Career Development Centre

Employment possibilities in their chosen performing field is the first priority for artists who have graduated or completed training courses and are in the entry phase of their careers. They join the ranks of freelance artists looking for work both at home and abroad to gain experience.

A Career Development Centre similar to those in the United States to collect and distribute such information is urgently needed in Toronto to serve Canadians. The Director of the IRCPA has visited some of these American Centres and conferred and exchanged information and ideas with their Directors.

It is therefore proposed that space of approximatedly 2000 square feet be secured to house such a Centre where artists can do their own research, with assistance if necessary. Guidance can be received in developing professional materials, researching repertoire, advice in programming, publicity, negotiation of contracts, touring requirements, applications to competitions and auditions, approaching and negotiating with sponsors, managers and/or agents both domestic and international. Individual counselling is also to be available.

To support the Centre, a Retail Outlet, or Gallery Gift Shop is proposed for souvenirs and memorabilia of wonderful artists of past generations, especially Canadians. This would be the first such outlet in Toronto for fans and tourists, and a reminder of Canada's many major contributions to World Stages. For instance, a shop in Italy is selling Verdi's Favourite Mint Chocolates. The Retail Outlet or Gallery could include these as well as favourite items (Pavarotti's favourite scarf) or articles of Teresa Stratas, Louis Quilico, Jon Vickers, Clarice Carson, Maureen Forrester, to name a few.

This project is in keeping with the mandate of the IRCPA to serve young artists in their quest for excellence and employment nationally and internationally, and to make the public aware of the needs of the artists.

CAREERS
IN FOCUS
" Turning potential into Accomplishment"

The purpose of these sessions is to give artists short-term access to employers who are usually inaccessible, in a constructive environment for feedback.

Through the expertise of its esteemed collaborating advisors/employers, the Centre has identified the areas of need to artists, and has designed the CAREERS IN FOCUS program to address these needs. They need access to employers in a nurturing environment to find out where they are in their development, to identify their strengths and weaknesses, how they relate or don’t relate to the current needs of employers, and how to eventually reach their goals with long term planning. They must be encouraged to develop their skills, export their services, and retain their home base in Canada.

Encounters with Employers
Fall and Spring in Toronto

Young freelance artists need to know where and when auditions take place, which competitions are available to them. They need access to employers in a nurturing environment to find out where they are in their development, to identify their strengths and weaknesses, how they relate or don't relate to the current needs of employers, and how to eventually reach their goals with longer term planning.

"Encounters" are given in three two-day segments. The first two days deal with presentation, repertoire, preparation, and performance. the second two days are devoted to languages and text, and the third two days are instaging, role interpretation, and character analysis.

Employers have hired artists from these sessions. They are pleased to have time to work with and observe the artists instead of the usual three minute audition without time for feedback. Participants enjoy the collegial and encouraging atmosphere where they do not feel compromised.

Career Moves

Business in Performing Workshops
held each Fall and Spring in Toronto

Access to managers, publicists, critics and employers is vital for each performer to understand what is expected of them in the industry. How the industry in North America functions and why. How the industry in Europe functions differently. How to perform and develop the career in each system, and at the same time meet family commitments and responsibilities.

"Canadians need to be pushed, just as Russians and Italians need to be calmed down. The Resource Centre must be understood by sponsors and government. It is a profession that gives the country something....The way one can say that Italy has great singers...Canada could eventually say that too."
--Renata Scotto, Rome

"What a pleasure it was to come to Toronto to work with the young people in your Resource Centre...We all know what an enormous amount of preparation it takes to be able to compete in the singing market, and I am encouraged to see that young Canadians are willing to acquire the skills that will make their goals easier."
--Nico Castel, Tenor (retired)
Language coach, Metropolitan Opera

"Is it possible yet for a Canadian to manage an international career out of Toronto or Vancouver, or say, Brandon?
It is important to us because we have largely paid for their education and training and if they continue to leave, it's a cultural and financial investment down the drain'
-Globe and Mail

"Young artists are prepared to sing or play the notes, all right. But how to secure engagements, deal with managers, understand contracts, develop a platform persona - how, in short, to give their talent the right showcase - all this tends to be left to chance. As someone who has spent more than a quarter-century teaching in universities and conservatories, I can vouch for how little our educational institutions do to provide graduates with this kind of preparation."

- William Littler, Toronto Star