Montreal's National Circus School (NCS) is taking to the road again, this time for its official Entrance Examinations. The move is a follow-up to the recent and highly successful trans-Canada tour to pre-select talented young people.

The young circus artists of tomorrow that the School selects receive a general academic education recognized by the Ministry of Education and world-calibre circus arts training. They are then ready to pursue a career that will take them to the four corners of the planet as part of the ensembles of leading circus companies.

A candidate who wishes to experience this adventure of a lifetime must submit an application on or before midnight January 15, 2011 and pass an Entrance Examination (audition) during the month of February in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver.

Since 1981, the National Circus School has carved a unique standing among the world's great circus schools. Renowned for the excellence and versatility of the artists it trains year after year, the placement rate for graduates has held steady at more than 95 percent. The majority of this country's young professional circus artists have trained here, making it a leader in the development and dissemination of circus arts. The NCS also has contributed to the emergence of such companies as Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize and The 7 Fingers, whose performances are applauded around the world.

With new dormitories for high school students, the School continues to confirm its position as a leader on the national scene in both preparatory and higher education in circus arts. Young people residing in any Canadian province who wish to receive high-level training in circus arts now have access to excellent student resources on the School's campus.

The deadline to apply to be considered for the NCS programs is midnight January 15, 2011. The selection process takes place in earnest across Canada through the Entrance Examinations (auditions) held in February in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver for the High School and College programs, as well as the Preparation for Advanced Training program. The purpose of these auditions is to evaluate a candidate's potential and skills, and their ability to complete the program. The ideal candidate has previously practiced circus arts, dance, a martial art or acrobatic sports such as artistic or rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, diving or figure skating.

The National Circus School offers a complete education in circus arts, from preparatory programs to the Circus and High School Studies program, to the College-level Higher Education in Circus Arts program.

For young people between 9 and 17 years of age, summer camp provides an intensive introduction to professional training and a chance to experience circus life at the School. The School also offers a college-level certificate program for teachers and instructors of circus arts.

For the past three years, the National Circus School Foundation has provided bursaries (scholarships) to assist talented students who lack sufficient financial resources. Any student enrolled in the School may apply for the grant. For the past two years, the Foundation awarded more than $100,000 to 57 bursary recipients.
For a full description of the audition process, to obtain application forms or for all further information, see nationalcircusschool.ca, or contact us at info@enc.qc.ca, toll free at 1 800 267-0859.