Sector-Specific Education

(Applicable for AACE Membership)

The acting training environment is a very specific subsect of teaching because inherent in the craft is the exploration of the self which requires deeply personal connections. Educators and coaches need to hone their teaching craft to encourage actors to be brave and feel safe enough to be vulnerable.

Part of AACE's mandate is to help coaches and educators find courses, workshops, seminars, lectures, podcasts and any other sector-specific and additional educational opportunities to help them fulfill their AACE commitment to ongoing education. 

If you know of any educational opportunities, specific to acting training that we should include on our list please CONTACT US!

COURSES - CLASSES - WORKSHOPS - LECTURES - PANELS - SEMINARS - VIDEOS

Sector-Specific Opportunities Applicable for
AACE Membership

The links to training below can be viewed/taken and qualify as one of the two required courses for your AACE application.

 For previously recorded lectures/webinars, please share some of your learning takeaways in PDF form as proof of completion.

*Please note: only one previously recorded or asynchronous course will be accepted as one of the two required courses for AACE membership.

Global Sector-Specific Education

Anti-Harassment, Bullying and Violence

  • FREE - OnYouTube- A 30-minute animated artist/worker/employee training resource on ‘what actions to take when experiencing/witnessing harassment’ with a questionnaire to test learner recall of key points.

    LINK: Responding to Harassment for Cultural Workers

  • Bystander training is an effective way to empower people to address and prevent harassment and discrimination in a workspace. It equips workers with the right knowledge, tools and motivation to intervene safely and stop inappropriate behaviour before it rises to the level of unlawful harassment.

    This course is designed to empower people to challenge unacceptable behaviour that may have become normalised in the arts and creative sectors. The course aims to explain the role of an active bystander, identify forms of inappropriate behaviour, demonstrate how to be an active bystander safely and the positive effect this can have in the workplace.

    By the end of this course, you should be able to:

    • Explain the role of an active bystander and why it is important.

    • Identify all forms of inappropriate behaviour.

    • Demonstrate how to be an active bystander with an understanding of the breadth of possible intervention strategies.

    • Recognise how being an active bystander can influence and affect a positive workplace culture.

    • Recognise the importance of only intervening when it is safe to do so.

    Register Here for the free online, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland

  • The aim of this programme is to reduce bias in attitudes and behaviours at work, from hiring and promotion decisions to interactions with customers and colleagues. It will increase awareness and understanding of the unconscious biases, often based on race and gender, that lead to incorrect assumptions and decisions about people’s abilities, talent or character.

    Raising awareness of our unconscious biases helps reduce their impact, however it does not eliminate them. This course explores theory as well as strategies to help tackle its impact at work. Staying alert to our unconscious biases is an ongoing process that might involve refreshing or extending our awareness on a regular basis via continued development opportunities.

    By the end of this course, you will:

    • Understand what unconscious biases are and why we have them.

    • Understand how they are formed and when they are most likely triggered at work.

    • Understand how our unconscious biases impact our decision-making.

    • Understand how our unconscious biases affect our behaviour.

    • Understand the benefits of recognising and working to address our unconscious biases for our work and our audiences.

    • Recognise our own unconscious biases and triggers.

    • Identify strategies for challenging our unconscious biases.

    Register Here for this free, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland

  • Bullying can affect everyone, and can happen anywhere, in the workplace, in the home or online. A person who experiences bullying can often feel hurt, humiliated, or threatened.  When there is bullying behaviour in the workplace it can cause problems for the individual, the perpetrator as well as their managers / employers.  This training will help you recognise and address harassment and bullying behaviours in yourself and others.

    Register Here for the free, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland.

  • FREE - On Youtube

    Creating Brave Spaces was an exciting discussion with industry experts in helping actors find agency with their process and take risks without risking themselves. 

    Jennifer Wigmore, AACE's Co-Administrator moderated this 90 minute live panel discussion to discuss the strategies they use in their consent based teaching practices and the many ways that boundaries and consent can be approached in the acting classroom. AACE Members and Acting Coaches: Meredith McGeachie, Alan Powell and Alix Sidaris, are joined by Intimacy Coordinators Megan Schroeder & Matt Denney.

