Community Engagement
Since 1990, the Society has fostered ongoing partnerships that benefit Vancouver Island schools; arts, cultural, and not-for-profit organizations; seniors’ care homes; hospitals; community groups; persons with disabilities; and groups that may be ‘othered’ or face systemic discrimination. The Society provides significant access to the performing arts through collaborative productions, independent projects, and access to creation. The Society’s programs share the work that has been created by emerging artists with the community at large.
Performances
Concert of Remembrance
Filled with music and story, this moving tribute resounds ‘from the frontline to the homefront’. This theatrical reflection on service and sacrifice is shared annually at no cost with parishes, Legions, community groups, and long-term care homes. In recent years, the concert has been expanded to offer a fully accessible community performance in partnership with the District of Oak Bay at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre. In 2024, the students participated in the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Oak Bay Cenotaph.
Winter Caroling
Each December, the Society supports alumni artists in connecting with community groups seeking professional standard caroling for their events. The support includes arranging bookings and costumes, and requires 4 weeks notice for arrangement.
The Society is committed to supporting local non-profits by making our community of artists available for appearances and performances. We are seeking funding to enable us to return to offering a winter celebration event at no cost to the community groups, non-profits, and service organizations in the future.
Audience Engagement Program
To deepen engagement with the productions, some performances at the Canadian College of Performing Arts include pre-performance industry chats or post-show talkbacks the cast, director, and/or full creative team. These informal interactions are facilitated to help guide and enhance audience engagement and insight into aspects of the production, its themes, impact, or behind-the-scenes elements. These events are free to attend.
Volunteer Program
Volunteers play an essential role in the operations of the Society. They bring talents, skills and knowledge; enrich the programs and services available to participants; and play an important role in the development of the society and our community. Our structured volunteer program supports the interactions of artists with volunteers and ensures they can actively contribute to the artistic process. The Society also offers volunteer mentorships designed to develop specific skills.
Public Education Sessions
Professional artists offer interactive performing arts training presentations to students and the public at schools, festivals, education fairs, trade shows, and conferences.
For more information on how you or your organization can get involved in these community programs, please contact engagement@heritagearts.ca.