"Most Working Actors Trained at a Career College" with Michael Coleman episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 25, 2026 · 26 MIN

"Most Working Actors Trained at a Career College" with Michael Coleman

from EdUp Canada · host EdUp Canada

What does it actually take to build a lasting career in one of Canada's most dynamic industries — film and television? Michael Coleman, President and CEO of Vancouver's Story Institute, has spent over 35 years answering that question from every angle: as a working actor, a prolific writer, a voice artist, and now as the founder of a provincially regulated career college that does one thing exceptionally well.In this episode, Michael pulls back the curtain on what makes career college training fundamentally different from a traditional academic path — and why that difference matters for students, for the industry, and for the broader Canadian economy. From a student who landed a role in a Christoph Waltz feature, to a graduate who became a fan favourite on a globally streamed series, Michael's stories illuminate what happens when practical training meets real industry opportunity.Whether you're weighing your options for skills training, leading an institution, or thinking about how career colleges contribute to local economies, this conversation will shift the way you think about what education can look like.[00:02:00] — Why Michael Left Traditional Academia (And What He Built Instead)[00:03:30] — Its Not Show Friendship, Its Show Business[00:05:00] — Quality Over Quantity: Why Fewer Students Means More Working Graduates[00:08:30] — The Multi-Billion Dollar Ecosystem Nobody Talks About[00:12:00] — Falling in Love With a TV Character (Who Turned Out to Be His Student)[00:13:30] — The Student Who Booked a Hollywood Feature Film[00:17:00] — Even Your Worst Day Is Better Than Most Peoples Best Day[00:21:00] — We Teach People How to Be DoctorsRead the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/MgOdT1VkarkListen to past episodes here: https://www.edupcanada.ca/

What does it actually take to build a lasting career in one of Canada's most dynamic industries — film and television? Michael Coleman, President and CEO of Vancouver's Story Institute, has spent over 35 years answering that question from every angle: as a working actor, a prolific writer, a voice artist, and now as the founder of a provincially regulated career college that does one thing exceptionally well.In this episode, Michael pulls back the curtain on what makes career college training fundamentally different from a traditional academic path — and why that difference matters for students, for the industry, and for the broader Canadian economy. From a student who landed a role in a Christoph Waltz feature, to a graduate who became a fan favourite on a globally streamed series, Michael's stories illuminate what happens when practical training meets real industry opportunity.Whether you're weighing your options for skills training, leading an institution, or thinking about how career colleges contribute to local economies, this conversation will shift the way you think about what education can look like.[00:02:00] — Why Michael Left Traditional Academia (And What He Built Instead)[00:03:30] — Its Not Show Friendship, Its Show Business[00:05:00] — Quality Over Quantity: Why Fewer Students Means More Working Graduates[00:08:30] — The Multi-Billion Dollar Ecosystem Nobody Talks About[00:12:00] — Falling in Love With a TV Character (Who Turned Out to Be His Student)[00:13:30] — The Student Who Booked a Hollywood Feature Film[00:17:00] — Even Your Worst Day Is Better Than Most Peoples Best Day[00:21:00] — We Teach People How to Be DoctorsRead the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/MgOdT1VkarkListen to past episodes here: https://www.edupcanada.ca/

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"Most Working Actors Trained at a Career College" with Michael Coleman

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The Lavigne Show The Lavigne Show Welcome to The Lavigne Show Podcast!We delve deep into the pursuit of justice in Canada, offering insightful discussions, interviews with guests from across the country and the world, and critical analyses of the legal system—all while saving you time.Catch the Show:For the full, unedited live experience, join TheLavigneShow onTheLavigneShow.comYouTubeRumbleXFacebook LiveTwitchBecome a Member for Exclusive Content at TheLavigneShow.comJoin Us in Pursuing the Truth Adventure In Your Ear Brainjuice Media Adventure In Your Ear is a weekly comedic radio play series. Bi-weekly a new episodic comedy adventure story will be released Wednesday. The stories are a part of our live once a month performances at James Street Pub in Ottawa, On Canada. FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/aiyepodcastTwitter: @AdvInEarInstagram: adventure_in_your_ear Lending Thoughts Bekim Merdita Welcome to the Lending Thoughts podcast, a Canadian Mortgage Broker’s top source for timely, industry-leading insights to help you become a better mortgage professional.Join Bekim Merdita, a trusted name in mortgages and the EVP of Rocket Mortgage Canada, as he hosts conversations with industry experts and leaders to keep you informed on the latest and greatest in the Canadian mortgage landscape.Let the Lending Thoughts podcast be your guide to growing your tactics, expertise, and ultimately, your business, in this highly competitive mortgage market. SLUSH podcast Matt Lynds Nerd life/ adult life (we think?!) - all mixed up together - give us a listen, once a week.Nova Scotia, Canada

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This episode is 26 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 25, 2026.

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What does it actually take to build a lasting career in one of Canada's most dynamic industries — film and television? Michael Coleman, President and CEO of Vancouver's Story Institute, has spent over 35 years answering that question from every...

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