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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 dont 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.
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"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
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