First-Rate Performance Arts School to Open in Kelowna

There have always been specialty academic programs for high school athletes who wish to study while simultaneously prepping for a career in sports, but what about the arts?

The Kelowna Actors Studio, in collaboration with the South Interior Distance Education School, have opened a first-rate performance school. The Kelowna Actors Studio Academy Foundation, or KASAF, will begin their semester in September and will run until June. Tuition for the ten month program is $5,600 annually, but there are some bursaries available. Tuition is due in full July 1st.

Kelowna’s Arts Performance School is currently accepting applications from eager students aspiring to pave their own path in the artistic working world. Not only does the program sound like a lot of fun, but it will also increase a student’s prospects for admission into a post-secondary arts school.

“Arts education has always been my passion. There are speciality programs for sports (like the Hockey Academy) so I thought it was time for a special program for those hoping to pursue theatre arts in college and university,” explained Artistic Managing Director with the Kelowna Actors Studio, Randy Leslie.

“The best training is performing in MainStage productions and students can do that and earn credits for it by being part of our program. Also, students won’t only act but they will be involved in production and management,” added Leslie.

The performance school will allow students the opportunity to pursue their artistic careers through offering classes on topics such as acting, dance, music, musical theory, audition art, production, and technical studies. Students will also continue with their studies in math, science, English, etc. Schedules will be managed and tweaked to ensure everything fits in smoothly.

All courses offered are B.C. Ministry of Education approved and will allow students to work towards their diploma.

“As the newly formed Kelowna Actors Studio Academy Foundation (KASAF) we’re excited to take this education to the next level—a high school that focuses on the Performing Arts,” read the KASAF information sheet.

“Supporting students and their passion and helping them achieve those dreams is all of our responsibilities,” added Leslie.

Leslie said there has already been a lot of interest regarding the new program from both the community and eager students.

Students interested in the performance arts program must hand in their application by Tuesday, March 31. Sequential interviews will be held in May. For more information on the program or the application process, call the Executive Director of the Kelowna Actors Studio Academy Foundation, Margaret Gobie at 250-862-2867, extension 103.

For interview and application tips, as well as additional information on program requirements, check out the KASAF guidelines.

For a list of important KASAF dates and deadlines, click here.