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Auditions are one of the last step in the admission process to our Circus Arts programs – Diploma of College Studies (DEC 561.D0), our Attestation of School Studies (AEE), our Attestation of College Studies (AEC) and our Circus and High School studies (CES).
Your participation in the auditions allows us to assess your physical fitness and skills: flexibility, stability, coordination, agility, strength, timing, precision of execution, etc. The selection committee will also consider the originality of your performance, your ability to play 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—essential qualities for growing and thriving in the circus world.
2026–2027 Audition Format 
Last year, the National Circus School introduced a mandatory video submission for all applicants, replacing the decentralized auditions previously held in Paris, Toronto and Vancouver. This format allows NCS to better manage applications from candidates with a genuine chance of being admitted, while also improving the experience for those invited to attend in-person auditions.
The video audition phase will take place from September 28 to November 6, 2026, making this first step accessible from anywhere. All applications submitted within this period will receive an email response during the week of December 14, 2026.
To help you prepare for the mandatory video audition and submit your application, we invite you to:
check your eligibility for the Circus Arts program (DEC, AEC) or High School Circus-Studies program (CES);
consult the video participation guide and carefully follow its instructions;
note that your application must include the following items:
the completed registration form available via the link at the top of this page (allow approximately 45 to 70 minutes to complete);
the link to your video (YouTube or Vimeo);
a $50 non-refundable application processing fee.
Please note that once the form is submitted, you will no longer be able to return to it to make changes. Please double-check all your information before submitting.
BY INVITATION ONLY 
In the email response sent in December, candidates whose applications are shortlisted for the second and final stage of auditions will receive an invitation asking them to specify whether they choose to participate in person in Montreal or continue the process remotely. Certain documents will also be required to proceed, and everything must be submitted no later than January 4, 2027.
This final stage will consist of additional evaluations to select the students for our programs for the 2027–2028 academic year.
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.
| Programs | Dates | Lenght | Main content |
| Circus Arts (DEC et AEE) | February 9 to 12, 2027 | 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 |
| Circus and High School Studies (CES) | February 6 and 7, 2027 | 2 days | Day 1: circus, dance, acting, physical conditioning, flexibility, fun and group activities that foster expression and collaboration Day 2: academic subjects |
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.
This will include the submission of a supplementary video and an online interview with members of the selection committee.
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.
| Programs | Dates | Lenght | Main content |
| Circus Arts (DEC et AEE) | February 9 to 12, 2027 | 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 |
| Circus and High School Studies (CES) | February 6 and 7, 2027 | 2 days | Day 1: circus, dance, acting, physical conditioning, flexibility, fun and group activities that foster expression and collaboration Day 2: academic subjects |
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.
This will include the submission of a supplementary video and an online interview with members of the selection committee.
Afterward, a response will be sent to you by email in March; be sure to check your inbox and spam folder regularly;
Please note that admitted candidates may be asked to provide additional documents, fill out and sign others, and follow up as part of the registration process.
If you still have any doubts about the audition process or need additional information, we invite you to check out the FAQ section, which is packed with answers!
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 or the Circus and High School studies page.