We take the safety of our staff and students very seriously and acknowledge that safety is a heightened concern during this time. We decided to pause all operations on March 17th, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Administration has been closely monitoring the decision and working hard to update our policies, and have made the decision to resume in-person classes.
In March, many of our classes were moved online with the same dedication as always to give our students professional and competitive training. While online-only classes are still available, Vancouver Acting School is excited to offer full-time in-person classes starting Monday June 8th. We are working hard to follow directions from WorkSafe BC, the BC CDC, and updates from provincial and federal health administrators.
We are proud at Vancouver Acting School to be part of a studio that is an industry hub in Vancouver. During this time, everyone in our building will be held to the same standards. Please visit GO Studios for guidelines and policies set specifically for the entire space, including casting facilities.
Below is our action plan that we have created to ensure safety without disrupting or compromising the quality of our classes at Vancouver Acting School.
Below is listed our set of procedures should there be an exposure event within our facilities.
Should a student or staff member test positive for COVID-19, the following procedure will be followed:
Vancouver Acting School recognizes that at this time students might feel they are in need of extra support. This includes support for mental health, anti-racism support, and cultural/religious considerations. We encourage students to reach out to Student Services at studentservices@vancouveractingschool.com, or to look for support through Here2Talk.
Here2Talk is a service that connects students registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution to confidential mental health support for free. Their services are accessible 24/7 through their app, phone number, or website.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 as outlined by the BC CDC, you should complete the Self-Assessment Tool and seek testing.
Several clinics are open for testing to the public in Vancouver and around the province of British Columbia. Some are available without an appointment, but you may need to book an appointment for others. Click HERE to see a list of all of the clinics available near you.
All international students attending in-person classes at Vancouver Acting School (VAS) are required to complete a 14 day quarantine upon arrival to Canada. Students must complete a Self Isolation Plan before being permitted to attend classes onsite. A Self Isolation Plan template will be sent to students via email. Students are also required to use the ArriveCan App and BC COVID-19 App.
All accepted International Students will be in contact with Scott Gamble, President & CEO of Vancouver Acting School prior to their arrival. The following information on airport and travel procedures, accommodation, food, check-ins, community integration, support, and COVID-19 testing during the required fourteen (14) day quarantine period will be communicated to students through email. This information will be kept public on this webpage, as well as be accessible as a PDF document* that will be emailed to accepted international students.
* This PDF will be updated regularly as protocols are updated. Please check back regularly to view any changes.
During the mandatory 14 day quarantine, students should expect to be contacted by Vancouver Acting School for regular check-ins. Failure to complete the following steps in a satisfactory manner will result in their acceptance being voided.
Upon arrival to the airport, students are required to follow all airport policies. Please review the YVR site before your arrival, as it will be updated as policies change.
Students must wear a medical or non-medical face mask or other accepted face covering while in common areas of the airport, as well as during travel to their accommodation. Students are required to travel directly to their place of quarantine. Below is a list of possible direct forms of transportation:
As of February 22nd, 2021, the Federal Government of Canada requires all international travellers entering Canada by air to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. This test will be performed at the airport. A second test must be taken towards the end of the 14 day quarantine, when instructed.
All travellers must reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel prior to their arrival to Canada. Click here for a list of government-authorized hotels. Travellers will travel directly to their hotel to await the results of their first COVID-19 test. If their test comes back negative, they are permitted to continue to their next accommodation, where they will continue the rest of their 14 day quarantine. If a positive result is returned, travellers must relocate to a designated quarantine facility and follow all instructions they are provided.
During your mandatory 14-Day quarantine, there some requirements your accommodation must meet according to the Canadian Public Health Services website. From the canada.ca website:
“Ensure you have a suitable place of quarantine that has access to the necessities of life and is not shared with those at risk of more severe disease.
canada.ca
Do not quarantine in places you can’t separate yourself from those who live with you. For example: in a group or communal living setting;
in a household with large families or many people; in a shared a small apartment, or have roommates who have not travelled with you; or at a camp, student dorm or other group setting where there is close contact and shared common spaces.”
Click here to see hotel accommodations that are nearby the Vancouver Acting School campus.
There are several ways to access food during quarantine, but it is important to check with your accommodation to ensure they accept deliveries, provide room service, or that your space has a kitchen to cook your own meals.
Takeout Delivery in Vancouver:
Grocery or Meal Kit Delivery (kitchen required):
If you need access to prescription drugs during your quarantine, there are several options for delivery of prescription drugs through pharmacies.
While in quarantine, students will begin to be integrated into the VAS community. Students will be entered into forums with all of our alumni to help them get to know the city, what to expect here, and provide a support system outside of the walls of the school. In this same virtual space, students will also be introduced to their upcoming classmates so that they can start to build the network of people around them. Additionally, weekly emailed communication will come from the admissions team to all new students to help prepare them for the first day of classes, and ensure they have everything they need in order to be successful.
