Admission & Auditions

2020-21 School Year

Live Online Auditions

The College’s National Audition Tour has gone online. This year, you can audition from your own home on a digital platform!

First Round Auditions
Monday December 7th 2020 2:00pm – 5:00pm PT
Deadline to apply Saturday December 5th 4:00pm

Second Round Auditions
Tuesday February 16 and Wednesday February 17, 2021, time TBD

We invite you to participate in our unique Virtual Student Experience to learn more about life at Canadian College of Performing Arts.

Video Auditions
Pre-recorded video auditions will be accepted until June 1 and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Audition Information

Auditions for the Performing Arts Diploma Program and Performing Arts Certificate Program have been moved to an online/video format only until further notice. Auditions should not exceed ten minutes in length and must contain the following:

  • Two short contrasting monologues (maximum total length of three minutes).
  • One solo song (a maximum total length of four minutes).
    • For video/digital submissions, acapella performance is accepted, but we advise performing to a musical accompaniment track.
  • Dance or movement pieces showing your ability and experience in different styles of dance (maximum total length of three minutes, maximum one minute per style, maximum three differing styles per audition).
    • If you have no prior experience in dance, please let us know in advance of the audition and we can advise on how to proceed. The following points may be helpful:
      • Auditionees may perform an un-choreographed interpretive movement piece demonstrating the ability to “be in the body”.
      • For untrained dancers, freestyle dancing to your favourite music is acceptable and can be done in confined spaces.
  • College administration will arrange a follow-up video or phone interview with applicants as part of their audition.

One monologue or your song choice can be in any language of your choosing.

It is advantageous to submit your video before the deadline. Submit your audition package via email to registrar@ccpacanada.com or by mail to:
Canadian College of Performing Arts
1701 Elgin Road
Victoria, BC V8R 5L7
Canada

“

CCPA is a place where I can develop my art of singing, dancing and acting while being in a safe environment with many other amazing talents. The training is truly second to none and I wish to continue growing into an amazing performer.

Darian NgaiVictoria, BC

Admission Requirements

Performing Arts Diploma
Performing Arts Certificate
Applied Performing Arts Diploma

Student admissions are based upon the following:

  • Completed Application Form (sent by the Registrar following online application).
  • A graded audition in person or on video per the audition requirements (as above).
  • $60 audition fee.
    • Cash, cheque, and money order accepted in advance or at the audition.
    • Credit card payments accepted prior to the audition date. Call 250 595 9970.
    • E-transfers accepted prior to the audition date. Please send to finance@ccpacanada.com and be sure to include your name and ‘audition fee’ in the memo.
  • Official Transcript of Grades (an interim report or unofficial transcript can be held as a placeholder until the first day of your program. Contact the Registrar for details).
  • Up-to-date theatre resume and headshot (or other 8 x 10 current photo).
  • An interview with College Directors.

 

All applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or must be over the age of 19, and able to demonstrate they possess the maturity and ability to successfully complete the program.
Previous training in at least one of the three disciplines of acting, dancing and singing is beneficial.
They must demonstrate their interest in pursuing training in all four categories offered at the College: Acting, Dance, Voice and Career Management; and must demonstrate their ability to understand instruction in the English language per the language proficiency assessment policy.
Candidates should demonstrate strong potential in two of the three disciplines and a desire to learn and excel in areas they have had no previous experience.

Program admission requirements may not be waived by the student or the institution.

Student admissions are based upon the following:

  • Completed Application Form (sent by the Registrar following online application).
  • A graded audition in person or on video per the audition requirements.
  • $60 audition fee.
    • Cash, cheque, and money order accepted in advance or at the audition.
    • Credit card payments accepted prior to the audition date. Call 250 595 9970.
    • E-transfers accepted prior to the audition date. Please send to finance@ccpacanada.com and be sure to include your name and ‘audition fee’ in the memo.
  • Official Transcript of Grades (an interim report or unofficial transcript can be held as a placeholder until the first day of your program. Contact the Registrar for details).
  • Up-to-date theatre resume and headshot (or other 8 x 10 current photo).
  • An interview with College Directors.
  • Two reference letters from two industry professionals or a postsecondary degree in a relevant field of study.

All applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or must be over the age of 19, and able to demonstrate they possess the maturity and ability to successfully complete the program.
Previous training in at least one of the three disciplines of acting, dancing and singing is beneficial.
They must demonstrate their interest in pursuing training in all four categories offered at the College: Acting, Dance, Voice and Career Management; and must demonstrate their ability to understand instruction in the English language per the language proficiency assessment policy.

Program admission requirements may not be waived by the student or the institution.

In order to be considered for the Applied Performing Arts Diploma Program, the applicant must:

  • Have successfully completed the two-year Performing Arts Diploma program or the one-year Performing Arts Certificate Program at the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
  • Present a 2-3 minute audition; material chosen by the applicant to show vocal and acting ability, and any specific talent or skills the applicant would like to show that demonstrates individual talent.
  • Complete an interview with the audition panel. The audition will be conducted by a panel of Canadian College of Performing Arts faculty and/or Directors. Guests may be invited to the panel.

The applicant’s demonstrated ability to contribute to the full range of duties required for cooperative production, professionalism and teamwork during their prior studies in a Canadian College of Performing Arts program will be taken into consideration as well as the casting requirements for the productions proposed for the specific program year.
Contact the Registrar at registrar@ccpacanada.com for more details.

Program admission requirements may not be waived by the student or the institution.

Audition Tips & Tricks

Nervous about recording your video audition? Don’t be! You can record your audition using your smart phone. We’ve broken it down into three easy steps.

Step 1: Set up your shot

  • Find a quiet space with little to no noise.
  • Clear away anything that could distract from your performance. Take down pictures to create a blank wall behind you and clear away any small items that clutter the space. 
  • Once you’ve cleared your space, set up your smartphone on a tripod, a stack of books, or a music stand. Remember to film in landscape mode.
  • Make sure you are within the audio pickup range of your microphone.
  • If your audition is being held on videoconference, make sure you have a strong, reliable internet connection.

Step 2: Record your audition

  • Don’t wear bright patterns, hats, or dark glasses.
  • Make sure you aren’t backlit – don’t film in front of a window or a lamp.
  • Start your video by introducing yourself and the piece you are about to perform. You can introduce each piece separately or list them all at the beginning – whichever you prefer.
  • If you’re having trouble choosing contrasting material, here are some tips:
    • You could choose a dramatic monologue and a comedic one, or something classical and something contemporary.
    • Don’t learn new material if you don’t have to. Choose something that you know and love.

Step 3: Save and submit

  • Make sure the video is no longer than 10 minutes!
  • Once you’ve finished your video, upload it to YouTube as an unlisted link.
  • Songs, movement, and monologues can be sent separately, or as a compilation.
  • Submit the link(s) to your video(s) with your audition package by email (registrar@ccpacanada.com).
  • If you cannot upload to Youtube, save your video as a .MP4 file and upload to a file sharing site like DropBox or OneDrive.  
  • If we have any issues accessing your video our Registrar will contact you.

Check out the College’s video of tips, tricks, and best practices for preparing and acing your music, dance, and/or acting audition.

Virtual Student Experience

December 3rd 3:00 – 5:30pm Pacific

Ever thought about being an actor, dancer or singer? How about all three?

Join us on December 3rd for a glimpse of what it takes at one of the country’s top performing arts training centers!

We’re taking our popular Spend the Day program online! Open to all prospective college students*, this is an opportunity to participate in college-level movement classes, talk to current students, faculty, and the college directors.

The program will include a live movement class, a live Q&A, and an introduction to the upcoming Studio Ensemble production Paradise Lost, facilitated by Yvette Nolan. Registration also includes exclusive livestream access to Paradise Lost so you can see our students in action.

As space is limited we take an RSVP list through the fall and are able to confirm participation approximately 2 weeks prior to the event. To register, please contact us at engagement@ccpacanada.com or 250 608 3565 before December 1 2020. Please include: 1) name, 2) phone number, 3) current school and grade.

*Priority will be given to students in grades 11 and 12 and those who have taken a gap year.

Apply Now

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    View Photo Credits

    classroom photography | photo credit Peter Pokorny
    West Side Story, 2019 | director Matthew Howe | photo credit Peter Pokorny