    LINK: Creating Brave Spaces

  • FEE to participate –  AACE Member discount. 

    Email for details - info@intimacysociety.com

  • FEE to Participate on Joyful Workspaces  

    A comprehensive understanding of Intimacy in performance, with specific practices that can be integrated into the acting studio without an Intimacy Professional, leading to a learning environment that is in alignment with current Best Practices in the performance workplace, preparing the performer for their next gig!

    LINK: Introduction to Intimacy in the Classroom for Coaches and Educators

Intimacy, Respect and Consent

Mental Health

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    ​​Moderator Lisa Karen Cox with Panelists Tovah Small, Millie Tom, Jennifer Wigmore, Kadon Douglas, and Richard Lam.

    Much has changed in the industry in recent years and power structures are changing. At the heart of any healthy student/teacher relationship is recognizing those evolving dynamics and how power flows.  This panel of industry experts and leaders will discuss the ways power has shifted so educators can always foster respect-based environments that empower and inspire.

    LINK: How Evolving Dynamics of Power in the Industry are Changing Acting Training

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    Become more aware and able to support all gender identities and expressions in our teaching environments. This panel discussion covers experiences of students, coaches/educators and experts who help us understand the gender experience in the learning environment.

    LINK: Gender Experience

  • FREE - with Shine account 

    PACT is a self-paced e-learning course with an introduction and four modules, each approximately 7 minutes, for a total of approximately 45 minutes.

    LINK: Working with Indigenous Peoples in the Screen Sector

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    This 1.5hr lecture and Q&A was delivered by Tanisha Taitt on May 28th, 2019 as part of Got Your Back Canada's Acting Educators Conference.

    LINK: Contemporary & In Colour

Equity, Diversity, Allyship & Inclusion

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    This 1.5hr panel and Q&A was moderated by Lara Arabian and including Andrew Moodie, Alex Norton, Karlie Starchuk, and Brefny Caribou-Curtin, the panelists discuss how we can begin to make our classrooms and rehearsal rooms inclusive to all.

    LINK: Room for Everyone Panel 

  • FREE - On YouTube

    1.5hr  discussion as part of the DART MIWSFPA BIPOC Speaker Series No. 3.

    LINK: Consciousness in Colour: Intercultural Scene Study for Contemporary Classrooms 

  • FREE - On YouTube

    This webinar focuses on the issues of Race, Equity and Inclusion with a particular emphasis on musical theatre education. More resources can be found at www.musicaltheatreeducators.org. If you would like to become a member of the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance, visit our website for more information on how to join! 

    LINK: Race, Equity & Inclusion in Musical Theatre

  • FREE - On YouTube

    Part 1 & 2: Panelists Becca Suskauer, Max Chernin, Eliana Rubin, and Jonah Schwartz discuss antisemitism in theatre with moderator Gwen Walker.

    LINK: Part

    LINK: Part 2

  • FREE - Audio Recording on Youtube  

    The keynote presentation from the first Canadian Theatre Educators Conference on July 29 2018. Delivered by Tanisha Taitt

    LINK: A Classroom in Colour

  • FREE - on Spotify  

    A podcast about putting artists, access and disability on stage, right. DSR examines access to, and the barriers faced in, training, physical spaces and attitudes in theatre and performance through interviews and discussions with incredible Canadian artists with disabilities. It is fun, informative and covers a range of topics through conversation with from artists across Canada..

    LINK: Disability Stage Right

  • FREE - On Youtube

    There is a critical need for greater inclusion of performers with disabilities in productions in general, as well as authenticity in storytelling around characters who have disabilities. This conversation will look at where we are now, where we need to be and how we can foster changes that move the industry forward toward greater inclusion and authenticity.

    LINK:  Performers with Disabilities: Inclusion, Authenticity & Allyship.

