The performing arts tend to unify people in a way nothing else does and are about making a kind of wild joy that often can't be put into words.
Young creatives can put their best foot forward, and really step into their natural gifts and talents at the Cowichan Valley Performing Arts Academy which is currently accepting applications for their 2025-2026 school year. CVPAA's performing arts centered educational program is geared for students who will entering Grades 8 though 12.
Supplemented by a full selection of performing arts electives, and supported by teachers through the Cowichan Valley School District, the program is known for its rigorous academic instruction coupled with the integration of performing arts. It focuses on leadership as well as both personal and social responsibility.
Established by the B.C. Ministry of Education with a B.C. Curriculum based for graduation, what really sets CVPAA apart from other schools is it concentration on the performing arts. While most students will enjoy electives such as foods, wood shop, and mechanics the students with CVPAA are enticed with and get to enjoy performing arts electives like ballet, musical theatre, jazz tech, songwriting and more.
Students at CVPAA are given the opportunity to choose which performing arts stream they would like to participate in: dance, music, or musical theatre, as well as a choice of performing arts electives within that stream providing students with classes and a learning experience they are truly passionate about.
"The other thing that makes this program unique is that the performing arts electives are taught by working professionals in performing arts spaces," said The Grove and CVPAA principal Venessa MacDowell. "This allows our students to see examples of possible career paths, gives them a start on networking, and provides individuals in the field to support students as they move forward in their future."
Each year, students have the opportunity to perform, which also includes their end of year show 'A Year in Review' with performances that showcase their learning throughout the year often incorporating music, dance, musical theatre, as well as student self-choreography, and original song performances. Last year, the academy presented its first ever full-length musical production with You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, directed by CVPAA's educational and music department coordinator Brenna Bazinet. Musical theatre instructors are currently in the middle of picking a new show for the new school year that will showcase the strengths and talents of both their current, and future students.
"For me, teaching here has been a joyful and inspirational experience being surrounded by individuals and students who are passionate about the arts," said Bazinet. "Working with these creative students is a daily reminder that courage and trust in oneself can allow you to grow and accomplish anything you put your mind to. Watching them be resilient, fearless, empathetic, and dedicated shows us that the performing arts make a necessary impact in our communities and our lives that allows space for all individuals to grow."
CVPAA is now accepting applications for their 2025/26 school year until Aug. 30 with the the possibility of late registration throughout the year. To register or for more information on the program email i[email protected].
"At CVPAA, our hope is that by receiving a performing arts-centered education focused on developing the whole performer, students will grow in the areas of personal fitness, leadership, planning, time management, and social responsibility all through the integration of the performing arts into their academic experience," said CVPAA director of Perforning Arts Olivia Boudreau. "The Academy encourages students to see opportunities and find solutions in their art that can translate into the same thought processes and habits in the real world. By exploring concepts in science, language arts, math or social studies through the performing arts, students are able to have hands on learning experiences which engages their brain on multiple levels. Art education provides collaboration, perseverance, problem solving, creativity, focus, concentration, and self discipline — all skills that are transferable to the 21st Century workforce."
