PVA Overview
The Performing and Visual Arts Program at Central Memorial 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 skills, deepen knowledge and discover their own voice through the arts. This program provides a strong foundation allowing students to easily transition into post-secondary studies or professional work within the arts community.
Embedded in a public school academic setting, our PVA students take full year classes in their area of the arts. They also have opportunities to take before and after school arts-related classes, depending on the program.
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.
The PVA program is a diverse and inclusive place for young artists of all abilities 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.
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 process is open between November 1 and March 15, each year.
Applying to the Performing & Visual Arts Program
Students who wish to complete an expression of interest application form for one of the PVA programs must also complete an audition or portfolio review and interview with one of our PVA staff.
Step 1
All Applicants & Parent/Guardian - fill out the PVA Expression of Interest application form (link available here starting November 1, 2025).
Step 2
All Applicants & Parent/Guardian - After submitting the Application Form, please wait for an email from one of our staff to arrange an audition/interview or portfolio review January 2026. You will also be asked to upload the most recent copy of your child's report card prior to coming for an interview or audition.
Step 3
Use the links below to learn how to prepare for your audition or portfolio review and interview.
All Auditions and Portfolio Interviews take place mid-January and are mandatory for all applicants. Parents/caregivers are welcome to attend and wait outside the audition/interview space.
Visual Arts and Media Arts Applicants must submit a Digital Portfolio prior to their interview.
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
Step 4
Conditional Placement Offers will be emailed late January. If you are not designated for Central Memorial High School or do not attend a CBE school, next step instructions regarding becoming a CBE student and/or applying for a CBE Transfer will be included in the Conditional Placement Offer email. You will not be an official PVA Central student until the CBE approves your Transfer Request (early April).
Step 5
Complete the Central Memorial Course Selection form and return it to the Student Services department.
Step 6
Students and parents/caregivers, attend New PVA Student Orientation on the evening on June 16, 2026.
Please email PVA Director, Michelle Crimmins mlcrimmins@cbe.ab.ca and Creative Arts Learning Leader, Jill Tuttle jituttle@cbe.ab.ca for more information about the PVA Application process.