About the Studio

Professional teaching staff. Fun, supportive environment. Small class size for quality instruction.

SKAM School of Performing Arts (est. 1996 as Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio) offers quality acting courses for children, teens, and adults in Victoria. The studio’s year-round programming includes

  • after-school classes
  • homeschooler classes
  • individual coaching
  • youth and teen performance companies
  • summer camps
  • adult workshops and courses

Where are you located? 

Our office and classes are based at the Satellite Studio at 849 Fort Street, or at Studio 846 at 846 Broughton Street in downtown Victoria B.C.

About Theatre SKAM and SKAM Studios

Kate Rubin Theatre is now under the umbrella of Theatre SKAM, a local not-for-profit company who has been playing to theatre audiences in Victoria and on tour since 1996. Part of Theatre SKAM’s mandate is to encourage and employ emerging artists, so taking over a well loved, well attended, and hugely respected school was an easy decision to make. SKAM’s philosophy is to encourage youth and adults to explore their creativity.

SKAM Studios creates a homey and safe environment for students and professionals alike. 

Founder – Kate Rubin Theatre and Drama Studio

Kate Rubin has lived and worked professionally in Victoria as a performer, director and theatre educator for 30 years. She owned and administrated Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio for 22 years and most recently in January 2017 sold her studio to Theatre SKAM who will carry on her work in the community. Kate will continue to coach and teach special classes and workshops at the studio.

Kate has worked as an educator and theatre artist for many theatre companies throughout Greater Victoria including The Belfry Theatre, Kaleidoscope Theatre, Giggling Iguana Productions, WAVE Theatre and Theatre Inconnu.

Our Studio Teaches…

  • Flexibility (in voice, body, mind, attitude)
  • Self motivation and responsibility
  • Supportiveness towards others and self
  • Courage, imagination and playfulness
  • Concentration, focus and how to be attentive
  • Confidence in self-expression and creative ability
  • Practical and technical theatre skills

Why Choose SKAM School of Performing Arts?

Theatre SKAM has been playing to theatre audiences in Victoria and on tour since 1995. We have built a solid reputation in the theatre world with shows that have toured internationally and innovative productions such as the SKAMpede Festival and our Pop-Up Theatre.

We offer affordable classes, small class sizes, and innovative programming that gives unique opportunities to our students. Our SKAMpede Young Company, for instance, offers students the opportunity to learn from professionals  at our very own live performance SKAMpede Festival.

But don’t take our word for it –  please read our reviews at the bottom of the page!

About the SKAM School Fund

We aim to help every child achieve their creative potential regardless of income. If you would like to enrol your child in a class or camp but cannot afford to pay the full fee, we have options available through our SKAM School Fund.

 

Get in Touch

250-386-7526 (Head office)
250-386-7526 ext. 2 (School)
schooladmin@skam.ca

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Testimonials

My daughter attended SKAM’s spring break camp last week. In the morning for a character building camp and in the afternoon for a film camp. Kathleen, Tony and Gabriella were outstanding with the kids. It was fun to see the week progress and hear my daughter’s excitement about what she was working on. The week culminated in a 20 minute film that you could tell the kids were so proud of! After years of attending a variety of camps, my daughter says this has been her favourite. Thanks to the team at SKAM!
Tammara Kennelly

My son attended in-person classes at Theatre SKAM for 2 years before the pandemic. It was his lifeline to being active, creative and social. With the lockdown, and the closure of most activities for kids, I was struggling to find outlets for my son who needs a little ‘extra’.
With 2021, he was missing Theatre SKAM, so we signed up for a virtual session, not quite sure how he would do. He was apprehensive and said he would try one, while I worried about his attention and focus for the class. SO happy to report he absolutely loves it!! He is excited to join, and take part in the fun activities. To add to this, he’s forming new friendships with classmates and spends the rest of the evening, sharing all the creative stories that have inspired him.
Again, big Thank you!
Angie, parent

My son has been taking classes for the past three years. It has given him an opportunity to network with other creative teens that have an interest in the theatre, both backstage and on stage. In a safe but demanding environment, he has learned to work with others to create art, provoke thought, and build confidence.

A Parent

That was an awesome performance- our family have been discussing it since we saw it. Pitch perfect in terms of acting, musical accompaniment, amazing costumes and set…and the writing… Wow!! Congratulations to you and your talented crew! Please do keep us posted when acts come up as we appreciate it.

A parent about the Advanced Teen’s show Photophobia

Our family recently discovered this school through a friend. It has been an amazing place for my son to explore his creativity and his imagination. The staff are very involved and are always coming up with new ways of including theatre in the community. The extra-curricular activities alone are a nice change from the usual soccer, swimming or gymnastics options. The summer camps are well run and very socially conscious. Love that it’s local too! So fun! Highly recommend – especially if you are looking for something new to explore with your kids!

Corey K., 2020

I like the cohesiveness of the group, the respectful environment, and the quality of our work.

A Student

My daughter takes acting here and she absolutely loves it! I highly recommend.

Brittney Monique

My kid loved it. Great summer camps with low student to teacher ratio. Amazing little sharing at the end of the week- really sweet stuff. I was surprised how well the teacher incorporated all the participants, playing to their strengths. Looking at some after school fall classes for sure.

M. Bethel, 2019

My children have had many years of involvement with SKAM, and it has been so rewarding for them. The teachers are kind and supportive, and very interested in helping kids to grow into the kind of artists they want to be. In my experience over the past 10 years the school has always been flexible and forward-thinking in finding new ways to meet the needs of the students, and takes very seriously the important role it has in providing arts education to children and youth.

Justine S., 2020

I love this theatre! It’s really fun and you can be who you are without being judged. The people are really nice!

Violet Wheeler