In the north of Toronto, behind the glass doors of an ordinary building, a violin sounds daily, someone recites a line from Shakespeare, and in the dance studio, feet are warmed up for the next pas. There’s no stagey pretension here, but there is a feeling of something very real. This is Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, one of the few schools in Canada where art is a part of daily life. Children who have been drawing, playing the piano, or simply can’t imagine their lives without the stage since childhood come here. Of course, the school doesn’t guarantee a star-studded career, but it has created a supportive environment where talent develops under the careful guidance of teachers who notice not only knowledge but also the inner potential of each student. More at istory and takes on surprising forms. In this article, we’ll explore just that. Read on at toronto1.one.
It’s not talked about on every corner, like the big, prestigious universities. But it is here that a generation is being formed that, perhaps tomorrow, will stand on the stages of Toronto, London, or even Broadway. The story of this school is about faith in art, in youth, and in the power of learning.
Profile and Academics
At Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, students don’t give up their general education for the sake of art. They study the standard Ontario curriculum, which includes all the core subjects – math, English, science, and history. Alongside this, they have arts classes. Rehearsals, practical exercises, and creative projects are part of the schedule, just like any other lesson. Each student has a major arts specialization: dance, music, drama, or visual arts. This stream is part of the school schedule, just like algebra. That is, a child doesn’t study art “after school”; Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts is a fully-fledged educational institution.
In dance classes, children work on the technique of modern choreography and classical ballet, while musicians study solfeggio, harmony, and arrangement, and perform in concerts. Drama students prepare monologues, work on stage movement, voice, and dramatic text. Artists develop their skills in studios with still lifes, design, painting, and digital art.
Overall, despite the clear artistic focus, the school does not devalue academic education. On the contrary, teachers support students so that they not only create but also have a solid foundation for their future university or college. Many graduates apply to arts programs, but just as many go into medical, educational, or humanities fields.
Auditions and Selection
At Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, you don’t need connections or perfect grades to get in. But desire alone is not enough. The journey here begins with an audition. And it is here that the school’s main idea is revealed: you are evaluated not by how “correctly” you did everything, but by how sincerely you expressed yourself.
Children can apply for the seventh or ninth grade, and less commonly for other years if a spot becomes available. From the very beginning, each child chooses an artistic stream: vocal, instrumental music, drama, dance, or visual arts. And then comes the audition. For some, it’s a monologue in front of three jury members; for others, it’s drawings from a portfolio and creating a sketch on the spot. Some come with a guitar, a violin, or a piano piece and simply perform their favourite composition. Dancers participate in a masterclass and must show a short improvisation. Actors prepare a monologue and perform exercises on stage presence. Artists bring several of their own works that best reflect their style. And in every discipline, the main thing is not perfection, but potential.
The selection process is truly rigorous. Each year, up to ten students can apply for one spot. But the jury pays attention not only to technical skills. Often, it is emotionality, originality, and a genuine interest in art that influence the decision. Some are advised to try again next year – and it happens, not everyone succeeds on the first try.
Interestingly, the school does not require a child to already be a professional. They welcome those who are simply passionate about an idea. And even when hands don’t quite obey the pencil, and the voice trembles with nervousness – it’s not a verdict. Often, it is these children who grow into true artists, because at Cardinal Carter, they know how to see deeper.
Infrastructure and Achievements
Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts has separate, professionally equipped spaces for each art form. The school has dance studios with wooden floors, a theatre with over 300 seats, music auditoriums, individual practice rooms, art workshops, painting studios, and a photo lab. All students have access to the necessary equipment: musical instruments, lighting equipment, stage props, and so on.
The arts programs involve not only learning but also regular performances and public presentations. The school’s string orchestra has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, and the wind ensemble has reached the finals of national competitions. Students’ theatrical productions are shown at city and provincial festivals, and participants’ artworks are often exhibited in Toronto galleries. Many students participate in professional arts projects during their studies, collaborate with industry professionals, and gain stage experience even before graduating. This allows them to confidently enter specialized post-secondary institutions and build a creative career.