Chilliwack School of Performing Arts

welcomes you!

What is CSOPA?

The Chilliwack School Of Performing Arts (CSOPA) is the only non profit youth theatre company in Chilliwack and was incorporated as a society in 2002. CSOPA's main focus is to provide youth, age 3-18, with theatre training, including voice, dance and acting.

Each year’s Main Stage Production runs 10 shows and reaches over 3000 people. Past productions have included Guys & Dolls, Beauty and The Beast, Once on This Island, Once Upon A Mattress and 2010's Willy Wonka!

Chilliwack School of Performing Arts

is proud to present

Seussical~The Musical

based on the works of Dr. Seuss

on stage at Chilliwack's new Art Center~January 2011

Auditions for the main stage production will be held August 21 & 22, 2010 and are open to current students of CSOPA & CAM. Current students wanting to audition MUST email the studio to be placed on the audition list.

Throughout the year, CSOPA is highly involved in a number of community events. The Chilliwack community will see CSOPA in parades, community holiday celebrations, school performances, “coffee houses”, other free performances. Students from CSOPA are available to perform a variety of venues. Tuition fees paid by students cover basic operating costs. The financial support of sponsors and grants ensures the youth in our community have the support materials and resources to pursue their creative talents and artistic skills.

Why Study Theatre?

Theatre Arts

Literature from the National Endowment for the Arts states that dramatic play and creative drama programs prepare our students for adulthood by:

developing creativity and imagination
building self-confidence and self-awareness
strengthening communication skills
encouraging a healthy release of emotion

Community Goals

CSOPA’s goals have been carefully constructed to fulfill an important purpose in our community.

to provide high quality programs for youth with an inclusive and reasonable fee structure
to support the development of performance artists
to provide a creative outlet for all youth
to promote confidence in youth, especially teenagers

What does non-profit charity mean?
CSOPA has charitable status. This also means that we rely of community support and volunteers to run the school. Charitable status allows us to access more creative ways of funding and gives members (parents) an active voice in the direction that the school should take. Our Annual General Meeting is held every spring.

What is the parent commitment to be involved?
We depend on and appreciate our parent volunteers throughout the year. We do ask that all parents volunteer time over the course of the year especially during productions. We provide all costumes but we need help to make them. We have all the set designs but we need help in painting and finding props for the shows. We have amazing fundraising situations that are so much fun to be a part of! During a performance run, there are also opportunities for parents to be involved "in-house" to assist with tickets, promotion, green room, our Opening Night Gala party and more! It's simply a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand the incredible moments your child is experiencing with CSOPA, as well having the chance to become a part of CSOPA with other families!

Board of Directors

CSOPA is a parent run organization. Our Board of Directors meets monthly and attends the Annual General Meeting. If you are interested in helping out as a board member please talk to one of the current directors.

The Studio

The building on 45898 Victoria Avenue is home for CSOPA. It is a space that our students build on imagination and energy! It is utilized by all programs and all ages and it always excites us, thinking about what incredible productions have been, and are going to be, launched from our studio! The studio consists of a main rehearsal room, green room, prop supply, kitchen and reception area.