Dundas Campus Valedictorian Chad Snider
On Wednesday, July 31st, graduates from programs of the Academy of Design, School of Engineering Technology and Computing and the Toronto Film School will walk down the aisles of the Toronto Centre for the Arts to accept their diploma and degree certificates. Graduates from the 2012 and 2013 classes will wear their robes and cross into the future of their careers, for which they have dedicated countless hours towards refining and defining.
We are excited to introduce you to the campus valedictorian who will speak during the ceremony on behalf of our hardworking students.
Chad Snider came to the Acting Program at TFS with a range of acting talents and abilities already developed. Some may say a natural. He started performing at the early age of 10 in the small town of Minto, Ontario at the Grey Wellington Guild. Musical Theatre filled his teen years, but he always dreamed of leaving Minto for a big city, with bigger opportunities to be had.
Enrolling in the Toronto Film School got him to that big city, and also opened up his repertoire. Chad chose TFS for its collaborative nature between the Writing and Film Production programs, and fast-pace curriculum. He valued the networking opportunities and took advantage of collaborating across all TFS programs to build lasting professional relationships. Those connections were augmented with the faculty of industry professionals at his disposal. Chad’s proudest moments were realized when he was able to develop his own scripts. From start to finish, he guided all sides of production and saw his vision come to life. Since his first term project, “Drug Induced Love”, he has written, directed, acted and produced 4 more of his own films. He makes special mention of a personal and professional milestone, his semi-autobiographical short film “A Done Deal”. This film was written about his struggle with meth addiction and its honest telling has catapulted him into a speaking tour with the RCMP for Drug Awareness with youth across the province.
Who better to give new students some advice than a person with more than a few titles in the industry: actor, director, host, scriptwriter, producer and head of DB Films. Chad recommends that future TFS students give 110% in every activity, and take advantage of the experience. Self-discover; it will help you evolve and grow as an actor. Words of wisdom for people just starting in the industry: “Why wait for the work to come to you? Create the work yourself.” This statement is one we know Chad has truly taken to heart.
Since graduating in March, Chad has signed with a Toronto agent and has appeared in the television show “Paranormal Witness”. You may still see Chad around campus as he was invited back to be the stage manager and assistant director of the TFS 5th Term Play “Dark of the Moon”. We would wish Chad best of luck making it in the film industry, but we feel in so many ways, he already has!
