Canada Resources
As a result of these unprecedented times, The Mandy Team has created a resources page providing you with a wide range of information and support material to help you stay positive and motivated during lockdown! We are here to guide each one of our 2.7million talented members through this period, we continue to list incredible jobs from employers across the world and along with our guides, this page will help you keep busy, stay fit and remain informed.
Click on the images below to find out more about the resources and support available for each sector.
Information & Support
We have collated the most helpful links from Canadian institutions. Find out what help is out there!
*NEW* The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide charitable organization that promotes mental health for all. Over the past century, they have provided mental health services and support in over 330 communities and serve over 10,000 individuals each year. This holiday period they have a multitude of support and resources for those in need, and their Holiday Gift Program offers kindness to adults and children who need it most, providing them with necessities to help them through the period. You can find out more here.
ACTRA is the largest organization of cultural workers in Canada and has over 22,000 members. They have recently released their COVID-19 best practice guidelines for returning to work, and this includes support and guidance for auditions, on-set activity, food, transportation and more. You can read their guidelines in full here.
The AFC supports a world where Canadian entertainment professionals are valued and supported, and these trying times are no different. They have created dedicated pages to support those affected in our industry, including government help, financial assistance and more. Visit their website here for more information.
The Government of Canada website is always on hand to offer vital support and information that affects millions across the country. This unprecedented climate is no different, and they are routinely updating their pages with information surrounding the pandemic. Visit their website here for updates in the healthcare system, travel advice, how to keep your kids safe and more.
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the union of more than 23,000 professional performers working in Canada including those in TV, film, radio and digital media. They continue to keep the wellbeing of their performers in the highest regard, and in these trying times, they are updating their website with regular updates on how their community can stay safe and informed. You can visit their website here.
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEE) is the voice of professional artists engaging in live performance in English-speaking Canada. As a national association representing thousands of performers across the country, the health and wellbeing of their members is their main priority. While their offices are currently closed, the team continues to provide essential work for the community. You can find updates from Equity here.
A national labour organization, The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) represents over 5,000 key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production and editing. Remaining dedicated to helping all personnel in the industry, they are regularly updating their website with relevant information, including the latest government income support. Check out their site here.
The Writers Guild of Canada represents more than 2,400 professional English-language screenwriters in Canada, creators of entertainment watched around the world. The Canadian federal and provincial governments are taking actions to offset the impact of the pandemic, and their website is constantly updating with information on their postponed services and updates from WGC members.
CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages. They facilitate treatments for those suffering from mental health illnesses, addictions and more. They are closely monitoring the evolving climate and they continue to work with Toronto region hospitals to take proactive measures, with a more stripped-back offering. Visit their webpage for more information here.
Education
As we all self-isolate at home, you might want to use your new found free time to develop your skills with these online resources.
Since 1960, Montreal’s National Theatre School has been offering training to theatre professionals. They continue to provide incomparable theatre training while we are self-isolating, and are offering 10 free online training programs to theatre professionals! Why not spend your time self-isolating honing your craft?
The Second City is a legendary sketch comedy and improv theater and training center and during these difficult times, they continue to host a variety of initiatives, designed to bring a smile to your face and the opportunity to hone your craft. Check out their brand new 90-minute drop-in improv classes here!
IYA Studio for Actors has been an artistic community and training ground for experienced and up-and-coming actors for almost a decade. They offer programs on life coaching, career counselling and improv/acting training. They are currently offering a free audition checklist workbook. Visit their website and find out more here.
Milne Studio actor training integrates methods and tools from leading figures in the industry, such as Constantine Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Uta Hagan and more. Their acting training and foundation classes weave these masterful techniques to help actors cultivate and amplify their craft. They are currently offering free daily classes online and you can check them out here.
The LB Acting Studio is a professional on-camera acting studio located in downtown Toronto. They aim to help actors advance their careers, book more work and excel while on-set. During this difficult time, they are offering daily sessions on zoom for actors to chat about how to be real in all of this without feeling overwhelmed. Read more about it here.
Physical distance doesn’t mean social distance. Right now, the world is consuming more content than ever before. Whether you have a film/TV idea you’ve always wanted to write, some jokes you need to punch up, or just want to create something inspired, The Second City can help you. They are offering multiple classes on various subjects to help those who are currently making the world a little bit funnier.
