Later Life Learning

In cooperation with our partners, the LIFE Institute and The Estelle Craig ACT II STUDIO, Programs for 50+ at The Chang School offers a broad range of workshops, lecture series, and full courses that will help you explore your options and discover your hidden talents.

Courses

Click on any subject heading to see the related courses.

Programs for 50+

Programs for 50+ at The Chang School offers a broad range of special programs to provide you with personal enrichment, self-actualization, and a continuing connection to society in a community of like-minded people. In addition, from time to time, special workshops, lecture series, and courses designed to enhance these learning opportunities are offered.

The 50+ Festival is our annual celebration of later life learning that showcases our theatre program along with a wide range of stimulating lectures, speakers, and talented older adults. To learn more, visit www.fiftyplusfestival.ca.

The Caring Clown program is for older adults who want to make a difference in the community. A specific training program allows Caring Clowns the opportunity to bring joy and laughter to isolated seniors in long-term care homes. Find out how you can make a difference at www.ryerson.ca/ce/caringclown.

The Estelle Craig ACT II STUDIO is a theatre school and creative drama centre providing training and performance opportunities for adults 50+. It has grown to become a prominent leader in the area of older adult theatre education and creativity. For a more detailed description of this program, visit www.ryerson.ca/ce/act2.

The LIFE Institute is the largest program partner in Programs for 50+ and offers a wide variety of study groups and lecture courses in the Arts, Humanities, Sciences, and Technology and Contemporary Issues, along with social activities to keep you connected. For more information about their current offerings, visit www.thelifeinstitute.ca.

ACT II STUDIO: Acting Skill Development

CSAC 242 — Introduction to Stage Craft
CSAC 920 — Cabaret Workshop
CSAC 921 — Cabaret Performance

ACT II STUDIO: Clown and Comedy

CSAC 109 — Introduction to Clown
CSAC 132 — Colour Your Clown
CSAC 209 — Clown Cabaret
CSAC 910 — Caring Clown Basics
CSAC 911 — Caring Clown Practicum

ACT II STUDIO: Creating Theatre

CSAC 231 — Creating from Zero
CSAC 233 — Performance as Personal Memoir I
CSAC 331 — Play Creation Project

ACT II STUDIO: Directing

ACT II STUDIO: Improvisation

CSAC 182 — Introduction to Improvisation
CSAC 282 — Improvisation I: Fun and Games
CSAC 382 — Improvisation II: Group Mind
CSAC 482 — Improvisation III: Character
CSAC 582 — Improvisation IV: Making a Scene

ACT II STUDIO: Introductory Acting

CSAC 101 — Introduction to Acting I
CSAC 102 — Introduction to Acting II
CSAC 114 — Introduction to Scene Study

ACT II STUDIO: Lectures/Forums for Theatre Lovers

CSAC 501 — Shaw Festival Preview
CSAC 502 — Stratford Festival Preview

ACT II STUDIO: Monologue and Scene Study

CSAC 106 — Monologues: The Basics
CSAC 115 — Scene Exploration I
CSAC 215 — Scenes From Canadian and Other Plays
CSAC 313 — Readers' Theatre Techniques
CSAC 516 — Advanced Scene Study: Beckett
CSAC 517 — Advanced Scene Study: Irish Drama

ACT II STUDIO: On-Camera Acting

CSAC 169 — Acting on Camera A to Z
CSAC 365 — From Stage to Screen

ACT II STUDIO: Period Study

ACT II STUDIO: Playwriting

ACT II STUDIO: Playwriting and Directing

CSAC 127 — Directing: An Introduction
CSAC 151 — Playwriting Basics
CSAC 156 — Playwriting I
CSAC 455 — Writing Comedy for the Stage
CSAC 558 — Reading Plays: Irish Drama

ACT II STUDIO: Shakespeare Study

CSAC 105 — Shakespeare: Yes You Can!
CSAC 304 — Shakespeare Performance Preparation
CSAC 305 — Shakespeare Performance

ACT II STUDIO: Voice and Movement
For all Voice and Movement courses, please wear comfortable, non-binding clothing you can move in and shoes that you can slip on and off, if possible. Bring a mat or large towel, a notebook, and water. Also, have a short (1 minute max) memorized piece of text to work with.

CSAC 111 — Voice Work Basics
CSAC 322 — Movement Lab I: Grounding and Taking Space
CSAC 323 — Movement Lab II: Fluidity and Expressiveness
CSAC 424 — Transformative Movement Intensive
CSAC 425 — Transformative Movement II

Caring Clown
Through several courses, students are trained in clowning techniques and achieve an understanding of aging and the dementia process. For information about the Caring Clown program, visit the website at www.ryerson.ca/ce/caringclown.

CSCC 200 — Strengthen Your Clown Character

Marketing Workshops for Entrepreneurs
These content-rich, results-oriented workshops provide practical tools and strategies to motivate entrepreneurs to achieve their marketing goals. You will leave the workshops with actionable ideas, a new understanding of marketing, and the confidence to create, execute, and evaluate your marketing and communications’ plan.

CSPI 800 — Building Media Relationships
CSPI 801 — Riding the Social Media Wave
CSPI 802 — Building a Dynamic Marketing Strategy
CSPI 803 — Connect Your Way to Success
CSPI 804 — Entrepreneurs, Present Yourself with Confidence
CSPI 805 — Media Communication Skills for Success

Media Arts
Learn the latest in media arts in a supportive environment. Study films and cinema history, attend writing workshops, make your own films, and direct you own movie, with like-minded, creative peers.

CSMA 110 — Sunday Film Club
CSMA 120 — Creating Documentary Portraits
CSMA 155 — Video Memories

Personal Interest
From time to time, special lectures, courses, and workshops are offered that are of general personal interest.

CSPI 400 — Unsung Heroes of Rock 'n Roll
CSPI 806 — Artists of the Western Art World