Renowned Director Leads Vancouver's Next Rising Stars Into The Future

Jacques Lemay, famous for directing and choreographing the 1988 Olympics Ceremonies, working on the 2010 Olympics and directing shows and major events across the nation, returned to the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) to celebrate its 20th Anniversary in grand fashion. "There are dazzling shows, uniquely divine special events and a glittering onstage celebration in April. CCPA is very proud of its extraordinary success and it is great to be a part of launching into the next decade!" says Lemay.

CCPA is heading to Vancouver to uncover Canada's budding talent this February. Artistic and Education Director Heather Burns will host auditions on February 11 at 2:45 p.m. at the Dance Centre (677 Davie Street).

Vancouver is no stranger to CCPA. Alumni are regularly featured in productions at the Arts Club, Bard on the Beach and Theatre Under the Stars in addition to their film, television, voiceover work and recordings. Onstage you've seen established graduates Andrew Cownden, Kayvon Koshkam, Curtis Tweedie, Austin Eckhert, Ryan Reid, Lauren Bowles, Marlie Collins, Vincent Tong to name a few. Ali Liebert continues on screen after successes in Bomb Girls and Ten Days in the Valley. And Ashleigh Ball, well known for her band "Hey Ocean", is two of the lead voices in the animated series My Little Pony. Emerging artist and recent alumnus Aaron Wells was featured in Children of God this past summer and is thrilled to be "working non-stop".

"We bring Canadians from all regions of our country to one place to work together and create together," concur Burns and Lemay. "As a result our students develop a national awareness of the Canadian theatre scene and create nationwide bonds with their peers which will assist them in their future careers."

CCPA believes in providing affordable education for deserving students. Canadian students receive a tuition subsidy from CHAS, totaling nearly half the cost of the training.

"Often students can't afford to travel to auditions," says Lemay, "so we travel to them. It also gives us the opportunity to meet our potential candidates in their environment and discover the wealth of talent in our country."

Many graduates have gone to Broadway, London, Toronto, Stratford, Shaw, and Charlottetown, and have done films, television, and recordings. Alumna Carly Rae Jepsen described her time at CCPA as one of the "best memories of my life."

CPA offers three intensive programs with high-calibre instruction that is aligned with the needs of the industry: Enriched Performing Arts Diploma, Performing Arts Certificate, and "Company C" Studio Ensemble Diploma. The curriculum is designed to give students a strong foundation for a career in the performing arts. "Company C" graduates may transfer to Douglas College for an additional year to complete a Bachelor of Performing Arts. Visit ccpacanada.com/apply to book an audition.

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