DNA INFORMATION
DISTRICT OF NIAGARA ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS
Laura Secord Secondary School
349 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, ON L2M 4V9
Phone: 905 934-8501 Fax: 905 934-8502
laurasecord.dsbn.org
GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS...PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Please see the pages that follow for general information about this program. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Katryna Sacco, Arts Program Leader, by phone or email at katryna.sacco@dsbn.org
Current Grade 8 students must do the following:
Complete the Online Application/Audition Form
Our DNA Director will follow up with this request after reviewing your application.
Current secondary school students wishing to transfer to Laura Secord must do the following:
Complete the Online Application/Audition Form Request a Transfer Form from your current secondary school and submit this form to Laura Secord’s Guidance Department.
Our DNA Director will follow up with this request after reviewing your application.
PLEASE NOTE: TRANSPORTATION IS NOT PROVIDED FOR OUT-OF-BOUNDARY STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO THE DNA ARTS PROGRAM.
In accordance with Section 29(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, this is to advise you that the personal information collected here is done so under the authority of the Education Act R50 1980, c129 as amended, and will be used to develop an appropriate education/career plan. The personal information will be protected and retained as per the protection of privacy legislation and the retention schedule of the board.
DNA Arts Audition Requirements
The primary purpose of this audition is to provide us with the opportunity to assess whether the program is a good fit for you and to learn more about your abilities, strengths, commitment, and creativity.
Please review the requirements carefully before preparing your performance or portfolio.
All Performances/Portfolios will be presented in person on Wednesday, January 10, 2024
DANCE
Please perform a one-minute dance solo in the genre of your choice. Please bring your own music on a device equipped with Bluetooth or a USB stick only. At the start of your performance, please state:
Your first and last name
The genre of your solo
DRAMA & MUSICAL THEATRE
Please perform a 1-2-minute monologue from a published play. No costuming is required, but the monologue should be memorized. At the start of your performance, please state:
Your first and last name
The name of the character you are portraying
The name of the play the monologue is from
The playwright’s name
MUSIC (Vocal and Instrumental) and MUSICAL THEATRE
Please perform an instrumental or vocal solo of your choice. The cut/song should be 1.5-3 minutes in length. Please bring your accompaniment track on a USB stick only. Before you begin, please state:
Your first and last name
The name of the piece you are performing
The composer/songwriter’s name
Please Note: The music does NOT need to be memorized.
MUSICAL THEATRE
You will perform twice: one with the Drama monologue requirement and one with the Music solo requirement (see above).
VISUAL ARTS
Please prepare a PORTFOLIO of a minimum of five (5) different artworks and a personal sketchbook(s) for your interview. These items will be discussed, and you should be able to talk about your creation process for each unique piece. It is not necessary to have each of the following; however, we encourage you to bring works that show a wide range of subject matter, techniques, and mediums.
Suggested Subjects: Still life, Landscape, Portraits, Original Compositions
Suggested Mediums: Pencil, Pencil Crayon, Acrylic, Watercolour, Digital
Suggested Techniques: Contours, Value Building, Blending, Layering
DISTRICT OF NIAGARA ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS
What is the DNA Arts Program?
The District School Board of Niagara has incorporated into the regular program of study at Laura Secord Secondary School the District of Niagara Academy for the Arts (DNA Arts) program. It allows passionate and committed Arts students the opportunity to concentrate their studies in the Arts while also completing the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
To be eligible for the DNA Arts Certificate, students must complete a minimum of two (2) Arts credits per year and must complete a total of at least eight (8) Arts by the time they graduate (please refer to the Pathways Chart on the next page for more information in that regard).
In addition, students are expected to participate in related school groups, attend workshops, community activities, and other enrichment activities as required. These expectations are outlined in detail upon admission to the program. Please note that enrolment in the program is conditional and reviewed annually.
What programs are available?
DANCE
Dance majors receive instruction in contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, tap, and other stylistic techniques. Students learn to choreograph dance pieces and focus on the theory of dance.
DRAMA
Drama majors explore various forms of drama and techniques in grades 9 through 12. Creating and presenting dramatic works is a crucial component of studying this art form.
MUSIC
Music majors study the disciplines of band, strings, or vocal music. Specialty after-school class in music repertoire allows students to work either solo or in small ensembles to study various music styles.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Students wishing to major in this discipline take drama in grades 9 through 12. Specialty courses in grades 11 and 12 focus on dramatic production and musical theatre.
VISUAL ARTS
Students take a visual arts course in grades 9 through 12. Specialty courses are offered in grades 11 and 12, focusing on drawing and painting techniques or set design.
DISTRICT OF NIAGARA ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS
Program Pathways Chart
2024-25
DNA Arts Audition/Orientation Session
January 10, 2024
9:00 a.m.
Laura Secord Secondary School
This session's primary purpose is to allow us to meet with each of you individually and learn more about your artistic abilities, strengths, social skills, commitment, and creativity. It is also intended to allow you to become more familiar with our school, our staff, the other applicants, and the DNA Arts program.
Please bring a lunch with you.
Students will call parents/guardians when ready for pick up.
9:00 am Registration - Main Foyer
9:05 am General Orientation Session – James H. Smith Performing Arts Theatre
9:15 am Stream-Specific Sessions – Various Rooms
Dance
Drama & Music Theatre
Music (All Streams)
Visual Arts
12:15 pm Approximate Dismissal Time - Students will call when ready for pick up.
Please note that we do not allow spectators at our Audition/Orientation Day activities.
All applicants will receive a letter notifying you of the results of your audition.
