Thank you for your inquiry. We are so pleased to hear you are interested in applying to ESA.
At Etobicoke School of the Arts we offer specialized programs in Dance, Drama, Contemporary Arts (Visual Art), Film, Music (Instrumental, Band and Strings), and Music Theatre. If you would like more information on the courses that are offered throughout all of the Grades and majors, you can find it at ESA Courses and Programs.
The Application is now open!
Applications opened through the TDSB portal on Monday, November 24 and will close Friday December 12 at NOON. All audition materials (video or slides) must be submitted through the same portal by December 12.
We know that the application process can be stressful and confusing, especially with all the different Arts programs offered both here at ESA and across the TDSB. Here are some next steps, links to important documents, and answers to your most common questions.
1.Check here to make sure you are eligible based on Grade 7 marks and your home address:
- Specialized Programs Application and Admissions Information and look under “Secondary Mark Eligibility”
- You can also use the Eligibility Benchmark Calculator
2. If you have met the eligibility requirements, then your Grade 7 Arts and Language marks will count for 30% of your final audition/portfolio ‘score.‘
- For Visual Arts it is the average of your Visual Arts and Language marks.
- For Drama, Dance, Music, Music Theatre it is the combined average of your Drama, Dance and Music marks, averaged with your Language marks.
- For Film it is the average of your Drama and Language marks.
3. Your audition/portfolio submission will count for 70% of your final audition/portfolio mark.
Here is what you need to submit as a demonstration of your art:
- Auditions for Dance, Drama, Instrumental Music and Music Theatre
- you will submit a 2-minute (max) audition video, and
- 90 second video or audio recorded reflection
- Portfolios for Contemporary Arts and Film
- a Digital slideshow with up to 6 slides, and
- a 300 word written or 90 second video or audio recorded reflection
For detailed information on all of these requirements, please visit Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills
- For Dance, Drama, Instrumental Music and Music Theatre, click on “Secondary Audition Criteria”
- For Visual Arts and Film, click on “Secondary Portfolio Criteria”
4. Want to knowhow the audition or portfolio will be evaluated?
The TDSB has made public all of the rubrics that will be used in evaluating all of the auditions and portfolios.
- For the rubric detailing how your Contemporary Art (Visual Arts) submission will be evaluated, click here.
- For the rubric detailing how your Dance submission will be evaluated, click here.
- For the rubric detailing how your Drama submission will be evaluated, click here.
- For the rubric detailing how your Film submission will be evaluated, click here.
- For the rubric detailing how your Music submission will be evaluated, click here.
- For the rubric detailing how your Music Theatre submission will be evaluated, click here.
5. Ready to Apply? Here is the online application form:
Specialized Program Application Click on “Apply Now”
Remember – at ESA we offer 6 exciting Arts programs for you to consider:
- Contemporary Arts (found under “Visual Arts”)
- Dance (found under “Performing Arts”)
- Drama (found under “Performing Arts”)
- Film (found under “Other Specific Arts Areas”)
- Music (found under “Performing Arts”)
- Music Theatre (found under “Performing Arts”)
All applications due by Friday Dec 12 at noon.
NOTE: The application link will also take you to the Specialized Program Home Page. All of the information linked above is available by navigating from this page through the menus on the left side panel.
If you have questions that cannot be answered by the information and links above, please email us at etobicokeschoolofthearts@tdsb.on.ca
Finally, for specific questions or advice on how to prepare your audition, please consult with your current school.
We know this is a lot of information and that the application process can seem daunting – but please do not let this stop you. We are interested in receiving your submission from whatever point in your arts journey you are at. We are looking for interest in and curiosity about the Arts and would love to see if ESA might be the right place for you.
Central TDSB Information Session for Families
Video Recording – Click Here
Slide Deck – Click Here
Here are some more direct links to the TDSB Specialized Programs Application Pages:
- To understand how the waitlist works if you are unsuccessful in your audition/application, click here.
- To find a general FAQ about all Specialized programs, click here.
- To learn how to upload files such as written reflections or report cards, click here.
- To learn how to upload video audition material, click here.