The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is dedicated to providing professional, creative and accessible programming to all individuals regardless of their age, gender and cultural and economic backgrounds. The COC seeks to minimize barriers, such as program fees, to participation in COC community programming.

There are a limited amount of bursary funds available to individuals who demonstrate a strong desire and commitment to engage in COC programs but for whom cost prohibits their participation.

Application Criteria and Requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate financial need and interest in participating in a COC Community Program
• Applicants may apply for a bursary for more than one program per season
• The amount awarded to individuals is based on the number of applications received and the financial need of the applicants
• The COC cannot guarantee that full or partial bursaries will be awarded to all applicants

Application

The application period for bursaries is now open. Please click here to download our Bursary Application form. The deadline for all bursary applications is May 17, 2024, however bursaries are awarded on an ongoing basis until this date, so it is best to apply as early as possible.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY CHILD’S REGISTRATION? IS THERE A REFUND?

We realize that plans may change, and have developed a fair refund policy to provide you some flexibility.

• If you cancel your child’s registration on or before April 26, 2024, you are entitled to a full refund.
• Any registrations cancelled between April 26, 2024 and June 28, 2024 will be partially refunded (less a 25% administration fee).
• No refunds will be given after the program registration deadline date of June 28, 2024.
• Last-minute withdrawals supported by a medical note must be made by one business day prior to the program start date for a refund less than a 25% administrative fee.
• No refunds, partial or full, will be accorded to participants who decide to withdraw after the start of the program.

WHERE DOES CAMP TAKE PLACE?

Camp takes place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, which is located at 145 Queen Street West. The program room entrance is east of the Box Office located on the South East corner of Queen Street West and University Avenue.

For more information on how to get to the Four Seasons Centre, visit the map and directions page.

WHEN CAN I DROP MY CHILD OFF AND PICK MY CHILD UP?

On Mondays, campers can be dropped off beginning at 8:30 a.m. For the remainder of the week, campers can be dropped off beginning at 8:45 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m.

Extended care allows Little and Junior Company campers to be picked up later (additional fee of $40/week). Extended care is supervised by staff and lightly programmed. Campers registered for extended care must be picked up by 5 p.m.

There is no extended care for Intermediate and Senior Company campers.

IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?

The Canadian Opera Company is dedicated to providing professional, creative and accessible opera programs to all individuals regardless of their age, gender, and cultural and economic backgrounds. The COC seeks to minimize barriers, such as program fees, to participation in COC community programming.

Each year, we award a number of bursaries for Summer Music Camp on the basis of financial need. There is a limited amount of bursary funds available to individuals who demonstrate a strong desire and commitment to engage in COC programs but for whom cost prohibits their participation.

Bursary applications for summer 2024 can be found here. The deadline for all bursary applications will be May 17, 2024, however bursaries will be awarded on an ongoing basis, so it is best to apply as early as possible.

CAN APPLICANTS PARTICIPATE IN A CAMP FOR WHICH THEY FALL OUTSIDE THE AGE/GRADE LEVEL INDICATED?

All camps are specifically designed to provide the best possible experience for the age groups indicated. No exceptions will be made for applicants who are not available for their age group’s camp. This applies to all ages.

IS LUNCH INCLUDED?

No. Lunch is not provided. Please send your child to camp with a nut-free lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Though the COC cannot guarantee a nut-free environment, we request that participants refrain from bringing food items that contain nut ingredients (eg. peanut butter sandwiches, peanut oil, etc.) to the program.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR TO CAMP?

Clothing must be appropriate for active fun! Campers will be involved in drama and movement sessions which require them to have a wide range of movement. Campers will also participate in arts and craft activities. Spills are inevitable and may not wash out completely. Clothing should be chosen accordingly. Please refrain from sending your child to camp in sandals for safety reasons.

MY CHILD HAS AN ALLERGY. WHO SHOULD I INFORM?

A link to a mandatory online health and medical safety form will be sent to the email provided in your registration.

WHO TEACHES AT CAMP?

Camp is led by an artistic team including a composer, a drama and voice specialist, a designer, and one or more assistants and volunteers. Stay tuned for biographies of the artistic team.


WHAT WILL MY CHILD DO IN CAMP?

Your child will explore composing, singing,  storytelling, creative writing, acting, movement, and the visual arts, while having fun and meeting new friends with similar interests.

Working with an existing story as a starting point, participants will write and compose their own opera with help from professional Teaching Artists.

Next they’ll choose a role and begin staging and rehearsing their opera, as well as designing and creating costumes, props, and/or a set for their opera. Campers will present a showcase of their creation to family and friends on the last day of camp. Activities are always adjusted according to the abilities and interests of the age group.

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT CAMPS

“The staff were phenomenal, professional and responsive. Well done!!”
—Summer Opera Camps 2022 Parent

“[Camper] enjoyed the creative process of all the elements that go into putting on a production, including the design aspects. [They] have more experience on the performance side, which is [their] favourite part, but [they] liked getting [the] opportunity to do set design, work on the libretto etc.”
—Summer Opera Camps 2022 Parent

“Excellent job by all performers and creative staff. Very organized and well thought out. Thank you for making this possible on the zoom platform during covid. My kids were signed up for the summer of 2020 in person camp at COC and were disappointed when it was canceled. This summer we were very glad our daughter had an opportunity to participate online. Thank you to all the staff!”
––Virtual Summer Opera Camps 2020 Parent

“My son loves this camp – he asks to go every summer”
––Summer Opera Camps Parent 2019

“It was very well organized, and taught participants various skills and tips of acting, singing, and production. The instructors were fantastic!"
––Summer Opera Camps Parent 2019


WHAT KIDS ARE SAYING ABOUT CAMPS

“The best part was the rehearsing of songs and games. I'll remember all the arts and crafts, tips and life advice.”
—Summer Opera Camps 2022 Camper

“I loved it all so much. The volunteers, artists and staff really made it joyful and engaging."
––Summer Opera Camps Participant 2019

“I love acting and singing and it definitely helped my confidence”
––Summer Opera Camps Participant 2019