Masterclass is an online educational platform with classes produced by renowned personalities in their respective fields. For Film & TV Industry professionals, this is your chance to learn from the likes of Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Scorcese, David Lynch and many more. They are offering 2-for-1 on their annual membership, find out more about it here.
Community
In times of self-isolation and social distancing, it’s important to keep connected with fellow industry professionals. Here are the best online resources available:
Renowned casting director Molly Knight is hosting a weekly self-tape challenge on her Instagram page! This ultimate challenge will help you showcase your talent and creativity while remaining connected and engaged with fellow professionals. Why not use your time self-isolating and submit your self-tape?
Monologue Slam is an acting competition where actors perform on stage in front of a panel of experts, who provide feedback and select a winner. Exact rules and format vary from region to region, but the essence of the event is to give actors a space to play, create a community of artists and build a stronger industry. During these self-isolation times, they have moved their competition online. Follow them on social media to be up to date on their openings.
We are all adjusting to our ‘new normal’ lives and there are some organizations and software packages that are helping us along the way. Zoom is a remote conferencing service company, providing a remote service that combines video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration. Universities, businesses and friendship groups are utilising the Zoom as we navigate the current climate. Check Zoom out here.
The Actors Place (TAP) is a place for people with acting training and/or those who are pursuing an acting career to meet and practice our craft. Every week they bring an expert to talk about improv and warmup games, short scripts & cold reading, auditioning techniques, scene and script analysis and more. Find out more about their online events here.
We are very proud of having been able to bring together a wide network of talented industry professionals. Our forum is a great place for our members to have conversations, share wisdom, find work, collaborate and support each other. We highly recommend you to use this tool to join conversations and network with fellow performers - we have plenty of advice and top tips for child actors!
Fun & fit
While we highly recommend you to use your free time to develop your craft, it’s also very important to wind down to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy.
Each season, Stratford Festival in Ontario presents a dozen or more productions in four distinctive venues - it’s no surprise that it’s North America’s largest classical theatre company! Despite the current pandemic, the festival continues to inspire the masses, selecting 12 Shakespeare films that will spark thought and conversation, and streaming them and much more content on their website!
The largest museum in Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has temporarily closed their door but their website is jam-packed with fascinating information, resources and activities that digital visitors will appreciate and love.
Iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright still has many of his incredible buildings standing across the world. While they may currently be closed to the public, his legacy lives on through virtual tours of some of his most beautiful sites on social media! You can visit them from the comfort of your own home and learn about the history of each here.
The current climate is a constant worry for us all, especially for parents. Are your kids starting to get seriously bored being stuck in the house? Canada’s Wonderland is on hand to help. Take a visit to their website and enjoy a virtual ride on all of their attractions! It’s almost as good as enjoying the real thing, and you can ride the attractions from the comfort of your own home here.
TikTok is a video-sharing social network used to create short dance, lip-sync, comedy, and talent videos. As we all find ourselves with more free time, this is a great time to join their community and create your own fun videos. Check out our guide here on how to maximise your presence on social media, thus helping your acting career.
Due to the current outbreak, many people are avoiding gathering in large groups, including yoga studios and other fitness spaces. However, stressful times like these are precisely when people need wellness practices the most, and Down Dog are committed to doing their part to help out. So that anyone who wants to practice at home can do so, they have made all of their apps - Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout - completely free until May 1st. Find out more here.
Information & Support
We have collated the most helpful links from Canadian institutions. Find out what help is out there!
*NEW* The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide charitable organization that promotes mental health for all. Over the past century, they have provided mental health services and support in over 330 communities and serve over 10,000 individuals each year. This holiday period they have a multitude of support and resources for those in need, and their Holiday Gift Program offers kindness to adults and children who need it most, providing them with necessities to help them through the period. You can find out more here.
ACTRA is the largest organization of cultural workers in Canada and has over 22,000 members. They have recently released their COVID-19 best practice guidelines for returning to work, and this includes support and guidance for auditions, on-set activity, food, transportation and more. You can read their guidelines in full here.
The AFC supports a world where Canadian entertainment professionals are valued and supported, and these trying times are no different. They have created dedicated pages to support those affected in our industry, including government help, financial assistance and more. Visit their website here for more information.
IATSE represents many behind-the-scenes workers in crafts ranging from motion picture animator to theater usher. They have created a dedicated page for all up-to-date information regarding the current climate, and each province has its own dedicated section. Visit the page here.
