Visual & Performing Arts

Many universities are now using broad-based admission practices in Canada, U.S. and abroad. This means that the breadth of a student’s overall program, including fine and performing arts, is considered and a variety of disciplines should be represented.

AP Art History is not a studio-based art course; it is a Social Studies course for students who like history, and enjoy writing and looking at broad issues around art, representation, culture and society. It is particularly useful for students who are interested in architecture or design because a large part of the course deals with the history of architecture.

Most students will take Art 12 but other visual art courses (e.g. Digital Art 12, Studio Arts 3D Art 12) are also potential paths to AP Art courses. Students should speak with their Art teacher to determine the best option.

Please contact Head of Department for Visual Arts, Chris Bateman (chris.bateman@smus.ca). 

Any one of these courses will help students prepare and give them the skills to be successful with a production. 

Musical theatre auditions are open to anyone, and those who successfully audition may sing with the chorus, dance, and/or act as a supporting character, or even a lead character on stage. 

The theatre courses are designed to cover stagecraft, acting technique, audition prep, and musical theatre as part of their curricular content. Students are most often better prepared for acting on stage when they take courses that support their knowledge and understanding of the stage; performing and singing as a lead character on stage requires a strong voice and an understanding of acting technique and stagecraft. Stage managing and directing require a knowledge of stagecraft. 

When you enroll in a theatre course we won't guarantee a particular role if you choose to audition for the musical theatre program. However, we know from experience that curricular programming will prepare you in ways to help you be successful. If you have questions, come and see us in the theatre department and ask.

Please contact Head of Department for Drama, Morgan McLeod (morgan.mcleod@smus.ca). 

Possibly, if their timetable allows, and at the discretion of the teachers involved. Students should sign up for their top choice. 

All the SMUS equipment and music spaces are available to all students to use when they are not in use by the teachers. There is jam space in the strings room, band room & choir room, and mics can be set up set up for those wishing to use them. Students are invited to use the grand pianos in the classrooms whenever they are available.

At senior school we do not offer beginner instrumental courses. If you don’t play an instrument, choir is your option. 

In some cases, pianists can be accommodated in the percussion section of the band program. This will be decided on a case by case basis, depending on the existing instrumentation of the class. Unfortunately guitarists cannot be accommodated, unless they read bass clef and can play the bass guitar. 

As an orchestral Strings program, instruments are limited to violin, viola, cello and bass only. 

We have a number of excellent teachers that come to our campus, specifically to teach our boarding students who wish to have lessons. If they have room in their schedules, they are happy to teach day students as well. Please ask a music teacher if you would like help to set up music lessons.

Please contact Head of Department for Music, Ian Farish, ian.farish@smus.ca