I am delighted to have joined the College this autumn following its incredible 25th anniversary year. Having been living and working in London (UK) for the past 25 years, it is wonderful to once again be a part of Victoria’s rich cultural landscape.
I would like to acknowledge the Lekwungen-speaking peoples (also known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations), on whose traditional territory the college stands, and on whose home we learn, create, and perform.
I am inspired by the vision of the Canadian Heritage Arts Society and its mission to create meaningful connections between artists and the community through inclusive and creative experiences. Working alongside Danielle, together leading the incredible staff and faculty of the Canadian College of Performing Arts to continue to provide exemplary training for the next generation of performing arts professionals, is a privilege and pleasure. The rigour and passion that runs through all of the work here is inspiring, and the students bring joy and energy to all that they engage with.
Ten Lost Years offered a view of the past that resonates still today, and the themes running through the production of Antigone: 方 in challenging oppression are pointedly relevant given the current global unrest. Ride the Cyclone, by our flagship Studio Ensemble Program cohort, will be sure to fascinate, intrigue and entertain in equal measures; I am excited to have a homegrown Victoria musical on our stage.
Sense & Sensibility will showcase our Year II students in an adaptation by a Canadian playwright; this timeless tale will warm and charm.
And then, to complete our season, we will bring a Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella to the stage of the McPherson Playhouse in April to enchant audiences of all ages.
Our community outreach work connects artists with our community here in Oak Bay and throughout Victoria and Saanich. Our Concert of Remembrance enables us to collaborate with the Band of the 5th (BC) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, to honour and reflect on service and sacrifice through a public performance and tour to reach community members. We also provide relaxed performances, school performances, and a rich volunteering programme.
In the coming months I look forward to meeting the wider community, prospective students, supporters, and audience to hear what you value about our contribution to the vibrant arts scene of Victoria.
Erin Gavaghan
Managing Director
Hello, and welcome to the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
I would like to acknowledge the Lekwungen speaking peoples (also known as the Esquimalt & Songhees First Nations), on whose traditional unceded territories we learn, create and perform.
After 19 years spent living and working in the UK arts and education industry, it was an honour to return to Victoria in 2021 to take on the role of the Director of Education at CCPA. It is my pleasure to welcome our new Managing Director, Erin Gavaghan, and I look forward to working with Erin and our fabulous staff and faculty as we continue to grow meaningful connections between artists, students, and community.
Through the rigorous training at CCPA, my wish is for students to become expressive, articulate, constructively critical, curious and creative individuals – thinking practitioners capable of shifting habits and beliefs through exploring different perspectives, and developing confidence in themselves and their abilities as performers and emerging creative leaders.
I continue to be touched by the generosity of community and exceptional artistry generated at CCPA. Working with the next generation of performing artists is a privilege that cannot be underestimated, and it brings joys to be a part of this incredible team and institution.
Danielle Meunier
Director of Education