Canada Sector-Specific Education

Anti-Harassment, Bullying and Violence

  • FREE - On Youtube

    Creating Brave Spaces was an exciting discussion with industry experts in helping actors find agency with their process and take risks without risking themselves. 

    Jennifer Wigmore, AACE's Co-Administrator moderated this 90 minute live panel discussion to discuss the strategies they use in their consent based teaching practices and the many ways that boundaries and consent can be approached in the acting classroom. AACE Members and Acting Coaches: Meredith McGeachie, Alan Powell and Alix Sidaris, are joined by Intimacy Coordinators Megan Schroeder & Matt Denney.

    LINK: Creating Brave Spaces

  • FEE to participate –  AACE Member discount. 

    Email for details - info@intimacysociety.com

  • FEE to Participate on Joyful Workspaces  

    A comprehensive understanding of Intimacy in performance, with specific practices that can be integrated into the acting studio without an Intimacy Professional, leading to a learning environment that is in alignment with current Best Practices in the performance workplace, preparing the performer for their next gig!

    LINK: Introduction to Intimacy in the Classroom for Coaches and Educators

Intimacy, Respect and Consent

  • FREE  - On Zoom - Open to ACTRA Toronto members 

    ACTRA Toronto offers these two sessions to equip members with the tools they need on set. Each session is three hours in length (six hours in total) and is offered every month. Members can sign up for one or both sessions at the same time.

    Email to Register - me@actratoronto.com

  • FREE - On YouTube- A 30-minute animated artist/worker/employee training resource on ‘what actions to take when experiencing/witnessing harassment’ with a questionnaire to test learner recall of key points.

    LINK:  Responding to Harassment for Cultural Workers

  • FREE - On Vimeo Webinar - Open to CAEA Members

    A presentation on Equity's improved Complaint and Disciplinary Process. And a panel discussion on how we can improve on standards of respect and safety in our workspaces

    LINK: Safer Workspaces

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    Bystander Intervention, conducted by Stafford Perry and Jenna Rodgers, is an online workshop offering practical tactics that artists can employ to help make our creative spaces safer.

    LINK: Bystander Intervention

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    How, and why, we use room agreements and other strategies to set expectations, name our shared values, find ways to adhere to best intentions, allow for true difference, and seek real common ground.

    LINK: Community Agreements

  • FREE - On Youtube

    Conflict Resolution/De-escalation is a workshop designed to help artists understand how to manage conflict in the creative process and de-escalate a situation in the workplace.

    Thanks to our facilitators: Charles C. Smith, Nadia Bello, Ryan Cunningham, and Jennifer Khor; and ASL interpreters Amanda and Cynthia.

    LINK: Conflict Resolution/De-escalation

  • Bystander training is an effective way to empower people to address and prevent harassment and discrimination in a workspace. It equips workers with the right knowledge, tools and motivation to intervene safely and stop inappropriate behaviour before it rises to the level of unlawful harassment.

    This course is designed to empower people to challenge unacceptable behaviour that may have become normalised in the arts and creative sectors. The course aims to explain the role of an active bystander, identify forms of inappropriate behaviour, demonstrate how to be an active bystander safely and the positive effect this can have in the workplace.

    By the end of this course, you should be able to:

    • Explain the role of an active bystander and why it is important.

    • Identify all forms of inappropriate behaviour.

    • Demonstrate how to be an active bystander with an understanding of the breadth of possible intervention strategies.

    • Recognise how being an active bystander can influence and affect a positive workplace culture.

    • Recognise the importance of only intervening when it is safe to do so.

    Register Here for the free online, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland

  • The aim of this programme is to reduce bias in attitudes and behaviours at work, from hiring and promotion decisions to interactions with customers and colleagues. It will increase awareness and understanding of the unconscious biases, often based on race and gender, that lead to incorrect assumptions and decisions about people’s abilities, talent or character.

    Raising awareness of our unconscious biases helps reduce their impact, however it does not eliminate them. This course explores theory as well as strategies to help tackle its impact at work. Staying alert to our unconscious biases is an ongoing process that might involve refreshing or extending our awareness on a regular basis via continued development opportunities.

