The Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) offers three post-secondary conservatory style post-secondary theatrical training programs built on education, artistic excellence and community. Classes in acting, singing, dance, and career management are offered to the highest professional standards by elite faculty and guest artists, to produce well-rounded performing artists of exceptional caliber with a strong work ethic and business acumen. The College was founded in 1998 by CHAS co-founders Jacques Lemay and Janis Dunning.
Visit ccpacanada.com to learn more.
Relaxed Performances
Open to everyone, but intended to be welcoming of anyone who may find the traditional theatre environment challenging. CHAS offers discounts for service organizations and other groups interested in attending relaxed performances.
Concert of Remembrance
Filled with music and story, this moving tribute resounds ‘from the frontline to the homefront’. This theatrical reflection on service and sacrifice is shared annually at no cost with parishes, Legions, community groups, and long-term care homes. In recent years, the concert has been expanded to offer a fully-accessible community performance.
IBPoC Leadership Mentorship Program
In partnership with the Belfry Theatre and several BC arts organizations, the Society offered a cohort of Indigenous, Black, or PoC (person of colour) applicants access to seminars and training from experienced mentors with shared lived experience, followed by placements in an arts organization of their choosing. This opportunity helps to level the playing field, ensure future leadership in the BC arts sector reflects our country’s diversity, and support talented individuals wishing to pursue a career in management or leadership in the performing arts.
Production & Event Support
Venue space and equipment is offered at reduced rates to emerging artists and not-for-profits to support charitable events and artistic creation.
Ticket Access
The Society subsidizes or discounts ticket prices at the College to increase access to the theatre for groups who may traditionally face barriers. Complimentary tickets are also offered for seniors, emerging artists, local under-served artists, community groups, attendants and caregivers, individuals with cognitive and physical challenges, and youth groups.
Audience Engagement Program
Viewers of the performance are invited, at no cost, to talk to the cast, director, and/or full creative team in pre-performance industry chats or post-show talkbacks. These informal interactions are facilitated to help guide and enhance audience engagement and insight into aspects of the production, its themes, impact, or behind-the-scenes elements. Recorded dialogues are also shared with secondary school theatrical creative teams or youth theatre groups within BC.
Community Volunteer Program
Volunteers play an essential role in the operations of CHAS. They bring talents, skills and knowledge of the community; enrich the current programs and services available to participants; and play an important role in the development of the society and our community. Our structured volunteer program supports the interactions of artists with volunteers and ensures they can actively contribute to the artistic process. CHAS also offers volunteer mentorships designed to develop specific skills.
For more information on how you or your organization can get involved in these community programs, please contact engagement@ccpacanada.com