Starting in fall 2025, the National Circus School of Montreal (NCS) will modernize its audition process to provide a richer, more transparent, and more accessible experience for candidates from around the world.
This redesign reflects a clear intention to harmonize and standardize the college auditions by now centralizing all activities in Montreal. The introduction of a mandatory video pre-selection for all applicants to the college program replaces the decentralized auditions previously held in Paris, Toronto, and Vancouver. This new format allows the ÉNC to better manage applications from candidates with a real chance of being admitted, while also improving the experience of those invited to in-person auditions.
The video pre-selection phase, which will run from September 29 to November 10, 2025, will make this first step accessible from anywhere. Selected candidates will then be invited to Montreal in February 2026. In addition to their audition, they will enjoy an enhanced immersion in the School’s environment and in the city of Montreal.
If a pre-selected candidate is unable to travel to Montreal for the final selection, it will still be possible to complete the process remotely, by video. For the high school program, the process remains unchanged: applicants will not be required to go through a video pre-selection.
This unique experience will provide a concrete glimpse into artistic life and circus training at the ÉNC, supporting candidates through the demands of their audition while offering a welcoming environment. It will also allow the jury to gain a better understanding of each candidate’s background and to assess their potential and personality with a view to their integration into the program.
Strengthening International Positioning
At the same time, the School will intensify its presence at international festivals and within artistic development circles. This strategy aims to strengthen connections with global networks, create more opportunities for exchanges with future students and partners, and showcase Montreal’s circus expertise worldwide. Workshops, conferences, ÉNC presentations, and strong partnerships will enrich this presence and provide emerging artists with new opportunities to engage with the School.
Through this redesign, the National Circus School reaffirms its commitment to selecting the strongest candidates based on predefined criteria, while maximizing resources and ensuring a respectful and stimulating experience for all applicants. It is important to note that, despite the exceptional quality of applications received, some parameters beyond our control limit the number of available spots, whether due to discipline-specific allocations, quotas for international students, or government restrictions affecting non-French-speaking candidates.
For full details on the admission process, visit the Auditions page.
