A group of Performing Arts students in a theatrical production

Ontario College Certificate

Performing Arts – Preparation

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Trafalgar Road Campus

(Oakville)

This program is not currently accepting applications. However, Sheridan offers many other Visual and Performing Arts programs that you may be interested in.

Discover your place in the performing arts.

Program Overview

Practical experience

Gain first-hand experience in a wide range of disciplines, developing core skills that can help you advance to a more specialized performing arts school. This hands-on performing arts program offers an opportunity to:

  • Improve your auditioning, performing and technical production skills.
  • Learn to work collaboratively with other creative individuals.

The world of entertainment

Along with instruction in acting, singing and dancing, you'll also learn about technical production and design, the creation process, and the business aspects of the performing arts industry. An exploration of the many careers in the performing arts will help you determine which path is yours.

High standards of instruction

Performing Arts – Preparation employs high-calibre faculty with excellent standards of instruction, most of whom have extensive professional experience in the industry. Graduates are encouraged to apply for further study at Sheridan or other institutions to further develop their specific areas of interest.

Exciting opportunities

In the Performing Arts – Preparation program, you'll have the chance to:

  • Attend several professional theatrical productions throughout the year, which may include Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Musical Stage Company, Canadian Stage, Second City and more.
  • Receive talkbacks from performers after shows.
  • Engage in conversation with invited guest speakers who are prominent community members, including agents and directors.
  • Increase your knowledge of how the performing arts industry works in Canada and how auditions are run by various theatre companies.
  • Develop your own creativity!

Expand your skills

Through this program, you'll learn to display your talents, discover your strengths and clarify your educational and career goals.

While this program does not provide preferred entry into further education, it does provide the knowledge and skills that performing arts schools require for admission.

PPAPN

Courses

Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.

Courses subject to change.

Current students should refer to their ⁠Academic Requirements in myStudentCentre to track their academic progress and outstanding course requirements.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

or

Mature student status.

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program may be advised individually regarding other related programs.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.

Career Opportunities

Many Performing Arts – Preparation graduates continue on to diploma or degree programs such as musical theatre, acting, dance, film and television and more. Others discover a love for creation, design or production, and pursue training and education in those fields. While the program is intended to be a bridge to further education, there are also graduates who enter the performing arts industry directly.

    Learn from the comfort of home with our virtual option

    Sheridan’s Social Service Worker – Gerontology program is the first in the province to offer our diploma program entirely online.

    • This virtual, synchronous program will allow you to access the program from wherever you live. *
    • Our synchronous delivery will allow us to offer the same hands-on, supportive environment that Sheridan is known for while addressing some of the barriers to accessing an in-person program.
    • If you live in Ontario, practicum opportunities will be developed local to you, even if you reside outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
    • Predictable schedules for synchronous learning will allow you to manage work and personal life while in school.

    * Note: At this time, the virtual option is only open to domestic students.

    Advanced Entry Challenge Exams

    Get credit for what you know

    Sheridan recognizes and appreciates that advanced learning doesn’t always require standard classroom instruction, and that opportunities to advance skills and learn new technologies are everywhere.

    If you have significant knowledge and experience in programming, web development, database and/or networking, you may choose to complete Advanced Entry Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (AEPLAR) Challenge Exams for academic credit towards your Sheridan Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma.

    How do Challenge Exams work?

    AEPLAR Challenge Exams are administered by and through the Sheridan College Assessment Centre or through an approved Test Centre. There are fees to write each exam (an Assessment Centre fee and a Challenge Exam fee).

    Your completed Challenge Exam(s) will be evaluated to determine whether you’re eligible for credit in one or more courses within the identified program streams.

    Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Advanced Standing credits are subject to Sheridan’s policies and procedures. Learn more about Sheridan’s Credit Transfer policies and procedures.

    I have previous postsecondary education. Should I write a Challenge Exam?

    No. Challenge Exams are designed for applicants with knowledge and experience gained outside of formal education. If you have previous postsecondary education, we encourage you to apply for Advanced Standing instead — you may be eligible to apply your previously earned credits towards your new program at Sheridan.

    What subjects can I complete Challenge Exams for?