    By the end of this course, you will:

    • Understand what unconscious biases are and why we have them.

    • Understand how they are formed and when they are most likely triggered at work.

    • Understand how our unconscious biases impact our decision-making.

    • Understand how our unconscious biases affect our behaviour.

    • Understand the benefits of recognising and working to address our unconscious biases for our work and our audiences.

    • Recognise our own unconscious biases and triggers.

    • Identify strategies for challenging our unconscious biases.

    Register Here for this free, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland

  • Bullying can affect everyone, and can happen anywhere, in the workplace, in the home or online. A person who experiences bullying can often feel hurt, humiliated, or threatened.  When there is bullying behaviour in the workplace it can cause problems for the individual, the perpetrator as well as their managers / employers.  This training will help you recognise and address harassment and bullying behaviours in yourself and others.

    Register Here for the free, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland.

Mental Health

  • FREE - On YouTube

    Mental Health - Ask Me Anything' is an online Q & A with Matt Eldridge, designed to provide you with useful tools for navigating your mental health journey as a member of the live performance industry.

    Thanks to our facilitator, Matt Eldridge; Moderator, Deena Aziz; and ASL interpreters, Amanda and Cynthia. 

    LINK: Ask Me Anything

  • FEE to participate

    Recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their  mental well-being or a mental health crisis. Find and reach out to professional support that could help with recovery to improve mental well-being. Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis. Use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being.

    LINK: Mental Health First Aid Training

  • FREE - On YouTube

    1.5hr  discussion as part of the DART MIWSFPA BIPOC Speaker Series No. 3.

    LINK: Consciousness in Colour: Intercultural Scene Study for Contemporary Classrooms 

  • FREE - On Vimeo

    Equity held an Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression (ARAO) training for members on August 26, 2020 with special guest human resources specialist and facilitator Douglas Stewart.

    Part 2 provides participants with a more in-depth practical training session to complement Anti-Oppressive Communication

    LINK: Part 1:  Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Training  

    LINK: Part 2: Anti Oppressive Communication: Part 2

  • FREE - On YouTube

    Considering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Your Work is a workshop designed to help both artists and engagers understand the importance of valuing EDIB in creating and producing cultural work. Facilitators: Charles C. Smith, Sheila Wilmot, and Sedina Fiati. Moderator, Ryan G. Hinds; and ASL interpreter Cynthia. 

    LINK: Considering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Your Work 

  • FREE - On YouTube

    This webinar focuses on the issues of Race, Equity and Inclusion with a particular emphasis on musical theatre education. More resources can be found at www.musicaltheatreeducators.org. If you would like to become a member of the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance, visit our website for more information on how to join! 

    LINK: Race, Equity & Inclusion in Musical Theatre

  • FREE - On YouTube

    Part 1 & 2: Panelists Becca Suskauer, Max Chernin, Eliana Rubin, and Jonah Schwartz discuss antisemitism in theatre with moderator Gwen Walker.

    LINK: Part

    LINK: Part 2

Equity, Diversity, Allyship & Inclusion

  • FREE - Audio Recording on Youtube  

    The keynote presentation from the first Canadian Theatre Educators Conference on July 29 2018. Delivered by Tanisha Taitt

    LINK: A Classroom in Colour

  • FREE - on Spotify  

    A podcast about putting artists, access and disability on stage, right. DSR examines access to, and the barriers faced in, training, physical spaces and attitudes in theatre and performance through interviews and discussions with incredible Canadian artists with disabilities. It is fun, informative and covers a range of topics through conversation with from artists across Canada..

    LINK: Disability Stage Right

  • FREE - On Youtube

    There is a critical need for greater inclusion of performers with disabilities in productions in general, as well as authenticity in storytelling around characters who have disabilities. This conversation will look at where we are now, where we need to be and how we can foster changes that move the industry forward toward greater inclusion and authenticity.

    LINK:  Performers with Disabilities: Inclusion, Authenticity & Allyship.

