Admission & Auditions

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    Are you a Canadian citizen / permanent resident?

    Virtual Spend A Day

    December 17 12:00 - 4:00PM PST

    Our second Spend A Day event of 2022 will be held virtually, so prospective students from far and wide will be able to access our Q&A’s, virtual workshops, and watch a complimentary livestreamed performance of our Year II Production: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

    To register, please contact us at registrar@ccpacanada.com as soon as possible, as space is limited.

    The Three Steps To Audition For CCPA

    1 – Submit you application paperwork which must include:

    • 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.


    2 – Audition either by ZOOM or by submitting a VIDEO audition


    3 – Interview with College Directors 

    Note: Those auditioning by Zoom will have their interview at the same time. Those submitting a video will be booked for a follow-up Zoom Interview.

    Auditions & Offers for International Students commence in January. Auditions & Offers for Canadian Students commence in March. Any Applications & Video Auditions received after March 20 will be reviewed and offers made on an ongoing basis until placements are full. Spaces become limited, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Full applications must be received to secure a Virtual Audition/Interview time slot. Submit your application package via email to registrar@ccpacanada.com or by mail to:

    Canadian College of Performing Arts 1701 Elgin Road Victoria, BC V8R 5L7 Canada

    Important Dates

    Don’t miss your chance to study with an award-winning training institution! 

    We are accepting applications to audition for the September 2023 student intake. There are  several upcoming events to guide you through the process and let you experience student life at CCPA. 

    To register for an event: please contact registrar@ccpacanada.com at least 48hrs in advance of the event with your name, contact details, and desired event. We will follow up with you with all essential details, including zoom links for virtual events and arrival information for any events on campus.

    CCPA Experiences Event Schedule

    Friday October 21 2022,  9:00AM – 4:00PM PST
    Spend A Day at CCPA (In-Person) 

    CCPA welcomes all prospective students to join us on campus for our first Student Experience Event of the year: ‘Spend A Day 2022’. It will be an in-depth look at what a day in the life at CCPA looks like. Students will have the opportunity to observe dance classes, attend some physical theatre and acting workshops, and have a chance to speak with current students, alumni, faculty, and staff about our cross-disciplinary programs that help build a career in the performing arts.

     

    Tuesday November 15 2022, 4:00PM PST 
    Study At CCPA: Virtual Q&A Info Session

    This session will offer you opportunities to speak with alumni, faculty, and staff about any questions that you may have about the CCPA experience, and the application and audition process.

     

    Saturday December 17 2022, 12:00AM – 4:00PM PST
    Virtual Spend A Day

    Our second Spend A Day event of 2022 will be held virtually, so prospective students from far and wide will be able to access our Q&A’s, virtual workshops, and watch a complimentary livestreamed performance of our Year II Production: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. 

     

    Friday January 13 2023 – Time to be determined by participant’s time zones
    Virtual International Application: Q&A Info Session

    Applying from outside of Canada? In this virtual Q&A session you will learn basic audition tips and best practices to follow as you prepare your video audition. You will also have opportunities to ask questions and address any concerns that you may have about the international application and audition process.

     

    Wednesday February 15 2023, 4:00PM – 5:00PM PST
    Virtual Domestic Application: Q&A Info Session

    Applying from within Canada? During this session you will learn basic audition tips and best practices to follow as you prepare your video audition. You will also have opportunities to ask questions and address any concerns that you may have about the application and audition process.

    Application & Audition Timeline

    Friday January 27 & Saturday January 28 2023
    International Auditions Commence

    Our live virtual auditions for any prospective students applying from outside of Canada begin early as more time is required to complete the Study Permit application process through Immigration Canada. Be sure to book your spot through our Registrar before January 20 for a guaranteed audition time slot. Please understand that acceptance into the program is not the same as approval of a Study Permit which is required prior to entry into Canada. Full international and domestic applications received by Wednesday March 1 2023 will be guaranteed an interview time slot for the Audition Tour (see below).

     

    Monday February 6 2023 
    International Offers Commence

    Our first round of international acceptance offers are sent out following the first round of international auditions.

     

    Wednesday March 15 – Saturday March 18 2023
    National & International Audition Tour Week 
    Domestic Auditions Commence

    Please note your audition paperwork must be submitted by March 1 2023 to secure a time slot during the Audition Tour. Audition sessions will take place virtually on Zoom, and in-person auditions will take place on campus in Victoria on Saturday March 18 2023. Any video auditions received by March 19 will be reviewed for consideration. 

     

    Thursday March 30 2023
    All Domestic Acceptance Offers Commence

    After completion of the Audition Tour, all auditions (Zoom or Video) will be reviewed and acceptance offers made subject to placement availability. If you require any additional information on the acceptance process please contact our Registrar.

     

    Video Auditions

    Video auditions will be accepted at any time for the September 2023 intake. They will be reviewed and offers made based on the above timeline. Any video auditions received after March 20 will be reviewed as they are received and offers made on an ongoing basis subject to availability. Spaces become limited, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Full application paperwork and video must be received in order to book an interview.

    CCPA Voted One of Canada's Top Acting Schools

    by Casting Workbook

     

    Casting workbook is a global acting platform for performers, and selected the Canadian College of Performing Arts as one of the top acting schools in the country for 2021.

    Get an taste of the CCPA experience by accessing this online acting course, hosted by none other than CCPA’s Managing Artistic Director Caleb Marshall, where he shares his process to unlock impulse, activate the emotional system, ground you in the moment and come from a truthful place.

    “

    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.

    View Photo Credits

    classroom photography | photo credit Peter Pokorny
    West Side Story, 2019 | director Matthew Howe | photo credit Peter Pokorny
    Working, 2018 | director Matthew Howe | photo credit Peter Pokorny