Live Actor Simulation Grant
For over 30 years, Live Actor Simulation (LAS) has been a leader in delivering high-impact experiential learning through the use of skilled actors, helping learners build the essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in their future careers. With a catalogue of more than 140 existing simulations, LAS is also equipped to develop new, customized simulations based on specific instructional needs. However, the cost associated with simulation development can often be a barrier for some units wishing to move from idea to action. To help overcome this obstacle, we are pleased to offer targeted funding to support the development of new simulations for courses or professional programming in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative is intended for units where development costs pose a barrier, and where there is identified potential for ongoing, repeated use of the new simulation following development.
The deadline to submit an LAS Grant Application has passed
For over 30 years, LAS has been a leader in delivering high-impact experiential learning through the use of skilled actors, helping learners build the essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in their future careers.
With a catalogue of more than 140 existing simulations, LAS is also equipped to develop new, customized simulations based on specific instructional needs. However, the cost associated with simulation development can often be a barrier for some units wishing to move from idea to action.
To help overcome this obstacle, we are pleased to offer targeted funding to support the development of new simulations for courses or professional programming in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative is intended for units where development costs pose a barrier, and where there is identified potential for ongoing, repeated use of the new simulation following development.
To cover the costs associated with the writing and development of a new live actor simulation for the 2025-26 academic year.
Grant Value
Funding to cover the cost of LAS to author a custom simulation (typically ranging from $500-$1,000)
Grant Duration
Creation and delivery of new simulation during the 2025-26 academic year
Number of Grants Available
5 to 10, depending upon scope of work outlined in submissions
2025 LAS Grant Recipients
Karen Arthurton
SWP341: Transformative Social Work Practice
School of Social Work
This project designs a simulation-based learning experience for the Transformative Social Work Practice (SWP 341) course, centered on applying EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) principles through an intersectional framework informed by a Love Ethic. The scenario features a young Muslim high school student navigating Islamophobia, sexism, and racial microaggressions within educational and social systems.
Through empathetic engagement, active listening, and critical reflection, students practice responding to experiences of racism and systemic inequity with care, validation, and accountability. This simulation advances equity-informed, compassionate professional practice.
Megan Omstead
NC8104A: Dietetic Practice Seminar
School of Nutrition
This project will design a simulation-based learning activity for students in the Dietetic Practice Seminar course, focused on developing clinical competence and confidence in diabetes management and patient counselling. Each student will engage in a one-on-one simulated follow-up session with a standardized patient actor, practicing assessment, communication, and evidence-based nutrition interventions in a realistic clinical context.
Through structured debriefing and feedback, students will refine their clinical decision-making and patient-centred communication skills prior to practicum placements.
Taryn De Ruyter
Co-op Career Ready Program
Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre
This project develops a mock portfolio interview simulation for students in Architectural Science and Interior Design programs, supporting their preparation for co-op placements and professional practice. In this activity, trained actors portray firm principals, HR professionals, and clients, engaging students in realistic portfolio presentations and interview dialogues that mirror authentic industry contexts.
Through feedback and guided reflection, students strengthen their professional communication, adaptability, and confidence in articulating their creative process and design thinking. This scalable simulation advances the Co-op Career Ready Program’s mission to foster purpose, professional identity, and readiness for future career opportunities
Reece Steinberg
Professional Development: Challenging and Sensitive Conversations on the Research Help Desk
TMU Library & Archives
This project creates a simulation-based professional development workshop for library staff to practice responding to complex or sensitive interactions at the research help desk. Through a series of short, actor-led scenarios such as assisting a distressed student, addressing misinformation, or navigating communication boundaries, participants will strengthen their ability to provide respectful, equity-informed, and effective support.
Grounded in empathy and inclusive service principles, the simulation emphasizes maintaining professionalism, offering appropriate referrals, and engaging with diverse user needs. This initiative supports skill development for over 100 staff members, fostering confidence and consistency in handling challenging patron interactions
Fiona Thomas
PS8312: Culturally Informed Clinical Practice
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts
This project enhances the Culturally Informed Clinical Practice (PS8312) course for first-year MA Clinical Psychology trainees through a simulation-based learning experience focused on cultural humility and foundational clinical skills. Using the Cross-Cultural Counselling – Kwame Nwosu scenario, students practice conducting intake interviews, applying active listening, reviewing consent, and responding thoughtfully to client dynamics such as resistance, rupture, and repair.
The simulation provides a structured environment for trainees to engage in self-reflection on biases, communication, and cross-cultural understanding. This strengthens students’ readiness for practicum placements and supports the sustainable integration of experiential learning in clinical psychology training.
Aubrae Wilson
CYPG651: Labour Relations
G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education - Continuing Education Unit
This project introduces a collective bargaining simulation for the Labour Relations course offered through the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. In this immersive activity, students will take part in a multi-actor negotiation scenario where union representatives seek greater job security, higher pay, and additional paid time off amid an economic downturn.
By applying negotiation strategies, communication techniques, and ethical decision-making, learners will gain hands-on experience in collaborative bargaining and real-time problem-solving. This simulation will strengthen students’ practical understanding of labour relations and can be adapted for use across other Chang School programs.
Applications for 2025 - 2026 are currently closed.
For questions about eligibility or more information, please email las@torontomu.ca
For budget and eligible expense questions, email Amy Dionne, Manager EL & LAS, at amy.dionne@torontomu.ca