NABET 700-M UNIFOR is a union of film, television and new media technicians that has serviced the greater Toronto area for over 45 years. They represent many departments, including construction, lighting, make-up, special effects and more. They have created beneficial resource material on their website, including information on the newly passed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Visit their page here.
A national labour organization, The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) represents over 5,000 key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production and editing. Remaining dedicated to helping all personnel in the industry, they are regularly updating their website with relevant information, including that of the latest government income support. Check out their site here.
The Government of Canada website is always on hand to offer vital support and information that affects millions across the country. This unprecedented climate is no different, and they are routinely updating their pages with information surrounding the pandemic. Visit their website here for information on updates in the healthcare system, travel advice and more.
The Writers Guild of Canada represents more than 2,400 professional English-language screenwriters in Canada, creators of entertainment watched around the world. The Canadian federal and provincial governments are taking actions to offset the impact of the pandemic, and their website is constantly updating with information on their postponed services and updates from WGC members.
CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages. They facilitate treatments for those suffering from mental health illnesses, addictions and more. They are closely monitoring the evolving climate and they continue to work with Toronto region hospitals to take proactive measures, with a more stripped-back offering. Visit their webpage for more information here.
Education
As we all self-isolate at home, you might want to use your new found free time to develop your skills with these online resources.
*NEW* ACCESS:VFX is a global, industry-led, non-profit in the VFX, animation and games industries. With its primary focus of pursuing and encouraging inclusion, diversity, awareness and opportunity for professionals in the industry, they continue to host insightful podcasts. You can check out their YouTube page here, and their recent video details how you can work in the USA and Canada, with guidance from top experts.
Since 1960, Montreal’s National Theatre School has been offering training to theatre professionals. They continue to provide incomparable theatre training while we are self-isolating, and are offering 10 free online training programs to theatre professionals! Why not spend your time self-isolating honing your craft?
We are all adjusting to our ‘new normal’ lives and there are some organisations and software packages that are helping us along the way. Zoom is a remote conferencing service company, providing a remote service that combines video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration. Universities, businesses and friendship groups are utilising the Zoom as we navigate the current climate. Check Zoom out here.
What better way to hone your craft and stay on top of the industry than by completing a course on LinkedIn Learning? They are offering a month for free, where you can access an abundance of beneficial content. From learning how to edit footage with Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro and After Effects to getting tips from industry experts, self-isolation could be your ticket to a successful career. Check out their courses here.
Pocket Film School’s mission is to take a complex topic like filmmaking and break it down into its basic parts. From there, they design courses that are easy to ingest by limiting most episode lengths to eight minutes or less. Now could be the perfect time to hone your craft and further your understanding of our incredible industry. Check them out here.
This is a great time for you to read our helpful guides and top tips from the experts on making a successful career in the film industry. We cover everything from finding your first job in film, insider knowledge on auditions, explaining what everyone does on a film set, how to perfect a self-tape, finding an agent and much more.
Future Learn offers a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time and can fit learning around your life. They provide specialised courses for the current climate, including how to provide continuity for students, as well as industry-related courses such as The Business of Filmmaking and much more. Visit their website here.
Community
In times of self-isolation and social distancing, it’s important to keep connected with fellow industry professionals. Here are the best online resources available:
We are very proud of having been able to bring together a wide network of talented industry professionals. Our forum is a great place for our members to have conversations, share wisdom, find work, collaborate and support each other. We highly recommend you to use this tool to join conversations and network with fellow performers.
The 48 Hour Film Project is a unique organisation that, under a different climate, is a jam-packed weekend in which you and a team make a movie in just 48 hours. The film is then screened at a local theater in front of an audience of filmmakers, friends and families. In the midst of the pandemic, they are offering a new competition: Stuck at Home 48HFP. From the comfort of your own home, you will receive a brief and be challenged to make a movie from the initial concept. It’s free for anyone to enter! Find out more information here.
The Canadian Media Fund (CMF) guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment through fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through industry and private sector partnerships. They recognise that every sector of the industry is affected in some way during this climate, and they are operating a unique taskforce to help any professionals negatively impacted. Visit their website and find out more about the work they are doing.
Fun & fit
While we highly recommend you to use your free time to develop your craft, it’s also very important to wind down to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy.
