PVA - Performing & Visual Arts Program at Central Memorial High School

Centre for Performing & Visual Arts

Performing & Visual Arts Program Overview

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The Performing and Visual Arts Program (PVA) at Central Memorial High School prides itself on offering students from across the Calgary region the opportunity to study a variety of artistic disciplines at an advanced level. Students discover and fulfill their creative abilities through the guidance of experienced and accomplished artists in an atmosphere of academic rigour and creative expression. Exploring an artistic discipline every day affords students the unique opportunity to develop and apply their skills, deepen knowledge, and discover their own voice through the arts. This program provides strong foundations allowing students to easily transition into post-secondary studies or professional work within the arts community.

The PVA program is a diverse place for young artists to learn. We believe that the very skill of applying, auditioning and interviewing for your program of choice is where an artist’s learning begins with us. The PVA program is designed to be an enhanced learning community for young artists who are dedicated to their craft and are willing to take their learning to the next level and work hard. It is time-consuming and requires excellent time-management and interpersonal capacity to work with their peers, instructors, and guest-artists-in-residence from the local Calgary arts industry. The focus required for this program is what makes our programming unique and rewarding for students year after year.

We are proud to offer our Grade 12 students the option of taking a specialized course called Leadership In the Arts 35, which upon completion, affords our graduates with the Calgary Board of Education Fine and Performing Arts Certificate.

Applying to the Performing & Visual Arts Program

To be considered for our specialized PVA program, students are required to apply online, interview with our staff, and submit a portfolio or audition. The PVA Application is open between November and March, each year.

Students who live outside the school's designated boundaries or attend a non-CBE school are invited to apply for our program. Applicants who are successful will be given instructions on how to register as a new CBE student and/or how to complete the CBE High School Transfer for Program/Sequence of Courses before the CBE's mid-March deadline. Applicants who live outside the city limits are also welcome to apply for the program.

Step 1

All Applicants & Parent/Guardian - fill out the PVA Expression of Interest application form on this website (opens November 1, 2026)

Step 2

All Applicants & Parent/Guardian - After submitting the Application Form, you will be emailed a link in early January 2027 to sign up for an Audition or Portfolio Interview later in January. You will also be asked to print and bring the most recent copy of your report card to the interview or audition.

Step 3

Auditions and Portfolio Interviews are mandatory for all applicants. Parents/caregivers are welcome to attend and wait outside the audition/interview space. In the meantime, use the links below to learn how to prepare for your audition or portfolio review and interview.

Band Audition Requirements

Dance Audition Requirements

Fashion Interview Preparation

Media Arts Portfolio - Interview Requirements

Strings Audition - Interview Requirements

Technical Theatre Interview Preparation

Theatre Arts Audition - Interview Requirements

Visual Arts Portfolio - Interview Requirements

Vocal Audition - Interview Requirements

Visual Arts and Media Arts Applicants must submit a Digital Portfolio prior to their interview. A link to share your portfolio will be emailed to you in early January.