This Winter, NC’s Acting for Film and Digital Media students took their cues from fellow students in the Schools of Media and Justice and Fitness Studies.
From on-camera segments using the teleprompter, to recording voice-overs and doing improvisation, the actors-in-training flexed their skills through a variety of mediums while supporting the learning of Broadcasting – Film and Television, Game Development, Police Foundations, and Fitness and Health Promotion program students.
Among them were Acting students Carlos Cano of Ensenada, Mexico and Michael Hunter of Bolton, Ontario.
“The Acting program covers a wide range of disciplines essential for developing a well-rounded actor in today’s industry,” said Cano, who is in his first year. “Having both the BRTF and Acting programs offered at the same school is incredibly advantageous… the collaborative nature of these programs not only prepares us for the realities of the industry but also fosters valuable connections that may prove instrumental in our careers in the near future.”
Acting student Carlos Cano.
In 2023, Cano collaborated with students in the BRTF program playing the lead role in the short film, Appearances by Katherine Albers. During the Winter Term, Cano lent his voice to a video game character for a Game Development student capstone project.
Cano explains that, in voice acting, students learn how to command their voice effectively to bring characters to life for animations, video games and commercials.
“It was an enjoyable and educational experience, allowing me to refine my skills in a professional setting, thereby equipping me with a solid foundation for my future endeavors,” said Cano.
“Our newly renamed Acting for Film and Digital Media program seeks to prepare our students with the skills to succeed as an actor but also encourages them towards entrepreneurial industry avenues,” explained Program Coordinator Lori Ravensborg. “Along with all these experiential and collaborative opportunities, and the actors core work in voice, movement, acting and production, we aim to facilitate their competency as authentic creative storytellers.”
For Hunter, the chance to voice a ghostly spirit for the game Keeper’s Curse was a dream realized.
“Working with the Game Development program is actually a big reason I wanted to come to Niagara College,” he said. “I want to make a career in voice acting after I graduate, so being cast in a game makes me really happy.”
Recording took place over the course of a day in the Acting program studio’s voice booth.
“Being in the booth is a super fun and exhilarating experience,” explained Hunter. “Hearing the client say he loves the way I’m delivering a line is super rewarding and I am looking forward to hopefully doing more of that in the future.”
For the second year, Hunter also worked with Police Foundations students, improvising the difficult scenarios that students might face in the real-world of policing, from mental health crises to criminal apprehensions.
“I think it is helpful for both parties, the Police students because they get experience dealing with stressful or difficult situations without the pressure of the real thing, and the actors because we are able to practice our improv skills,” said Hunter.
Acting students also played fitness clients for training purposes to facilitate student learning in the Fitness and Health Promotion program.