Each season, Stratford Festival in Ontario presents a dozen or more productions in four distinctive venues - it’s no surprise that it’s North America’s largest classical theatre company! Despite the current pandemic, the festival continues to inspire the masses, selecting 12 Shakespeare films that will spark thought and conversation, and streaming them and much more content on their website!
Iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright still has many of his incredible buildings standing across the world. While they may currently be closed to the public, his legacy lives on through virtual tours of some of his most beautiful sites on social media! You can visit them from the comfort of your own home and learn about the history of each here.
The current climate is a constant worry for us all, especially for parents. Are your kids starting to get seriously bored being stuck in the house? Canada’s Wonderland is on hand to help. Take a visit to their website and enjoy a virtual ride on all of their attractions! It’s almost as good as enjoying the real thing, and you can ride the attractions from the comfort of your own home here.
Lethargy can easily take over in these unprecedented times. While we are unable to visit gyms and fitness class, it is important to stay active in any which way we can. The great news is that many Canadian gyms are now offering free online fitness classes that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home! Check out some of the classes and gyms here.
Have you had your eye on a recipe that you haven’t got round to making or are you in need of a sweet pick-me-up? Now is the perfect time to entertain the kids (or just yourself) with some baking - we definitely all deserve a treat during these trying times. Check out this page that has a whole host of tasty recipes guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Information & Support
We have collated the most helpful links from UK institutions. Find out what help is out there!
*NEW* The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide charitable organization that promotes mental health for all. Over the past century, they have provided mental health services and support in over 330 communities and serve over 10,000 individuals each year. This holiday period they have a multitude of support and resources for those in need, and their Holiday Gift Program offers kindness to adults and children who need it most, providing them with necessities to help them through the period. You can find out more here.
ACTRA is the largest organization of cultural workers in Canada and has over 22,000 members. They have recently released their COVID-19 best practice guidelines for returning to work, and this includes support and guidance for auditions, on-set activity, food, transportation and more. You can read their guidelines in full here.
The Government of Canada website is always on hand to offer vital support and information that affects millions across the country. This unprecedented climate is no different, and they are routinely updating their pages with information surrounding the pandemic. Visit their website here for information on updates in the healthcare system, travel advice, how to keep your kids safe and more.
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the union of more than 23,000 professional performers working in Canada including those in TV, film, radio and digital media. They continue to keep the wellbeing of their performers in the highest regard, and in these trying times they are updating their website with regular updates on how their community can stay safe and informed. You can visit their website here.
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEE) is the voice of professional artists engaging in live performance in English Canada. As a national association representing thousands of performers across the country, they hold the health and wellbeing of their members in the highest regard. While their offices are currently closed, the team continues to provide essential work for the community. You can find updates from Equity here.
CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages and families, with Access CAMH as your centralized point of contact. They facilitate treatments for those suffering with mental health illnesses, addictions and more. They are closely monitoring the evolving climate and they continue to work with Toronto region hospitals to take proactive measures, with a more stripped-back offering. Visit their webpage for more information here.
Education
Here you will find a selection of educational resources for Young Performers of all ages.
With its vision to be the source for childhood learning on the internet, made available from anywhere and without charge, E-learning for Kids puts the wellbeing of young people at the heart of what it does. What they offer is hugely important in this current climate, parents, teachers and children can still benefit from their services. Visit their website here for more information.
Community
In times of self-isolation and social distancing, it’s important to keep connected. Here are the best online resources available:
We are very proud of having been able to bring together a wide network of talented industry professionals. Our forum is a great place for our members to have conversations, share wisdom, find work, collaborate and support each other. We highly recommend you to use this tool to join conversations and network with fellow performers - we have plenty of advice and top tips for child actors!
Fun & fit
Wind down and have fun with these online resources!
While the doors to Toronto Zoo may be closed in the current climate, families can still enjoy much of their wildlife and attractions through their incredible webcams and YouTube channel. Get up close and personal with some seriously fierce beasts from your own home. Perfect to keep the kids (and adults!) entertained. Visit their website here.
The current climate is nothing short of worrying, especially for parents. Are your kids starting to go a little bored being stuck in the house? Or maybe even you parents are, too. Canada’s Wonderland is on hand to help. Take a visit to their website and enjoy a virtual ride on all of their attractions! It’s almost as good as enjoying the real thing, and you can ride the attractions from the comfort of your own home here.
