Each year CWSA runs two audition processes. The first process is for students who are in Grade 3 and are looking for Grade 4 admissions. The second process is for students who are in Grades 4, 5, 6 or 7. This year, children born in 2011 are eligible to audition for a spot in Grade 3 and children born in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are eligible to audition for spots in the older grades (Grades 5 – 8). Please note that if your child previously auditioned for CWSA but was not successful, you must reapply and audition again for the new school year.
The Grade Three Process (Children born in 2011)
Auditions for Grade 3 students happen during February and March of their Grade 3 years. The auditions begin with one half day session (held on a Saturday in February and March). Each half day session is divided into four parts. Candidates will spend 50 minutes in each of the following areas, dance, drama, music and visual arts. Our audition process is designed to be interactive and engaging. Students are not required to prepare a portfolio, dance or music performance. A break period is built into the half day and students are welcome to bring a nut-free snack. The dates for auditions are announced each autumn. The initial dates for Grade 3 auditions for 2020 are:
- SESSION A - Saturday February 1, 2020
- SESSION B - Saturday February 8, 2020
- SESSION C – Saturday February 22, 2020
Once the initial auditions have been completed, approximately 120 students will be invited back to CWSA for a call-back audition. Students will either attend a morning session or an afternoon session on Saturday March 7, 2020. From the group invited for the call back, 60 students will be offered admission to CWSA for September 2020. Claude Watson strives to provide an equitable and inclusive learning environment for each and every student. We believe that the arts are for all children and traditionally we have fewer applicants who identify as male. Therefore, we have made an effort to ensure our program is balanced based upon gender. Annually we endeavour to admit an equal number of students who identify as male and students who identify as female. We will also facilitate placement for successful candidates who do not identify as male or female or are transgender or gender non-conforming.
The Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7 Process (Children born in the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010)
Each grade at CWSA has 60 students. In the rare situation when a student leaves the program we will offer the position to a candidate who auditioned for the program. The audition process takes place in the spring and will last half a day for each candidate. Students audition in four areas (dance, drama, music and visual arts). Usually the younger students (Grades 4 and 5) audition in the morning while the older students (Grades 6 and 7) audition in the afternoon. The dates for auditions are announced each autumn. The date for the Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7 auditions for 2020 is Monday May 4, 2020.
For more information about the audition process please click here.