School Description

ADA was originally founded by Simon Longmore in 2000. In its beginnings, the school offered only part-time classes. Over time the demand for classes grew, ultimately resulting in a full-blown academy with an entire faculty and studio. With the mounting success of VADA graduates, the school expanded into a downtown studio on West Pender Street which was much more suitable as it boasted a little theatre and a light grid. Unfortunately, in 2003, a fire in the adjacent building caused enough damage to the downtown studio to force a move. For the next two years, VADA resided on Hamilton Street in a bright, colorful and aesthetic 40 seat studio which was a beauty of a space in which to work. In the following years, VADA’s reputation grew, and by the summer of 2005 the Hamilton studio was bursting at the seams. With the Dramatic Arts Program (DAP) filled to maximum capacity, and Simon’s vision to expand even more, VADA moved yet again; this time planting itself into the heart of downtown Vancouver at 900 Helmecken.