Audible and Ryerson University announce new initiative in program and facilities

Audible, Inc., the world’s largest seller and producer of audiobooks and other spoken-word entertainment, and FCAD, Ryerson University’s Faculty of Communication and Design, today announced the establishment of a multifaceted initiative dedicated to audio entertainment at FCAD’s renowned school of performance. Audible’s investment will provide Ryerson students in the performance acting program with a state-of-the-art performance training facility, companion sound studio and an annual scholarship fund.

When Audible.ca launched in September 2017, Audible committed $12M CAD over a three-year period to invest in resources and programs to develop, amplify, and celebrate Canadian writers and voices in both English and French. Audible is committed to supporting the growth of Canada’s creative economy and promoting Canadian stories both within and beyond its borders. The new Ryerson program and facilities, which are funded as part of its larger commitment, include:

The Audible Acting Studio and Audible Sound Studio

The “Audible Acting Studio,” a 1,400-square-foot, acoustically-treated performance training facility will provide Ryerson School of Performance with a flexible rehearsal space that uses integrated technology to allow for professional-quality audio recording of individual and ensemble voice acting. Additionally, an existing audio production studio in the Rogers Communications Centre will be upgraded to the “Audible Sound Studio,” providing specialized technology for aspiring audiobook producers from across FCAD’s nine schools, including students in media production, documentary media, and creative industries. Both studios will open in Spring 2019. 

Audio-Related Course Work

Audible and Ryerson are working together to evolve the performance acting curriculum to allow students to develop their skills in the fast-growing medium of spoken-word performance and production. The course work will include skills-based and academic training in the performance and production aspects of spoken-word entertainment, with a goal of inspiring and training future generations of Canadian creative talent. 

The Audible Scholarship

To further empower FCAD students to pursue their creative ambitions in a variety of media, Audible will create an endowment for the Audible Scholarship—an annual award for a performance acting student who demonstrates exceptional talent in voice acting. The first of the Audible Scholarships will be awarded to a School of Performance student in 2019.

Audible.ca, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, provides listeners with access to a catalogue of more than 300,000 audiobooks and other original audio content—all curated by and for Canadians.