that transforms aspiring performers into multi-talented professionals through a unique Triple Threat® training program. Triple Threat training integrates and puts equal emphasis on the study of dance, vocal, and acting. A conservatory approach immerses students in the pursuit of artistic excellence, with over 2,140 hours of practical, hands-on coursework ("contact hours"). The comprehensive curriculum includes on-camera training for film and television, audition techniques, developing stage and screen presence, vocal techniques for various styles of singing, and various dance forms.
The training culminates in two fully mounted productions with creative teams drawn from the professional world.
Coursework is undertaken in three Academic Years completed over a 24-month period. Each Academic Year is comprised of two terms of study, each 14 weeks long. Students spend an average of 27 hours per week in classes and related activities: 27 hours/week in Year 1, 26 hours/week in Year 2, 28 hours/week in Year 3. A total of 40 credits is required to achieve the Performing Arts Diploma.
Tuition is $8,755 per Academic Year. The program is three Academic Years in total.
Beyond Training
Students graduate from the Randolph Academy college program not only with well-rounded skills as a Triple Threat performer, but also a better defined sense of self.
"Performers have to put themselves on the line every time they get in front of an audience because their goal as a storyteller is to help the playwright/lyricist, composer, choreographer, words, notes, etc. to come off the page. Important stories are hooked in to a common pulse that is the human experience."
—Darlene Spencer, Artistic Director
Acting is the art of self-revelation. While a student can learn the craft, it is the person—emotional, physical, intellectual, energetic/spiritual self—that brings the work to life. That is why acting is the foundation of the Randolph Academy college program curriculum. With these roots, dance steps and music notes transcend mere technique to create performances that affect audiences.
"We have a responsibility to turn out more than a singer-dancer-actor. We must turn out a whole person -- someone with a good work ethic and a sense of responsibility who is able to work with an ensemble."
—Ron Singer, Artistic Director Emeritus
While each student embarks on a journey of self-revelation, they also relate to each other by discovering commonalities and respect each other by celebrating their differences. This experience, which requires vulnerability, trust, and risk-taking, creates an indefinable bond between students, and builds an ensemble within which they can explore and enjoy positive working relationships. While the ensemble coalesces, the individual is strengthened as a performer, as they discover their own uniqueness of character. Instructors support this ensemble spirit; as professionals in the industry, they themselves are conscious of how much courage it takes to present personal work to be evaluated, and pass on knowledge and techniques based on personal experience.
All these elements comprise a conservatory environment where everybody engages in coursework that enhances a successful career and life in the arts.
Getting In
The Academy offers two opportunities for entrance: September and January. Applications are accepted year-round. In order to be considered for schedule audition dates, complete application packages should be submitted by the following general guidelines:
September Admission: preceding January
January Admissions: preceding September
Admission is granted on an audition basis.
Each year the Randolph Academy convenes a panel of faculty experts who travel across Canada to assess prospective students for admission. Click here for Audition Tour 2012 dates. International students are also considered for admission.
During auditions, prospective students are assessed for talent, aptitude and potential in the arts. Prospective Students must be physically able to sustain the rigours of the program, and be able to individually undertake training in all three disciplines: vocal technique, acting technique including movement, and dance (ballet, jazz, and tap).
Eligibility requirements: Grade 12 OR equivalent
Audition Requirements
Auditions reflect the Triple Threat nature of the program. Prospective students attending group auditions must present the following:
All applicants will be interviewed by the Artistic Director and/or President of Randolph Academy. In addition, all applicants will be required to write a 200 word personal statement during the audition.
Private auditions and video audition opportunities are available; please contact the Admissions Department for more information and requirements.
The Curriculum
Courses in the Acting Divisions range from Voice and Text to Improv to Scene Study. Students begin with exploring the context of theatre through an extensive Theatre History course that involves both a lecture and a production component. Also in 1st term, the concept of Movement for actors is introduced with Stage Combat. Acting courses also include professional development workshops in seeking representation, as well as preparing headshots and resumes, and culminates in a contemporary play production during the final year.
Concepts of bringing acting into vocal presentation are introduced and expanded in the Vocal Division’s signature course Music Theatre Presentation, which is taken throughout the program. Students undertake a thorough exploration of the origins and genesis of musical theatre in the lecture and production components of Musical Theatre History. Individual vocal instruction is offered through weekly private vocal tutorials and coachings. Students also learn the importance of group singing in men’s and women’s choruses and a chorale encompassing the entire student body. Training culminates in a musical production during the final year with a professional director, music director, and choreographer.
Students receive training in ballet, jazz, and tap in the Dance Division. Students are assessed each term and placed in one of six levels of each dance discipline, ranging from pre-beginner to intermediate to advanced.
Contact the Admissions Department
Next Steps
Royal CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND
Since 2008, the Randolph Academy has had an ongoing relationship with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) based in Glasgow, Scotland.
Upon graduation, students may audition for acceptance into the RCS's one-year Masters in Music Theatre Performance program. RCS accepts up to 20 students per year from around the world for this prestigious program: in 2008, two Randolph alumni attended; in 2009, two alumni attended; and in 2010, four alumni attended. RCS faculty also visit the Academy twice a year to lead performance-based workshops.
Through this relationship with the RCS, Randolph Academy college alumni, who already earn a diploma in 2/3 the time of comparable programs, can gain additional skills and join the industry faster than others pursuing similar training.
ACTRA
College Program graduates are eligible on a case-by-case basis to apply for Apprentice Membership in ACTRA and earn one credit toward Full Membership (total of three required). ACTRA's Apprentice Program allows performers who are new to ACTRA to work on ACTRA sets and earn credits toward Full Membership.