    Challenge Exams for applicants to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program are designed to test skills in specific knowledge streams within this program:

    • Programming – Introductory
    • Programming – .NET
    • Programming – Advanced Java
    • Networking
    • Web Development
    • Operating Systems
    • Databases
    • Software Design
    • Mobile App Development – Android
    • Mobile App Development – iOS
    • Game Development – UNITY
    • Wireless

    You can also choose to complete Challenge Exams for specific individual courses within the Computer Systems Technology program.

    Complete a free self-assessment test to help you determine whether Challenge Exams are a good option for you.

    How do I apply to complete a Challenge Exam?

    Step 1: Make sure you meet the program admission requirements

    You must meet the program admission requirements to be eligible for admission and PLAR.

    Step 2: Complete a free self-assessment

    Complete a free self-assessment test for each knowledge stream you wish to challenge. This will help you determine whether your current skills will enable you to succeed in the Challenge Exam(s).

    Step 3: Apply to Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma program

    Apply to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program.

    To be eligible to complete Challenge Exams for this program, you must select "Advanced Entry" as the level of the program on your application.

    Step 4: Follow the instructions to complete your Challenge Exam(s)

    Once Sheridan receives your application, we’ll send you an email with instructions on how to register and pay for your Challenge Exam(s). Follow those instructions.

    Once you’ve completed your Challenge Exam(s), subject matter experts in Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Science and Technology will evaluate them within 10 business days. The Faculty will forward your results to the Office of the Registrar, and any approved credit transfers will be posted in your Credit Transfer centre. Exam feedback will not be provided.

    Step 5: Accept your offer of admission and pay your program fees

    If you receive an offer of admission to Sheridan, please follow the instructions to confirm your offer and pay your fees by the due dates indicated in order to reserve your spot in the program.

    We wish you success in this process and look forward to seeing you at Sheridan!

    Program Fees

    Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.

    The fees shown here are for the 2024–2025 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic semesters of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent semesters are not reflected on this website.

    Fees For Canadian Students

    Fees for Canadian students

    $4,936.50
    Fees for International Students

    Fees for International students

    $19,740.50

    Financial Aid & Awards

    Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:

    International Entrance Scholarship

    International students beginning their full-time postsecondary studies at Sheridan may receive an entrance scholarship. A separate application is not required. Visit the International Entrance Scholarship page for details.

    Learning Outcomes

    The successful completion of the program will enable the graduate to:

    • Plan career and education pathways, based upon potential aptitude and interest, that are specific to the genres, processes and roles within the performing arts industry.
    • Exhibit fundamental performance and production skills reflective of an emerging level of personal process and methodology.
    • Reflect and critique performance skills of self and peers to inform future performance.
    • Curate and showcase audition material for a variety of performance and/or educational opportunities.
    • Interact in a professional manner appropriate to the performing arts industry.
    • Prepare and execute a live performance working collaboratively and creatively with others.

    Educational philosophy

    Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design curriculum and its delivery are designed to address current social issues pertinent to the design industry. This enables students to broaden their understanding of their place within the world.

    Fundamental to the vision of the program is the balance of creative and conceptual thinking with the technical and business aspects of the profession. Courses follow a logical sequence with the degree of difficulty building vertically from first year to fourth year.

    The various streams provide a range of design problems building in size and scope, from simple to complex in various design sectors. The curriculum builds on fundamental introductions that ensures a strong foundation for students to apply additional more complex learning and skills developed later in the program.

    Studio projects are designed to mimic professional practice and require applied theory, creativity and strong technical knowledge. Curriculum is also connected horizontally across each semester to help support the learning in courses happening simultaneously. This demonstrates the inter-connected knowledge and skills required to practice in the industry.

    The program provides many opportunities that expose students to practicing professionals and professional practice. Industry leaders and representatives from professional associations like ARIDO and IDC are invited into the classroom as jurors and guest speakers throughout the four years. The internship also provides professional design work experience for students before they enter their final year of study.

    The curriculum is student-centric and designed to equip students with the skills that are required for entry-level design positions and advanced study. Manual skills such as drafting, drawing and model making are developed alongside digital skills using current software. Students are also well-versed in the applicable building codes and regulations required to practice in Ontario. Students are exposed to valuable research skills and encouraged to continue their learning past graduation.

