The Canadian College of Performing Arts is a renowned interdisciplinary post-secondary institution located in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.
CCPA is one of Canada’s top training grounds for performers, where they offer a unique blend of academic and professional training that allows students to develop their skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.
It’s a place where people come to grow and learn, not just about dance or music or acting, but about themselves. In the short time that I have been here, I have grown more as a person than I ever thought possible.
Students from all across Canada and around the world come to CCPA for its training. It’s more than just a school – it’s a community.
Here’s a day in my life at the Canadian College of Performing Arts as a year 2 diploma student.
8:30 – Dance class / Ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap & Musical theatre styles
The dance program at CCPA includes training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, and musical theatre styles. There are four different levels. Technique class is the first thing we do in the morning and it starts at 8:30. We then finish at 10 am, or 11:45 if it’s a double dance day.
12:00- Study Block
Depending on the day, we will either have an acting class or a study block at this time.I usually feel quite energized from the dance class, so I will use this time to get some work done. I find it’s a great time to work on scenes or do anything that demands lots of brain power.
1:30 – Lunch
Lunchtime! Another great thing about CCPA is that they have a fully functional kitchen where we can cook our own meals. This has been so convenient because we all get so hungry from all the dancing! After we fuel up, it’s time for afternoon classes.
2:30 – Afternoon classes / acting, voice, career management
In the afternoon from 2:30-5:45, we have a variety of different classes that vary daily, from speech technique, physical theatre, acting, music theory, connections, career management and many more.
Depending on the day, we will also get study blocks, where we can do some work. If not, I’ll use that time to rehearse in a studio, read, rest, drink tea, socialize or even have a power nap!
5:45 – Dinner
The school is a ten-minute walk from the ocean, so I like to spend that time in nature. I’ll usually listen to a podcast or call my family. It always nourishes my soul to eat my dinner while watching the sunset.
7:00 – Rehearsal / Vocal Ensemble
We are currently in the midst of preparing the Concert of Remembrance that will be held on November 9th, 2022 at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre. The music director is none other than the amazing Meredith Zwicker.
The Canadian College of Performing Arts recognizes the importance of giving back to its community. The concert of Remembrance is one way we can pay homage to veterans and all they have done for us.
Here are some memories from the 2019 concert!
8:30 – End of day!
I usually get home around 9 pm. I’ll take a quick shower, stretch out any muscles that are tight, and then jump into bed. I’ll read a few pages of my book, journal for a bit, and then fall asleep so I can do it all over again the next day!
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my life as a student at CCPA! 🙂If you want to learn more about CCPA programs, you can visit ccpacanada.com