programs. The latter degree is also available to VanArts graduates in Game Art & Design and Visual Effects. 

VanArts graduates may have the option of completing these Deakin degree programs over one full calendar year (three consecutive trimesters) of full-time intensive study (4 credit points of study per trimester x 3), or over two years (two trimesters per year x 2) of reduced load full-time study (3 credit points of study per trimester x 4).  

VanArts graduates in Acting for Film & Television, Broadcasting for Radio & Television, Web Development & Interactive Design and Digital Photography are now also eligible for 8 credit points into various degree programs at Deakin, for completing 4 credit points each in four trimesters.  An additional 12-credit articulation is also available for Digital Photography into their Bachelor of Creative Arts - Photography major. 

For international students at Deakin, their work permit is part of the student visa allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week.

Detailed assessments for the VanArts-Deakin articulations can be explored and accessed at the following link: deakin.edu.au/courses/credit/search.php

From this link, up-to-date information can be found by simply:

1. Selecting Canada from the first drop box;
2. Selecting VanArts from the second drop box;
3. Selecting the VanArts Diploma program from the third drop box; and
4. Selecting the Deakin degree program from the fourth drop box

For more information, you can also visit Deakin at www.deakin.edu.au

Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B

Virgin Radio is currently holding their annual Fake Film Festival, and VanArts is excited to have our students represented in some of this year's entries once again. Participants must create a 60-second version of their favorite film and compete for prizes. 

UPDATE: Both of these films have made it into the Top 25 selections!

Our current Visual Effects student Calvin Romeyn did the effects work for this entry, JAWS in 60 Seconds. Cast votes for the film by 'Liking' it here >>  

Nicole LaVoie, our own recent graduate from Acting for Film & Television, also stars as Mila Kunis in this version of TED in 60 Seconds.
Cast votes for the film by 'Liking' it here >>

Best of luck to these contest entries! 

Students in our Acting Department at William Davis Centre for Actors' Study at VanArts are currently performing their rehearsal project this weekend, acting out Michael McClure's 1970s play General Gorgeous.  Telling a hilarious story of super heroes and philosophy, this rehearsal project helps our acting students prepare for their final performance project in their upcoming final term. 

Today, they performed the show for our animation students, who study how the actors move to benefit their own work.

Excellent performance, everyone! 

Happy New Year from VanArts!  If your New Year's Resolution for 2013 is to learn some new skills or explore the arts, VanArts presents its annual part-time courses throughout the year which typically meet once a week in evenings or weekends. 

For a list of courses, click on any of the following links by category: 

Digital Photography

Acting

Art & Animation

Click on any course to learn dates, times and costs.  We hope to welcome you into our part-time courses in 2013!

Questions?  Contact us at 604-682-2787 x104