  • FREE - Course through the University of Alberta

    Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions

    LINK Indigenous Canada

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    ​​Moderator Lisa Karen Cox with Panelists Tovah Small, Millie Tom, Jennifer Wigmore, Kadon Douglas, and Richard Lam.

    Much has changed in the industry in recent years and power structures are changing. At the heart of any healthy student/teacher relationship is recognizing those evolving dynamics and how power flows.  This panel of industry experts and leaders will discuss the ways power has shifted so educators can always foster respect-based environments that empower and inspire.

    LINK: How Evolving Dynamics of Power in the Industry are Changing Acting Training

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    Become more aware and able to support all gender identities and expressions in our teaching environments. This panel discussion covers experiences of students, coaches/educators and experts who help us understand the gender experience in the learning environment.

    LINK: Gender Experience

  • FREE - with Shine account 

    PACT is a self-paced e-learning course with an introduction and four modules, each approximately 7 minutes, for a total of approximately 45 minutes.

    LINK: Working with Indigenous Peoples in the Screen Sector

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    This 1.5hr lecture and Q&A was delivered by Tanisha Taitt on May 28th, 2019 as part of Got Your Back Canada's Acting Educators Conference.

    LINK: Contemporary & In Colour

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    This 1.5hr panel and Q&A was moderated by Lara Arabian and including Andrew Moodie, Alex Norton, Karlie Starchuk, and Brefny Caribou-Curtin, the panelists discuss how we can begin to make our classrooms and rehearsal rooms inclusive to all.

    LINK: Room for Everyone Panel 

UK Sector-Specific Education

Anti-Harassment, Bullying and Violence

  • Bystander training is an effective way to empower people to address and prevent harassment and discrimination in a workspace. It equips workers with the right knowledge, tools and motivation to intervene safely and stop inappropriate behaviour before it rises to the level of unlawful harassment.

    This course is designed to empower people to challenge unacceptable behaviour that may have become normalised in the arts and creative sectors. The course aims to explain the role of an active bystander, identify forms of inappropriate behaviour, demonstrate how to be an active bystander safely and the positive effect this can have in the workplace.

    By the end of this course, you should be able to:

    • Explain the role of an active bystander and why it is important.

    • Identify all forms of inappropriate behaviour.

    • Demonstrate how to be an active bystander with an understanding of the breadth of possible intervention strategies.

    • Recognise how being an active bystander can influence and affect a positive workplace culture.

    • Recognise the importance of only intervening when it is safe to do so.

    Register Here for the free online, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland

  • The aim of this programme is to reduce bias in attitudes and behaviours at work, from hiring and promotion decisions to interactions with customers and colleagues. It will increase awareness and understanding of the unconscious biases, often based on race and gender, that lead to incorrect assumptions and decisions about people’s abilities, talent or character.

    Raising awareness of our unconscious biases helps reduce their impact, however it does not eliminate them. This course explores theory as well as strategies to help tackle its impact at work. Staying alert to our unconscious biases is an ongoing process that might involve refreshing or extending our awareness on a regular basis via continued development opportunities.

    By the end of this course, you will:

    • Understand what unconscious biases are and why we have them.

    • Understand how they are formed and when they are most likely triggered at work.

    • Understand how our unconscious biases impact our decision-making.

    • Understand how our unconscious biases affect our behaviour.

    • Understand the benefits of recognising and working to address our unconscious biases for our work and our audiences.

    • Recognise our own unconscious biases and triggers.

    • Identify strategies for challenging our unconscious biases.

    Register Here for this free, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland

  • Bullying can affect everyone, and can happen anywhere, in the workplace, in the home or online. A person who experiences bullying can often feel hurt, humiliated, or threatened.  When there is bullying behaviour in the workplace it can cause problems for the individual, the perpetrator as well as their managers / employers.  This training will help you recognise and address harassment and bullying behaviours in yourself and others.

    Register Here for the free, self-led course through Safe To Create in partnership with Screen Ireland.

  • FREE - On Youtube

    Creating Brave Spaces was an exciting discussion with industry experts in helping actors find agency with their process and take risks without risking themselves. 

