Q. Is the Academy only for students who wish to become actors or members of a performing arts profession?
No, not necessarily. The Performing Arts Academy inspires character development and self discovery in people through the challenge of creativity. The courage to create, the confidence to stand calmly before others in stressful situations, the facility to be expressive, the sense of play that makes one young at heart, the wisdom to see the big picture, the rare and essential skill to communicate clearly, the sensitivity to find meaning in relationships and the business of life - these are all real-world benefits of the training at the Academy. Students learn how to relax, to concentrate, to strengthen their voices and bodies, to be expressive physically and emotionally, to improvise, to develop empathy for others, to become literate and aware of the world and aware of themselves. These are important lessons for living, not just acting or creating on the stage.
While many of our students will indeed go on to being actors or directors or playwrights or singers, many others will go on to a wide range of professions and extended study, carrying with them the special and empowering knowledge of self that comes from the challenge of training in the theatre.
Acting, directing, singing, and presenting are essentially tools that challenge our young people to know themselves as creative and imaginative individuals. Our programming seeks to enrich and nurture, providing self-confidence and understanding. As director, I believe creativity in itself is an end. Because with it, the student develops an expansiveness of self and a thriving confidence that can affect and change the world...
Q. What are the requirements for admittance to the Academy?
A. Students should be enrolled through their home high school and be in the process of completing the graduation requirements for their home school. College Tech Prep students need additional requirements depending on the program chosen.
Most of the regular technical programs are two-year courses of study.
Q. How much does it cost to participate in the Academy program?
A. The tuition for a program is paid by the home school district. There are fees for most programs to cover supplies, equipment and uniforms.
Q. If I am accepted, how will I know if I will be in the morning or afternoon session?
A. Placement in afternoon or morning session is dependent on a number of factors; transportation needs, class balance and the student's academic schedule. Accepted students should discuss their schedule with their guidance counsellor.
Is transportation available to and from the Academy?
A. Bus transportation is available to and from the home school. A car is necessary for students to participate in cooperative programs where they work part-time.
Q. Can I participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics and band at my home school?
A. As long as a student is not in an Academy production, outside activities are perfectly fine. However, students who wish to participate in a particular Academy production MUST CLEAR THEIR SCHEDULE during the course of rehearsal for that particular production. Accommodations for minor conflicts are made on an individual basis.
Q. How can I be selected for the Academy?
A. For the Performing Arts Academy, students must first complete an application form. This form, signed by the student, parents and home school counselor should be submitted in January/February preceding the school year the student wishes to enroll.
The student will be interviewed and auditioned by the director of the Academy. Acceptance is based upon the results of the audition / interview and availability of open enrollment spots.
Q. What high school will I graduate from?
A. Students earn a diploma from their home school, even though they may attend a technical program in another high school.
Q. What do I receive upon completion of the Academy?
A. Students who have 18 or fewer absences over the two year program will receive a Certificate of Completion. Students who have over 18 absences will receive a certificate of participation upon successful completion of the Academy program. This certificate is part of a Career Passport which lists the particular skills and hours which have been successfully completed by the student.
Q. If I take the Academy program in high school, can I still go to college?
A. Not only will you still be able to go to college, you will more prepared than ever and you enter college with college credit and an advanced understanding of your self, creativity and the arts. Combining college with arts training gives students the best of both worlds in preparing for a career.
Learn more about special services and other FAQ's at the Excel TECC site.
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