With children not attending school and in the house for a large portion of the day, it can be tough to keep them entertained, sane and happy. Now is the perfect time to revisit some of your childhood favourite movies and introduce them to the next generation, or discover some new ones. Settle down and enjoy some of the best kids movies that are available to stream in Canada. Check some of them out here.
Performers
Information & Support
We have collated the most helpful links from Canadian institutions. Find out what help is out there!
*NEW* The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide charitable organization that promotes mental health for all. Over the past century, they have provided mental health services and support in over 330 communities and serve over 10,000 individuals each year. This holiday period they have a multitude of support and resources for those in need, and their Holiday Gift Program offers kindness to adults and children who need it most, providing them with necessities to help them through the period. You can find out more here.
ACTRA is the largest organization of cultural workers in Canada and has over 22,000 members. They have recently released their COVID-19 best practice guidelines for returning to work, and this includes support and guidance for auditions, on-set activity, food, transportation and more. You can read their guidelines in full here.
The AFC supports a world where Canadian entertainment professionals are valued and supported, and these trying times are no different. They have created dedicated pages to support those affected in our industry, including government help, financial assistance and more. Visit their website here for more information.
The Government of Canada website is always on hand to offer vital support and information that affects millions across the country. This unprecedented climate is no different, and they are routinely updating their pages with information surrounding the pandemic. Visit their website here for updates in the healthcare system, travel advice, how to keep your kids safe and more.
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the union of more than 23,000 professional performers working in Canada including those in TV, film, radio and digital media. They continue to keep the wellbeing of their performers in the highest regard, and in these trying times, they are updating their website with regular updates on how their community can stay safe and informed. You can visit their website here.
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEE) is the voice of professional artists engaging in live performance in English-speaking Canada. As a national association representing thousands of performers across the country, the health and wellbeing of their members is their main priority. While their offices are currently closed, the team continues to provide essential work for the community. You can find updates from Equity here.
A national labour organization, The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) represents over 5,000 key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production and editing. Remaining dedicated to helping all personnel in the industry, they are regularly updating their website with relevant information, including the latest government income support. Check out their site here.
The Writers Guild of Canada represents more than 2,400 professional English-language screenwriters in Canada, creators of entertainment watched around the world. The Canadian federal and provincial governments are taking actions to offset the impact of the pandemic, and their website is constantly updating with information on their postponed services and updates from WGC members.
CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages. They facilitate treatments for those suffering from mental health illnesses, addictions and more. They are closely monitoring the evolving climate and they continue to work with Toronto region hospitals to take proactive measures, with a more stripped-back offering. Visit their webpage for more information here.
Education
As we all self-isolate at home, you might want to use your new found free time to develop your skills with these online resources.
Since 1960, Montreal’s National Theatre School has been offering training to theatre professionals. They continue to provide incomparable theatre training while we are self-isolating, and are offering 10 free online training programs to theatre professionals! Why not spend your time self-isolating honing your craft?
The Second City is a legendary sketch comedy and improv theater and training center and during these difficult times, they continue to host a variety of initiatives, designed to bring a smile to your face and the opportunity to hone your craft. Check out their brand new 90-minute drop-in improv classes here!
IYA Studio for Actors has been an artistic community and training ground for experienced and up-and-coming actors for almost a decade. They offer programs on life coaching, career counselling and improv/acting training. They are currently offering a free audition checklist workbook. Visit their website and find out more here.
Milne Studio actor training integrates methods and tools from leading figures in the industry, such as Constantine Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Uta Hagan and more. Their acting training and foundation classes weave these masterful techniques to help actors cultivate and amplify their craft. They are currently offering free daily classes online and you can check them out here.
The LB Acting Studio is a professional on-camera acting studio located in downtown Toronto. They aim to help actors advance their careers, book more work and excel while on-set. During this difficult time, they are offering daily sessions on zoom for actors to chat about how to be real in all of this without feeling overwhelmed. Read more about it here.
Physical distance doesn’t mean social distance. Right now, the world is consuming more content than ever before. Whether you have a film/TV idea you’ve always wanted to write, some jokes you need to punch up, or just want to create something inspired, The Second City can help you. They are offering multiple classes on various subjects to help those who are currently making the world a little bit funnier.
Masterclass is an online educational platform with classes produced by renowned personalities in their respective fields. For Film & TV Industry professionals, this is your chance to learn from the likes of Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Scorcese, David Lynch and many more. They are offering 2-for-1 on their annual membership, find out more about it here.
