This program trains students in all aspects of the arts including Foundations of Theory and Technique, Individual and Collaborative Creation and Performance, and Critical Analysis. Students major in two of eight disciplines: Dance, Drama (Performance and Production); Music (Band, Contemporary, Strings, Vocal); or Visual and Media Arts.
In addition to required credits, students have experiential learning opportunities such as career exploration, professional certification, discipline-specific training, opportunities beyond the classroom and seasonal collaborations on large-scale stage productions, small-scale studio productions and informal studio productions that invite broader school participation.
The program is located at Glendale Secondary School. Graduating students receive a Certificate of Recognition in the Arts and Additional Qualifications such as industry training, professional resume and headshot, and a professional portfolio.
Click here to read the Audition-Based Program of the Arts Program Overview.
Poster: HWDSB Programs of the Arts Poster
HWDSB Strings Brochure: HWDSB Strings Trifold
Information Session
Thursday, November 27, 2025
6 p.m. at Glendale Secondary School
145 Rainbow Drive, Hamilton, Ontario L8K4G1
2025-26 Application Timeline
This is the timeline to apply to HWDSB Programs of the Arts at Glendale (HWDSB Audition-Based Programs of the Arts and HWDSB Strings) for the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants can apply to major in up to two disciplines maximum.
PDF with full descriptions: 2025-26 Programs of the Arts Application Timeline
- Information Session: November 27, 2025
- Application posted online following information session
- Applications Due: December 19, 2025
- Performing Arts Auditions/Media and Visual Arts Portfolios sent to [email protected]: January 16, 2026 by 4 p.m.
- Auditions/Portfolio Review: Schedule to be sent out after application deadline
- Notification of Application Outcome: January 30, 2026
- Deadline to Accept or Decline Acceptance: February 6, 2026
- Completion of option sheets for 2025-26 school year: February 12, 2026 at Glendale Secondary School.
Apply
For 2025-26, please apply via this application form.
Audition/Portfolio Information
- Instrumental Audition Requirements
- Popular Music Audition Requirements
- Drama Audition Requirements
- Production Audition Digital Requirements
- Visual Arts Portfolio Requirements
- Media Arts Portfolio Requirements
- Vocal Audition Requirements
- Dance Audition Requirements
Contact for more information:
HWDSB Audition-Based Program of the Arts
145 Rainbow Drive, Hamilton ON, L8K 4G1
905-560-7343 [email protected]
Updated on Thursday, July 03, 2025.