Audition Requirements

CCPA offers in-person and virtual auditions

If you intend to audition in-person:

Auditions will take place on March 6, 2027 and are combined with the interview component.

If you intend to audition virtually

Please send your video audition to the Registrar when submitting your Application Package. Applicants will then be contacted to schedule a virtual interview appointment.

Your Audition

Please prepare:

Two short contrasting monologues, including one written before 1950 and the other one typically written after 1950. (maximum length of four minutes).  

 

 

Two solo songs (maximum total length of four minutes), either two contrasting songs—one before 1970 and the other one after 1970—OR any musical theatre song and any song that best suits you. This option’s songs should also be contrasting with each other. Find examples of how your songs can contrast in the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen (MTCP). 

Dance or movement piece, including up to 3 styles of dance, one minute each.

This instructional video only applies for video auditions, in-person auditions will include a dance call.

 

Song Tips:

  • Some examples of contrasting songs are fast tempo vs slow tempo, sustained melodic singing vs speech-like singing, dramatic vs comedic, belt vs head/falsetto mix.
  • Many accompaniment tracks are available on YouTube and other websites. If you do not have a way to work with a live accompanist or don’t have access to a recorded track of your music, consider using an app that will play the piano part for you. Harmony Helper is one such app that allows you to take photos of your sheet music, upload them to the app and then generate a piano track that you can use.

Monologue Tips:

  • It is recommended to choose monologues that are age-appropriate (generally within 5-10 years of your actual age) and that feel authentic to your culture, background, and lived experience.
  • Active monologues are often better for auditions; an active monologue takes place in real time and focuses on what you want and puts you in direct communication with an imaginary scene partner. This is often more successful in an audition situation than pieces that are a story or remembrance. Additionally, it can be helpful to avoid monologues that rely on extreme emotions as it can be hard to believably justify those responses in a short piece.

Dance Tips:

  • Make sure you can execute all the choreography well. It is to your advantage to choose steps and movement that highlight your strengths instead of your weaknesses.
  • You may use recent videos of you from a show or concert, but it must just be you in the frame.
  • Dance sample should be in whatever dance discipline you feel most confident. This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or dance styles beyond American and Euro-western styles.
  • Dance media can be “self-choreographed”, but it must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are clearly featured on your own.
  • Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well. Fully move your body to the best of your ability.
  • To assist applicants with the dance prescreen, several institutions provided the following resource videos for applicants who do not have access to a choreographed combo for the prescreen process. You may submit this choreography (or a combination of it) to any of the schools you are applying to that ask for a dance prescreen. This list will be updated as more institutions share resources, so be sure to check back.
    – Abilene Christian University Dance Combo Resource
    –     Emerson College Dance Combo Resource
    – Nazareth University Dance Combo Resource
    – Texas State University Dance Combo Resource

  • 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. You can also watch our full Audition Tips and Tricks playlist on Youtube!

    For additional detailed guidance on how to prepare your audition videos, follow this link to the Musical Theater Common Pre-screen.

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.
  • Make sure you are within the audio pickup range of your microphone.

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.
  • 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 application 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.
Apply Now

Audition FAQs

Where and when are auditions held?

Fill in 26/27 audition info.

What will I be doing at the live audition?

Auditionees are expected to perform two monologues, two songs, and participate in a dance call. There will also be an interview component on the same day. 

What do I need to bring?

IS THIS CORRECT INFORMATION?

Bring your theatre resumé, headshot (does not have to be a professional photograph), $60 application fee (credit cards and e-transfers accepted in advance only), a transcript of grades from the educational institution last attended (an unofficial transcript can be accepted at the time of audition, however, the office will need to have an official copy prior to the first day of the program in September), dance shoes, your sheet music and please wear comfortable clothes so you can move freely.

Do I need to have something prepared?

Auditions for the Performing Arts Diploma Program and Performing Arts Certificate Program 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).
  • An accompanist will be provided at all live auditions. Please bring sheet music in the key that you will be performing.
  • 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, and maximum three differing styles per audition).
  • If you have no prior experience in dance, please let us know in advance of the audition. Auditionees may perform an un-choreographed interpretive movement piece demonstrating the ability to “be in the body”, or the audition panel may choose to ask you to demonstrate your ability to move/walk in time to a selection of music.
  • Please bring a device with the music that you wish to perform to. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided in the audition room.

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

Can I sing acapella?

Preferably not. Please endeavour to bring sheet music for our accompanist.

Can I bring my own accompanist?

Yes, but you do not need to. An accompanist will be provided by the college.

Can I accompany myself?

Yes, however it is not ideal as it limits your ability to move and engage physically with the storytelling of the song.

How long will the live audition take?

Approximately 20 minutes plus travel & potential waiting time.

Do I need to pre-register for a live audition?

THIS NEEDS TO BE UPDATED

Yes. To pre-register, provide us with your name, phone number and e-mail address and confirm your audition location. Pre-registration can be done by contacting registrar@ccpacanada.com; you are also welcome to mail in your application form and registration fee in advance. Please make cheques payable to “Canadian College of Performing Arts”. Please do not mail cash.

How much experience do I need in order to be considered for the program?

I am submitting an audition video, but I have no prior dance training. What should I do?

Please state that you do not have dance training. Auditionees may perform an un-choreographed interpretive movement piece demonstrating the ability to “be in the body”, or the audition panel may choose to ask you to demonstrate your ability to move/walk in time to a selection of music. Be prepared to show that you are comfortable moving.

When will I be notified regarding my application status after my audition?

The first round of acceptances start going out around the end of March and will continue until the video audition deadline. Some applicants might be waitlisted and acceptances will continue throughout the summer until all the spots are full for that program year.