Community
In times of self-isolation and social distancing, it’s important to keep connected with fellow industry professionals. Here are the best online resources available:
Renowned casting director Molly Knight is hosting a weekly self-tape challenge on her Instagram page! This ultimate challenge will help you showcase your talent and creativity while remaining connected and engaged with fellow professionals. Why not use your time self-isolating and submit your self-tape?
Monologue Slam is an acting competition where actors perform on stage in front of a panel of experts, who provide feedback and select a winner. Exact rules and format vary from region to region, but the essence of the event is to give actors a space to play, create a community of artists and build a stronger industry. During these self-isolation times, they have moved their competition online. Follow them on social media to be up to date on their openings.
We are all adjusting to our ‘new normal’ lives and there are some organizations and software packages that are helping us along the way. Zoom is a remote conferencing service company, providing a remote service that combines video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration. Universities, businesses and friendship groups are utilising the Zoom as we navigate the current climate. Check Zoom out here.
The Actors Place (TAP) is a place for people with acting training and/or those who are pursuing an acting career to meet and practice our craft. Every week they bring an expert to talk about improv and warmup games, short scripts & cold reading, auditioning techniques, scene and script analysis and more. Find out more about their online events here.
We are very proud of having been able to bring together a wide network of talented industry professionals. Our forum is a great place for our members to have conversations, share wisdom, find work, collaborate and support each other. We highly recommend you to use this tool to join conversations and network with fellow performers - we have plenty of advice and top tips for child actors!
Fun & fit
While we highly recommend you to use your free time to develop your craft, it’s also very important to wind down to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy.
Each season, Stratford Festival in Ontario presents a dozen or more productions in four distinctive venues - it’s no surprise that it’s North America’s largest classical theatre company! Despite the current pandemic, the festival continues to inspire the masses, selecting 12 Shakespeare films that will spark thought and conversation, and streaming them and much more content on their website!
The largest museum in Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has temporarily closed their door but their website is jam-packed with fascinating information, resources and activities that digital visitors will appreciate and love.
Iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright still has many of his incredible buildings standing across the world. While they may currently be closed to the public, his legacy lives on through virtual tours of some of his most beautiful sites on social media! You can visit them from the comfort of your own home and learn about the history of each here.
The current climate is a constant worry for us all, especially for parents. Are your kids starting to get seriously bored being stuck in the house? Canada’s Wonderland is on hand to help. Take a visit to their website and enjoy a virtual ride on all of their attractions! It’s almost as good as enjoying the real thing, and you can ride the attractions from the comfort of your own home here.
TikTok is a video-sharing social network used to create short dance, lip-sync, comedy, and talent videos. As we all find ourselves with more free time, this is a great time to join their community and create your own fun videos. Check out our guide here on how to maximise your presence on social media, thus helping your acting career.
Due to the current outbreak, many people are avoiding gathering in large groups, including yoga studios and other fitness spaces. However, stressful times like these are precisely when people need wellness practices the most, and Down Dog are committed to doing their part to help out. So that anyone who wants to practice at home can do so, they have made all of their apps - Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout - completely free until May 1st. Find out more here.
Film, TV and Stage Crew
Information & Support
We have collated the most helpful links from Canadian institutions. Find out what help is out there!
*NEW* The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide charitable organization that promotes mental health for all. Over the past century, they have provided mental health services and support in over 330 communities and serve over 10,000 individuals each year. This holiday period they have a multitude of support and resources for those in need, and their Holiday Gift Program offers kindness to adults and children who need it most, providing them with necessities to help them through the period. You can find out more here.
ACTRA is the largest organization of cultural workers in Canada and has over 22,000 members. They have recently released their COVID-19 best practice guidelines for returning to work, and this includes support and guidance for auditions, on-set activity, food, transportation and more. You can read their guidelines in full here.
The AFC supports a world where Canadian entertainment professionals are valued and supported, and these trying times are no different. They have created dedicated pages to support those affected in our industry, including government help, financial assistance and more. Visit their website here for more information.
IATSE represents many behind-the-scenes workers in crafts ranging from motion picture animator to theater usher. They have created a dedicated page for all up-to-date information regarding the current climate, and each province has its own dedicated section. Visit the page here.
NABET 700-M UNIFOR is a union of film, television and new media technicians that has serviced the greater Toronto area for over 45 years. They represent many departments, including construction, lighting, make-up, special effects and more. They have created beneficial resource material on their website, including information on the newly passed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Visit their page here.
