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Auditions are one of the last step in the admission process to our Circus Arts program – Diploma of College Studies (DEC 561.D0), our School Attestation of Studies (AEE),  our Attestation of College Studies (AEC) our Circus and High School studies (CES) or our Preparatory Program for Higher Education (PFS).

Your participation in the auditions allows us to assess your physical condition and abilities: flexibility, stability, coordination, agility, strength, timing, execution precision, etc. The selection committee will also consider the originality of your interpretation, your ability to perform and improvise, as well as your specialized skills in circus, acrobatic, athletic, or other disciplines. We also place great importance on your creativity, motivation, adaptability, and personality—qualities that are essential to grow and thrive in the circus world.

Step 1 – Mandatory Video Pre-Audition

New Audition Format in 2026-2027

The introduction of a mandatory video component for all applicants replaces the decentralized auditions previously held in Paris, Toronto, and Vancouver. This new format allows the NCS to better manage applications with a strong chance of earning a spot and to improve the experience for those invited to in-person auditions.

The video audition phase will take place from September 29 to November 10, 2025, making this first step accessible from anywhere. All applications submitted within this period will receive an email response during the week of December 15, 2025.

To prepare for the first step, the mandatory video audition, please consult the video participation guide. To submit your application, you must:

  • Fill out the application form via the link provided at the top of this page (allow roughly 45–70 minutes);
  • Add the link to your video (YouTube or Vimeo);
  • Pay the $50 file-opening fee (not refundable).

Note: Once the form has been submitted, you will not be able to go back to make changes. Please double-check all your information before submitting.

Step 2 – In-Person Audition OR Additional Video Audition

BY INVITATION ONLY

In the email sent in December, candidates selected for the second and final stage of auditions will receive an invitation in which they must indicate whether they wish to participate in person in Montréal or continue the process online. A response will be required no later than January 5, 2026.

This final stage will consist of additional evaluations to select the students for our programs for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Auditions in person (Montreal)
Additional video audition
Program Dates Lenght Main content
College (DEC et AEE) February 10 to 13, 2026 4 days Circus, dance, acting, creation, physical conditioning, flexibility, fun and group activities favoring expression and creativity, performance of a 3-minute act, French level assessment
Secondary (CES) February 7 and 8, 2026 2 days Day 1: circus, dance, acting, physical conditioning, flexibility, fun and group activities that foster expression and collaboration
Day 2: academic subjects and additional evaluations
Preparatory Program (PFS) February 7, 2026 1 day Circus, dance, acting, physical conditioning, flexibility, fun and group activities that foster expression and creativity

At this stage, candidates will be asked to provide certain administrative and/or academic documents. The full list of required documents will be communicated to selected candidates at the appropriate time.

Important: Any expenses related to participation in the auditions – travel, accommodation or other – are entirely at the candidates’ expense.

Candidates selected for the second stage who are unable to travel to Montréal for the in-person audition will be able to complete this stage remotely, by video.

Applicants will be asked to provide certain administrative and/or academic documents, as well as any additional material required for evaluation. The complete list will be shared with selected candidates at the appropriate time.

This stage will include the submission of an additional video and an online interview with members of the selection committee.

Auditions in person (Montreal)

Program Dates Lenght Main content
College (DEC et AEE) February 10 to 13, 2026 4 days Circus, dance, acting, creation, physical conditioning, flexibility, fun and group activities favoring expression and creativity, performance of a 3-minute act, French level assessment
Secondary (CES) February 7 and 8, 2026 2 days Day 1: circus, dance, acting, physical conditioning, flexibility, fun and group activities that foster expression and collaboration
Day 2: academic subjects and additional evaluations
Preparatory Program (PFS) February 7, 2026 1 day Circus, dance, acting, physical conditioning, flexibility, fun and group activities that foster expression and creativity

At this stage, candidates will be asked to provide certain administrative and/or academic documents. The full list of required documents will be communicated to selected candidates at the appropriate time.

Important: Any expenses related to participation in the auditions – travel, accommodation or other – are entirely at the candidates’ expense.

Additional video audition

Candidates selected for the second stage who are unable to travel to Montréal for the in-person audition will be able to complete this stage remotely, by video.

Applicants will be asked to provide certain administrative and/or academic documents, as well as any additional material required for evaluation. The complete list will be shared with selected candidates at the appropriate time.

This stage will include the submission of an additional video and an online interview with members of the selection committee.

How to Apply & Required Documents

Documents

The following documents will be required from candidates invited to Stage 2.

Please note that any document written in a language other than French or English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

  • Copy of your birth certificate indicating sex at birth and parents’ names (PDF format);
  • Copy of your Québec Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) and most recent transcript (PDF format) – for applications to Circus Arts programs;
  • Copies of report cards from the last two years of schooling (PDF format) – for applications to the High School Circus Studies program;
  • Copy of your citizenship certificate (for naturalized Canadian citizens or permanent residents only);
  • Copy of your valid provincial health insurance card (for Canadian citizens only).

Final Selection

  • The selection committee will evaluate applications that completed Stage 2 of the audition process during February.
  • Decisions will then be communicated by email during March.
  • Please remember to check your inbox and junk/spam folders regularly so you don’t miss any updates.
Une personne vêtue de noir jongle avec plusieurs balles blanches sur un sol rouge, vu d'en haut, comme une scène captivante des auditions du NCS.

Contact and information

If you have any questions, you can contact us by email at registrariat@enc.qc.ca. For more information on programs or admission, visit the Circus Arts,  Circus and High School studies or the Preparatory Program page.

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