    Program goals

    Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design program aspires to:

    • Develop confident, creative and critical thinkers that can solve a variety of problems thoughtfully, improving the quality of the built environment and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.
    • Equip students with the tools to think independently and ethically to ensure technically, environmentally, and socially responsible decision-making.
    • Deliver current and relevant curriculum that incorporates equity, diversity and inclusion. This encourages students to create spaces that foster inclusivity and look at design from various perspectives within diverse communities, involving numerous stakeholders.
    • Inform students regarding the various facets of the profession, engaging them with designers and industry affiliates.
    • Encourage continuous professional and personal growth, instilling a desire to contribute to the profession and society at large. The program encourages students to become active participants in the design community, become members of their local Association, write their NCIDQ exams, give back to the community and become progressive leaders in the profession.
    • Prepare graduates for entry-level design positions, equipped with the required knowledge and skills for employment in the diverse design industry, ensuring they possess the body of knowledge necessary to respond to social and environmental issues, while designing interior spaces that are technically proficient, code-compliant, conceptually strong, sustainable and all-inclusive.
    • Provide enhanced opportunities for students to pursue post-graduate studies, employment, research and/or further their academic studies and/or credentials.

    Pathways from Athletic Therapy and Kinesiology

    If you've graduated from a health-science degree other than athletic therapy or kinesiology, your application will be assessed on an individual basis.

    Get your Osteopathy degree in less time

    If you're a graduate of Sheridan's Athletic Therapy or Kinesiology degree program, you may be eligible to start in the second year of this program after completing three bridging courses.

    This bridging program will be available in Spring/Summer 2024.

    How to apply: Submit an application using the program code PBHSB.

    Bridging courses (Spring/Summer Semester)

    • OSTP 17927D: The Science of Osteopathy (3 credits)
    • OSTP 14859: Theoretical Pathways to Osteopathy (5 credits)
    • OSTP 16333: Practical Pathways to Osteopathy (1 credit)

    Course exceptions

    After successfully completing the assigned bridging courses, you'll be admitted into Year 2 (Semester 3) of our Osteopathy degree. In order to earn your Osteopathy degree, you'll need to complete all courses in the remaining three years of the program, with the following exceptions.

    You will additionally take:

    • Year 2: OSTP 11271D: Clinical Methodology (3 credits)
    • Year 2: SCIE 22437D: Human Physiology for Allied Health (2 credits)
    • Year 3: SCIE 31116D: Pathophysiology for Allied Health (3 credits)

    You will not need to take:*

    • SCIE 26661D: Pathophysiology 1 (3 credits)
    • OSTP 24645D: Structure & Function 2 – Lower Cervicals, Thorax & Upper Extremity (3 credits)
    • OSTP 22482D: Applied Clinical Practice 2 (1 credit)
    • FLPL 21839D: Internship Prep (1 credit)
    • SCIE 39622D: Pathophysiology 2 – Systemic Interactions (3 credits)
    • RESE 37626D: Statistical Methods in Health Sciences (3 credits)
    • RESE 42279D: Applied Research Methods for Health Sciences (3 credits)
    • BUSM 44956D: Business Entrepreneurship for Clinical Practitioners (3 credits)
    • 6 Degree Breadth Electives (3 credits each)

    *Athletic Therapy graduates are also exempt from the following course:

    • OSTP 20782D: Clinical Experience 2 (0.5 credits)

    Program Mission

    Our mission is to utilize harmonious, comprehensive and specialized training to empower our learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to demonstrate the Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.

    Program Vision

    Our vision is to graduate highly-skilled life-long learners who uphold professional integrity and promote quality and safety in practice.

    Critical Performance Statement

    Upon graduation, students in Sheridan’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program will have demonstrated the ability to pursue the career of pharmacy technician and to practice safely in a community or hospital while adhering to the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.

    Writer-in-Residence program

    Each year, Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing (CW&P) program hosts a Writer-in-Residence. The 8-month residency is awarded to a writer who embodies the distinctiveness and dynamism of the & in our program name.

    In addition to working on at least one specific writing project of their own during their tenure, the Writer-in-Residence is responsible for creative leadership, mentoring and public outreach in the area of creative writing and/or publishing.