A national labour organization, The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) represents over 5,000 key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production and editing. Remaining dedicated to helping all personnel in the industry, they are regularly updating their website with relevant information, including that of the latest government income support. Check out their site here.
The Government of Canada website is always on hand to offer vital support and information that affects millions across the country. This unprecedented climate is no different, and they are routinely updating their pages with information surrounding the pandemic. Visit their website here for information on updates in the healthcare system, travel advice and more.
The Writers Guild of Canada represents more than 2,400 professional English-language screenwriters in Canada, creators of entertainment watched around the world. The Canadian federal and provincial governments are taking actions to offset the impact of the pandemic, and their website is constantly updating with information on their postponed services and updates from WGC members.
CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages. They facilitate treatments for those suffering from mental health illnesses, addictions and more. They are closely monitoring the evolving climate and they continue to work with Toronto region hospitals to take proactive measures, with a more stripped-back offering. Visit their webpage for more information here.
Education
As we all self-isolate at home, you might want to use your new found free time to develop your skills with these online resources.
*NEW* ACCESS:VFX is a global, industry-led, non-profit in the VFX, animation and games industries. With its primary focus of pursuing and encouraging inclusion, diversity, awareness and opportunity for professionals in the industry, they continue to host insightful podcasts. You can check out their YouTube page here, and their recent video details how you can work in the USA and Canada, with guidance from top experts.
Since 1960, Montreal’s National Theatre School has been offering training to theatre professionals. They continue to provide incomparable theatre training while we are self-isolating, and are offering 10 free online training programs to theatre professionals! Why not spend your time self-isolating honing your craft?
We are all adjusting to our ‘new normal’ lives and there are some organisations and software packages that are helping us along the way. Zoom is a remote conferencing service company, providing a remote service that combines video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration. Universities, businesses and friendship groups are utilising the Zoom as we navigate the current climate. Check Zoom out here.
What better way to hone your craft and stay on top of the industry than by completing a course on LinkedIn Learning? They are offering a month for free, where you can access an abundance of beneficial content. From learning how to edit footage with Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro and After Effects to getting tips from industry experts, self-isolation could be your ticket to a successful career. Check out their courses here.
Pocket Film School’s mission is to take a complex topic like filmmaking and break it down into its basic parts. From there, they design courses that are easy to ingest by limiting most episode lengths to eight minutes or less. Now could be the perfect time to hone your craft and further your understanding of our incredible industry. Check them out here.
This is a great time for you to read our helpful guides and top tips from the experts on making a successful career in the film industry. We cover everything from finding your first job in film, insider knowledge on auditions, explaining what everyone does on a film set, how to perfect a self-tape, finding an agent and much more.
Future Learn offers a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time and can fit learning around your life. They provide specialised courses for the current climate, including how to provide continuity for students, as well as industry-related courses such as The Business of Filmmaking and much more. Visit their website here.
Community
In times of self-isolation and social distancing, it’s important to keep connected with fellow industry professionals. Here are the best online resources available:
We are very proud of having been able to bring together a wide network of talented industry professionals. Our forum is a great place for our members to have conversations, share wisdom, find work, collaborate and support each other. We highly recommend you to use this tool to join conversations and network with fellow performers.
The 48 Hour Film Project is a unique organisation that, under a different climate, is a jam-packed weekend in which you and a team make a movie in just 48 hours. The film is then screened at a local theater in front of an audience of filmmakers, friends and families. In the midst of the pandemic, they are offering a new competition: Stuck at Home 48HFP. From the comfort of your own home, you will receive a brief and be challenged to make a movie from the initial concept. It’s free for anyone to enter! Find out more information here.
The Canadian Media Fund (CMF) guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment through fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through industry and private sector partnerships. They recognise that every sector of the industry is affected in some way during this climate, and they are operating a unique taskforce to help any professionals negatively impacted. Visit their website and find out more about the work they are doing.
Fun & fit
While we highly recommend you to use your free time to develop your craft, it’s also very important to wind down to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy.
Each season, Stratford Festival in Ontario presents a dozen or more productions in four distinctive venues - it’s no surprise that it’s North America’s largest classical theatre company! Despite the current pandemic, the festival continues to inspire the masses, selecting 12 Shakespeare films that will spark thought and conversation, and streaming them and much more content on their website!
Iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright still has many of his incredible buildings standing across the world. While they may currently be closed to the public, his legacy lives on through virtual tours of some of his most beautiful sites on social media! You can visit them from the comfort of your own home and learn about the history of each here.
The current climate is a constant worry for us all, especially for parents. Are your kids starting to get seriously bored being stuck in the house? Canada’s Wonderland is on hand to help. Take a visit to their website and enjoy a virtual ride on all of their attractions! It’s almost as good as enjoying the real thing, and you can ride the attractions from the comfort of your own home here.
Lethargy can easily take over in these unprecedented times. While we are unable to visit gyms and fitness class, it is important to stay active in any which way we can. The great news is that many Canadian gyms are now offering free online fitness classes that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home! Check out some of the classes and gyms here.
Have you had your eye on a recipe that you haven’t got round to making or are you in need of a sweet pick-me-up? Now is the perfect time to entertain the kids (or just yourself) with some baking - we definitely all deserve a treat during these trying times. Check out this page that has a whole host of tasty recipes guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Child Performers
Information & Support
We have collated the most helpful links from UK institutions. Find out what help is out there!
*NEW* The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide charitable organization that promotes mental health for all. Over the past century, they have provided mental health services and support in over 330 communities and serve over 10,000 individuals each year. This holiday period they have a multitude of support and resources for those in need, and their Holiday Gift Program offers kindness to adults and children who need it most, providing them with necessities to help them through the period. You can find out more here.
ACTRA is the largest organization of cultural workers in Canada and has over 22,000 members. They have recently released their COVID-19 best practice guidelines for returning to work, and this includes support and guidance for auditions, on-set activity, food, transportation and more. You can read their guidelines in full here.
The Government of Canada website is always on hand to offer vital support and information that affects millions across the country. This unprecedented climate is no different, and they are routinely updating their pages with information surrounding the pandemic. Visit their website here for information on updates in the healthcare system, travel advice, how to keep your kids safe and more.
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the union of more than 23,000 professional performers working in Canada including those in TV, film, radio and digital media. They continue to keep the wellbeing of their performers in the highest regard, and in these trying times they are updating their website with regular updates on how their community can stay safe and informed. You can visit their website here.
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEE) is the voice of professional artists engaging in live performance in English Canada. As a national association representing thousands of performers across the country, they hold the health and wellbeing of their members in the highest regard. While their offices are currently closed, the team continues to provide essential work for the community. You can find updates from Equity here.
CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages and families, with Access CAMH as your centralized point of contact. They facilitate treatments for those suffering with mental health illnesses, addictions and more. They are closely monitoring the evolving climate and they continue to work with Toronto region hospitals to take proactive measures, with a more stripped-back offering. Visit their webpage for more information here.
Education
Here you will find a selection of educational resources for Young Performers of all ages.
With its vision to be the source for childhood learning on the internet, made available from anywhere and without charge, E-learning for Kids puts the wellbeing of young people at the heart of what it does. What they offer is hugely important in this current climate, parents, teachers and children can still benefit from their services. Visit their website here for more information.
Community
In times of self-isolation and social distancing, it’s important to keep connected. Here are the best online resources available:
We are very proud of having been able to bring together a wide network of talented industry professionals. Our forum is a great place for our members to have conversations, share wisdom, find work, collaborate and support each other. We highly recommend you to use this tool to join conversations and network with fellow performers - we have plenty of advice and top tips for child actors!
Fun & fit
Wind down and have fun with these online resources!
While the doors to Toronto Zoo may be closed in the current climate, families can still enjoy much of their wildlife and attractions through their incredible webcams and YouTube channel. Get up close and personal with some seriously fierce beasts from your own home. Perfect to keep the kids (and adults!) entertained. Visit their website here.
The current climate is nothing short of worrying, especially for parents. Are your kids starting to go a little bored being stuck in the house? Or maybe even you parents are, too. Canada’s Wonderland is on hand to help. Take a visit to their website and enjoy a virtual ride on all of their attractions! It’s almost as good as enjoying the real thing, and you can ride the attractions from the comfort of your own home here.
With children not attending school and in the house for a large portion of the day, it can be tough to keep them entertained, sane and happy. Now is the perfect time to revisit some of your childhood favourite movies and introduce them to the next generation, or discover some new ones. Settle down and enjoy some of the best kids movies that are available to stream in Canada. Check some of them out here.