    Jennifer Wigmore, AACE's Co-Administrator moderated this 90 minute live panel discussion to discuss the strategies they use in their consent based teaching practices and the many ways that boundaries and consent can be approached in the acting classroom. AACE Members and Acting Coaches: Meredith McGeachie, Alan Powell and Alix Sidaris, are joined by Intimacy Coordinators Megan Schroeder & Matt Denney.

    LINK: Creating Brave Spaces

  • FEE to participate –  AACE Member discount. 

    Email for details - info@intimacysociety.com

  • FEE to Participate on Joyful Workspaces  

    A comprehensive understanding of Intimacy in performance, with specific practices that can be integrated into the acting studio without an Intimacy Professional, leading to a learning environment that is in alignment with current Best Practices in the performance workplace, preparing the performer for their next gig!

    LINK: Introduction to Intimacy in the Classroom for Coaches and Educators

Intimacy, Respect and Consent

Mental Health

Equity, Diversity, Allyship & Inclusion

  • FREE - On YouTube

    1.5hr  discussion as part of the DART MIWSFPA BIPOC Speaker Series No. 3.

    LINK: Consciousness in Colour: Intercultural Scene Study for Contemporary Classrooms 

  • FREE - On YouTube

    This webinar focuses on the issues of Race, Equity and Inclusion with a particular emphasis on musical theatre education. More resources can be found at www.musicaltheatreeducators.org. If you would like to become a member of the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance, visit our website for more information on how to join! 

    LINK: Race, Equity & Inclusion in Musical Theatre

  • FREE - On YouTube

    Part 1 & 2: Panelists Becca Suskauer, Max Chernin, Eliana Rubin, and Jonah Schwartz discuss antisemitism in theatre with moderator Gwen Walker.

    LINK: Part

    LINK: Part 2

  • FREE - Audio Recording on Youtube  

    The keynote presentation from the first Canadian Theatre Educators Conference on July 29 2018. Delivered by Tanisha Taitt

    LINK: A Classroom in Colour

  • FREE - on Spotify  

    A podcast about putting artists, access and disability on stage, right. DSR examines access to, and the barriers faced in, training, physical spaces and attitudes in theatre and performance through interviews and discussions with incredible Canadian artists with disabilities. It is fun, informative and covers a range of topics through conversation with from artists across Canada..

    LINK: Disability Stage Right

  • FREE - On Youtube

    There is a critical need for greater inclusion of performers with disabilities in productions in general, as well as authenticity in storytelling around characters who have disabilities. This conversation will look at where we are now, where we need to be and how we can foster changes that move the industry forward toward greater inclusion and authenticity.

    LINK:  Performers with Disabilities: Inclusion, Authenticity & Allyship.

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    ​​Moderator Lisa Karen Cox with Panelists Tovah Small, Millie Tom, Jennifer Wigmore, Kadon Douglas, and Richard Lam.

    Much has changed in the industry in recent years and power structures are changing. At the heart of any healthy student/teacher relationship is recognizing those evolving dynamics and how power flows.  This panel of industry experts and leaders will discuss the ways power has shifted so educators can always foster respect-based environments that empower and inspire.

    LINK: How Evolving Dynamics of Power in the Industry are Changing Acting Training

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    Become more aware and able to support all gender identities and expressions in our teaching environments. This panel discussion covers experiences of students, coaches/educators and experts who help us understand the gender experience in the learning environment.

    LINK: Gender Experience

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    This 1.5hr lecture and Q&A was delivered by Tanisha Taitt on May 28th, 2019 as part of Got Your Back Canada's Acting Educators Conference.

    LINK: Contemporary & In Colour

  • FREE - On YouTube 

    This 1.5hr panel and Q&A was moderated by Lara Arabian and including Andrew Moodie, Alex Norton, Karlie Starchuk, and Brefny Caribou-Curtin, the panelists discuss how we can begin to make our classrooms and rehearsal rooms inclusive to all.

    LINK: Room for Everyone Panel