    How our Writer-in-Residence supports Sheridan students

    Students in our CW&P program benefit from the work and mentorship of our Writer-in-Residence, who:

    • shares their expertise and experience as a creative professional and working writer;
    • performs public readings from their recently published work and/or current work-in-progress;
    • organizes public lectures and/or workshops; and
    • works with faculty to augment existing curriculum in the area of creative writing, publishing and/or creativity.

    2024–25 Writer-in-Residence

    Cassidy McFadzean
    Photo credit: Tony Tulathimutte

    Fiction writer, editor and poet Cassidy McFadzean is joining Sheridan as the 2024–25 CW&P Writer-in-Residence.

    McFadzean was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she earned an MA from the University of Regina. She went on to earn an MFA in poetry from the University of Iowa, and an MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College, where she was co-Editor-in-Chief and Fiction Editor of The Brooklyn Review.

    McFadzean is the author of three books of poetry: Crying Dress (House of Anansi, 2024), Drolleries (McClelland & Stewart, 2019), and Hacker Packer (M&S, 2015). Her poetry has appeared in magazines across Canada and the U.S., has been anthologized in The Best Canadian Poetry, In Fine Form 2, and The New Wascana Anthology. Her fiction has appeared in Joyland, EVENT, Maisonneuve, and The Best Canadian Stories, and is forthcoming in Hazlitt, The Walrus, and Invisible Publishing's collaborative anthology Dead Writers.

    In welcoming her to the post, CW&P's Associate Dean Morgan Dennis highlights McFadzean’s expertise in both poetry and fiction, as well as her editorial work at The Brooklyn Review: “McFadzean is such a well-rounded talent, which is exactly what our students are looking for. Plus, her experience in the literary journal market will be of great value to our in-house magazine—The Ampersand Review of Writing & Publishing."

    Free professional development opportunities

    Are you a business lead who's looking to level up your company's culture of creativity and entrepreneurship?

    Sheridan offers FREE, one-hour PD sessions on topics such as:

    • Creative Strategies for an EDI-driven World
    • The Science of Creativity and Innovation
    • Intra- and Entrepreneurial Thinking, and
    • Creative Team Leadership

    These workshops will catalyze your climate of innovation and give your team an exclusive look into Sheridan's one-of-a-kind graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation.*

    Register your team for a FREE online one-hour masterclass!


    *Advance further with our Applied Creativity and Innovation graduate certificate

    Our new graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation is a great professional development (PD) opportunity for many company teams. The program teaches complex problem-solving, creativity, innovation and negotiation skills — competencies that make companies more resilient and adaptable as they face the unique challenges presented by the future of work.

    Why this program is a great choice for PD:

    • Flexible hours — your employees can complete their graduate certificate online, at their own pace.
    • Relevant coursework – they can choose electives that are most applicable to their position at your company.
    • Award-winning faculty – they’ll learn from instructors who are on the cutting-edge of creativity and innovation research.
    • Practicum project – they’ll work alongside our team of experts to resolve an issue that your business is facing today — whether it’s how to leverage artificial intelligence technology, advance your sustainability efforts, update your marketing strategies, address supply chain inefficiencies or another challenge.

    Apprenticeship Exemption Test

    The Apprenticeship Exemption Test (AET) provides a chance for students who are learning a skilled trade to bypass in-class studies.

    In most cases, you need to score 70% or higher to pass the AET. If you score lower than 70%, you'll need to wait three months before you can try again (with some exceptions for certain exams).

    Apprenticeship Exemption Tests are administered at the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga, through Sheridan's Assessment Centre.

    Learn more about the AET, including eligibility criteria, available tests and how to register.

    Sheridan is a Ministry-approved Apprenticeship Exemption Test centre, authorized through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development (MLITSD), for both apprentices and non-apprentices.

    Our 2025-26 Digital Viewbook is here!

    Learn about Sheridan’s campuses, programs, support services, alumni and more.

    Program availability

    Domestic
    International

    Ontario College Certificate

    Full-time 1 year Program code: PPAPN

    Ontario College Certificate
    Start date Campus Delivery Status
    Sep 2025 Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville)
    In Person
    Domestic Closed
    International Closed

    Get a feel for your future

    Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!

    Have a question? Contact us.

    We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

    905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga)
    905-459-7533 (Brampton)

    Contact Centre hours of operation:

    Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
    Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

    Contact Sheridan

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