By: Daniel Will-Harris

Vancouver is a bustling hub of film and television production, drawing talent and projects from the United States and beyond. But amidst this international buzz, one might wonder: is there a distinctly “Vancouver acting method”? Interestingly, there appears to be an emerging approach—though it may not be as widely known as the Method Acting or Meisner techniques.

For decades, Vancouver has quietly cultivated a unique approach to acting, passed down informally or as a secret known by many of Vancouver’s top industry coaches. Recently, a version of this method has gained some attention through Stephen Atkins, a teacher from Vancouver currently teaching in the United Kingdom and Australia. His version, called Crosspoints, has started to gain recognition in Europe, the U.S., and Australia. While this approach shares roots with American Method Acting, it also incorporates elements from Stanislavsky’s lesser-known later works, which influenced practitioners like Grotowski.

What Makes the Vancouver Method Unique?

At its core, this approach focuses on two main ideas: the behavioral pattern (also known as an emblem) of a character and the concept of the archetypal partner. These ideas offer a fresh way of thinking about characters and relationships, making them particularly helpful for self-tapes and auditions where scripts may be sparse or underwritten.

1. The Behavioral Pattern (Emblem): Instead of viewing a character as a fixed personality revealed through the script, this approach encourages actors to consider characters as a fluid set of behaviors—ways of perceiving and interacting with the world and others. This perspective allows actors to explore how characters might be shaped by their perceptions of others, which can sometimes be distorted, exaggerated, or incomplete.
   
   For instance, in an audition where a character pitches an idea to their boss, the lines might read: “I think this idea could really work. I’ve put a lot of thought into it.” If you only focus on the text, it could seem straightforward. But through the Vancouver lens, you might ask: What is this character’s behavioral pattern? Perhaps they’re someone who seeks validation but fears rejection. This emotional tension could create a performance where the outward confidence of the pitch contrasts with an inner sense of vulnerability. The approach suggests playing these behaviors—like nervous glances or a slight quiver in the voice—rather than just delivering the lines.
   
   This method is said to bring depth to even sparse dialogue, emphasizing the emotional undercurrent beneath the words. 
2. The Archetypal Partner: This concept shifts the focus from the literal scene partner to the character’s projection of them. For example, in the same boss-pitching scenario, the character might initially see their boss as a judge—someone they need to impress. As the scene unfolds, if the boss shows unexpected warmth, the character may begin to see them as an ally.
   
   The archetypal partner allows for shifts in tempo, energy, and delivery that may not be immediately obvious from the script alone. These changes can add layers of surprise and authenticity to the performance, making it more engaging.
   
   Example: If the character sees the boss as a judge, they might speak quickly, avoid eye contact, or fidget nervously. But as their perception of the boss shifts, they may slow down, lean in, and make bolder eye contact. These types of dynamic choices can bring new life to the interaction, making it feel more natural and compelling. 

Benefits for Self-Tapes and Auditions

When working with scripts that are redacted, sparse, or underwritten—common in self-tapes—this method provides tools that could be helpful:

• Bringing Life to Sparse Text: By focusing on the character’s behavior (emblem) and their perception of others, actors can add emotional depth to even the simplest lines. For example, even a line like, “I’ll think about it,” can be layered with subtext that reflects a character’s inner world. 
• Adapt to Quick Changes: The archetypal partner concept may offer flexibility, allowing actors to make shifts in their performance that casting directors might appreciate, especially when a scene partner changes unexpectedly. 
• Stand Out with Fresh Choices: Many actors default to playing lines at face value. By considering the behavioral patterns and projections of their character, actors can discover new, grounded choices that set them apart in auditions. 

Creating Characters from Sparse or Underwritten Text

This method shines when you’re tasked with building a character from limited information. By focusing on the behavioral pattern, actors can look for clues in even the fewest lines. For example:

• A short, clipped response might suggest a defensive behavior pattern.
• A long-winded explanation could hint at someone overcompensating or desperate for control.

When paired with the archetypal partner concept, these small behaviors can be expanded into a dynamic performance, even if the script doesn’t provide much context.

How Can You Find Out More?

While the Vancouver acting method is widely used within Vancouver’s acting community, it can be difficult to find explicit resources online. However, the upcoming release of Stephen Atkins’ Acting Deck—scheduled to launch under the name Crosspoints in late 2025—will make this method more accessible to actors worldwide.

At its core, the Vancouver method seeks to offer actors a fresh way to focus on the underlying behaviors and perceptions that drive their characters. This approach not only deepens one’s understanding of a scene but also equips actors with the tools to make specific, nuanced choices that can stand out in auditions and self-tapes. It’s an innovative, practical method that balances traditional techniques with creative flexibility, making it a potentially valuable tool for actors working in today’s fast-paced industry.